University fees; the bane of a student’s life both during and after university, and a financial burden many have to live with long after they graduate. And that’s before considering all the other costs one is likely to incur. That degree? It’s sure gonna cost you. Increasingly, young people are turning to part time work to cope with the pressure that studying can exact on their wallet.
It’s imperative when contemplating employment during your university years to strike the right balance; you want to make the most of the opportunity to get a decent degree, have a fulfilling and active social life and transition into ‘real’ life not crippled by debt. That is the dream. Making it a reality, though, is far from easy.
Well, if you’re thinking of funding your studies and cost of living though part-time work, we’re here to help. With the help of students from Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, here are 5 IDEAL tips on how to balance work and university.
STUDY YOUR SCHEDULE FIRST
Once you’ve received your study schedule for the semester or even year, familiarise yourself with it, inside and out. Bear in mind that some universities don’t allow part-time work as a matter of principle and encouragement to focus on your degree. Remember, you’re at university to earn qualifications which will help you in later life, and as such, study should always be the priority. Don’t take on an excess of hours at work which will interfere with your uni schedule. Prioritise and put your degree first.
FIND A JOB WITH FLEXIBLE HOURS
A job with flexibility, which you’re not committed to religiously, is the ideal. Casual bar or restaurant work allows you, to an extent, to choose your hours, and in that respect is great. Better still, is work you can do from the comfort of your home, behind your computer.
Anything you can dip in and out of according to how much uni work you have on and your financial needs at the time is perfect. There are more than likely research opportunities at local colleges and universities going too, which involve taking part in a survey or discussion group for a one-off payment. It may not be much, but every little helps right? Or consider starting up one of these side hustles which will allow you to set your own schedule and get paid when you want.
SACRIFICE YOUR SUMMER
At first, this suggestion may fill you with fear. But bear with us. Knuckling down to full time employment over the long summer months can free up time and money during your semesters to help you make the most of the uni experience.
While many dream of long holidays in the sun during their breaks, the reality is that you’ll spend most of it on your parent’s sofa, playing playstation and eating their cheese. So, make the choice to sacrifice your summer to work; gaining invaluable work experience – as well as money – in the process.
EAT HEALTHILY, SLEEP WELL AND EXERCISE
We get it. The stress of juggling study and a part time job is intense. Any precious free time you might be bestowed with will understandably go on socialising. But, it’s really important to keep healthy so you can work, study and have fun, all to the best of your ability!
Your diet is the first place to start; remember to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and resist the 3am kebabs with all your might. Next, gym memberships are usually cheap (or better, free) for students, so make the most of that gift by signing up and keeping fit. Your body will thank you for it.
Get a decent night’s sleep with as much frequency as you can, too. Finally – and we hate to sound like your parents – we need to talk about booze. Of course, it wouldn’t be university without the occasional letting down of your hair, but try to not binge to excess with regularity. Your liver will thank you for it.
DON’T NEGLECT YOUR SOCIAL LIFE
University is about many things, and one of them is making lifelong friendships and realising who you are as a person. So, don’t neglect your social life; keep active, healthy and in touch. Remember your friends and family as they will be a big help in relieving stress, so don’t be a stranger.