Working a job alongside your studies is a great way to support yourself financially, but it can also go horribly wrong if not managed properly. As many as 1 in 5 students work two jobs in addition to studying. Many undergraduate students will take on part-time jobs whereas many post-graduates work full-time alongside their studies. But what works for someone else could be completely different for you.
Let’s explore some tips to help you balance work and study.
- Find a job with flexible shift patterns
- Be realistic
- Pick the right kind of job
- Know your deadlines
- Create a structured study plan
- Find time for you
How to work and study at the same time
Find a job with flexible shift patterns
Finding a job that can offer some degree of flexibility may be key to succeeding in your studies. There may be busier periods where you need to work fewer hours, or perhaps you need to swap your shifts around so you can spend some extra time studying during exam season. Having an employer that supports your needs as a student will be a huge help!
Be realistic
It’s important to be realistic about how much work you can handle. If your contact hours are high at university, chances are you won’t be able to hold down a full-time job. Equally, you might not have the time to travel long distances to get to work, and it may be better to search for online jobs for students instead!
Pick the right kind of job
Whilst you’re studying, it’s best if you manage to find a job that won’t be too taxing on your time and energy since your studies are your priority. The best jobs for students are those that are low stress and where the employer is used to hiring students.
Know your deadlines
Knowing your deadlines and exam dates is an essential part of managing a job while you study. This ensures there are no surprises and you can ask your employer for extra time off (if necessary) well in advance.
Create a structured study plan
Creating a study plan is vital. Without a study plan, it’s easy to lose track of your free time in between working and lectures. You need to block out specific periods of time that you will dedicate to study so you know exactly when you need to achieve certain milestones. For example, if you have an essay due in January, you should plan when you will complete the research phase, the first draft, and the final draft.
Find time for you
One of the most essential parts of balancing work and studies is to remember to make time for yourself! It can be tempting to keep moving at full steam, but finding time to disconnect will help you be more productive. You don’t want to experience burnout, so remember to stay balanced!
Best student jobs
- Call centre
- Food delivery
- Waiter/waitress
- Customer service
- Supermarkets
- Tutor
- Bar work
Find student jobs with us
As you can see, it’s totally possible to hold down a job whilst you study. You just need to make sure your work doesn’t detract from your studies and that you manage your time properly. Here at SonicJobs, we have thousands of student jobs across the UK on our app. Check in daily to find the right role for you!