How to Balance Jobs with Study

​Our guest blogger, Rosie Buckley, discusses juggling your time with study, fun and working.

Lots of students will be worrying about the continued increase in the cost of living and the thought of getting a part-time job while studying can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you stay organised, plan ahead, and prioritise your studies, you’ll be on the right track.
Let’s explore...

​Benefits of Having a Part-Time Job While Studying
Being able to work while studying can carry more benefits than you might realise:
● Financial benefits: This is the most obvious benefit, of course. Some students find that their student maintenance loan barely covers their living expenses so having a part-time job will reduce financial stress and make budgeting and paying your bills a lot easier. By working part-time, you can gain practical experience in managing your money, a skill that will serve you well beyond your studies.
● Experience: Retail and hospitality jobs are popular among students, and can teach you skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving. Some students get a part-time job related to the field they want to go into, which can also look good on a CV.
● Personal growth: Learning new skills is not only desirable to employers, but also something you can use from day to day in your personal life. At the same time, earning your own money can help you build confidence and foster independence.

Don’t Take On Too Many Hours
When searching for a job, look for a contract with low hours, like 8, 10, or 12. Write down what you’ve got on each week, like lectures and time for studying, and fit work hours around this.

Many jobs in retail and hospitality offer the chance to work more hours during holidays when you don’t have lectures. Let your employer know that you’re a student, and be upfront and honest if you feel like you’ve been given too many hours to work.

Reassess every few weeks how much time you’ve got to do university work, see friends, and practice self-care. If it’s too difficult to fit everything into your schedule, it might be worth having a conversation with your employer.

Use a Calendar
Stress is the last thing you want when you’ve got lots of assignments to think about. Creating a schedule can help you fit everything in and stay organised. You don’t have to do this a whole year in advance, but planning ahead by a month or two can make a difference.

Assignment Due Dates and Exam Days
Noting these key dates ensures you’re prepared for them and aren’t taken off guard when they come around.

Study Time
Block out on your calendar when you’re going to study and for which assignments/exams, in line with due dates. Break this down further by noting what you’re going to do in each study session. This could be revising a specific topic or writing a particular part of your essay, like the introduction. This makes sure you have enough study time so you can complete assignments by their due dates and ace exams.

Social and Personal Life
Studying shouldn’t mean completely sacrificing time with friends and yourself. Keep time free on your calendar for either personal or social time. Personal time can be used for self-care, such as reading, exercising, and meditating. Don’t forget to do your favourite hobbies too!

Tips for Students From Someone Who Was Once a Student

1. Don’t skip lectures to attend work shifts. While it might seem tempting to skip your lectures, doing so can make you feel less motivated. Going to lectures means you can ask questions, make important notes that you can use later, and see friends.
2. Rather than leaving your assignments to the last minute, give yourself time and start early. This way, you can study in smaller and more manageable blocks rather than trying to fit everything in at once. This means you can stay on top of both your studies and work commitments without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Work out what time of the day you study best. Some people prefer studying in the morning, others in the afternoon or evening. If possible, arrange your work shifts around this time so you can use it for studying.
4. Get enough sleep. Feeling tired and exhausted can make it harder to stay motivated, focus on tasks, and take care of your mental well-being. A lack of sleep can impact all aspects of your life. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Having a bedtime routine can also help you wind down for the evening.

Author

By Jan's guest blogger - Rosie Buckley Website: Contentncoffee.com Insta: @rosiewithapen

Image: https://unsplash.com/@esteejanssens