For students balancing their degree and a job whilst socialising, life is far from the carefree description that is often attributed to those at university. Although working part-time while studying is a practical way to ease the economic limitations of student life, it can be difficult for students to ensure that they use their full potential in both their academic and paid work, whilst having a social life too. This is backed up by the 2010 Sodexo University Lifestyle Survey, which provided figures showing that three-quarters of students who work during term time are concerned about balancing their competing academic and social commitments. If you are one of these three-quarters of working students, it is important that you remember the following things, to help ensure you get the balance right:
Firstly, it's important to remember that all students can obtain funding from grants, bursaries and student loans, however when seeking a loan, one should always check out the charges and facilities of different options before committing to it.
Secondly, be ruthless about organising your time. Use a diary to constantly remind yourself about essay deadlines, dates you are working and social events like parties. A diary will help bring your attention to any crossovers or potential problems, for example an essay deadline being the day after a long shift at work. Deal with any forthcoming issues immediately.
Thirdly, try to have a structured work pattern, and don't ever agree to work at a time when you have lectures, tutorials or seminars scheduled.It is inevitable that there will be times when your studies will need to take precedence, for example during revision periods before an exam, therefore make sure to give your employer as much notice as possible, and perhaps try to make up the work at another point in time.
Fourthly, there are thousands of students in the same position, so remember that you are not alone in trying to find the correct balance between work, socialising and managing your degree. University staff appreciate that money can be an issue to many students, and recognise that they will often need to work. Speaking to your personal tutor, or representatives at your student union about any money worries you have can only help.
Overall, having a part time student job can provide a student with huge experience and skills and can look favourably to recruiters, however one must always remember to find a balance between working, studying and socialising. Sacrificing studying and socialising for a part-time job could lead to a student jeopardising their degree and not living their once-in-a-lifetime university experience to the full. If having a job simply becomes too much to handle, one must remember the four points above and perhaps consider having a summer job instead of a term-time one. Kate, GRB Journalist
