The cost of meeting essential living costs, leisure activities and funding books and study materials while at university means that students, especially those in their final year are finding part time student work to help manage their expenses.
Research conducted by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) revealed that students in their third year were much more likely to find a job than those in their first year. The Futuretrack study is following 50,000 university students from completing their UCAS application to getting their first job and the latest figures show that that nearly eight in 10 final-year students (78.2%) work, with 42.8% of these working during holidays and term time.
In comparison, just over two-thirds (67.8%) worked during their first year of university.
Meeting essential living costs was the most common reason for choosing to work during term time of their final year - chosen by 84% of those questioned. Around eight in 10 (79%) claimed that they worked to meet the cost of leisure activities. 66% needed to meet the cost of books and study materials and almost two-thirds (62%) of final year students said they were working to avoid debt.
One of the students in the study explained about the financial difficulties they had experienced during their time at university before they found a student job: "A student loan only goes so far. Once rent and bills have been paid for, I found myself with little money left to actually live on. Having not come from a wealthy family where the parents pay for everything (as is the case with my housemates), I'm proud of the fact that I earn a wage and live independently."
More and more students are exploring part time job opportunities while they're studying at university. It can be a good way to help fund the rising costs of education but can also help make you more employable. Competition for the best graduate schemes and vacancies has never been fiercer so if you can gain relevant work experience and build transferable skills in your part-time work you will find the graduate job hunting much easier.
Here at GRB, we've got some of the best part time jobs, and summer work for students still at college or university. We cover all of the UK with job vacancies in all the major university towns and cities. Click here to view our student jobs.
