Having a part-time job whilst at University can be a great way to boost your income and gain practical employment experience; however, balancing this with your studies can be tricky.
In this blog, we share some of our top tips for juggling work and a degree, from being mindful of your working hours to staying organised.
Working a job that is flexible
Having a job that is flexible is good because you can adjust your hours depending on your needs.
Some weeks you may be busier at university, and some weeks may be quieter, so it’s essential to work with an employer who understands this and is willing to alter your schedule accordingly.
It’s also a good idea to reduce your working hours during the assessment/exam period, so your studies can be your sole focus.
Working less than 15-20 hours a week
It can be tempting to want to work more to earn more, but ultimately, this can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Remember, your health and well-being are a priority, so having that extra time to yourself is important.
Working over the holidays
One of the many positives to university life is that the holiday breaks are long, especially over the summer period. This means you can work while you’re not at university and save up money to keep you going during term time.
Make sure you’re organised
University assignments, a job and your social life can be tricky to balance. Keeping organised can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and know what you’re doing each day. A weekly planner is a good tool to write the days you have lectures and when you’re working.
If you’re ever struggling with money, or would like some advice, at the University of Chichester, we have an outstanding Student Money team who can help with issues such as budgeting, money management, any problems with your Student Finance funding and much more.
They can be contacted via studentmoney@chi.ac.uk
Careers & Employability Service
We also offer an invaluable (and FREE!)Careers and Employability Service. Whether you want CV advice, careers support, or anything employment-related, the careers team are on hand to advise and support you.
Careers FairsThe University also hosts careers fairs on both campuses, which is a great way to explore the employability opportunities in the local Chichester and Bognor Regis areas.