Should students work part-time while studying?

Being a university student is expensive, and being an international student is even more costly. With the rising cost of living worldwide, finding part-time work while studying at university may seem like the only option. You may need to work to cover daily expenses, pay tuition and other academic fees, or have some extra spending money.

Whatever your reasons, deciding to work part-time while pursuing your degree can benefit you in many ways, not just by providing extra money. However, there are also some disadvantages you should be aware of before sending off your CV.

Advantages of working part-time while at university

Here are the reasons why having a part-time job at university will benefit you both in the short and long term:

You will have an income

The extra money you will have is probably the most obvious advantage of working part-time while studying. As the cost of living crisis makes it extra challenging for students to manage their finances, having a part-time job can provide you with a financial safety net.

Part-time work can help you gain the financial flexibility to travel, treat yourself or save for future goals. While maintaining good grades is crucial, you wouldn't want to pass up the opportunity to explore the new country you've moved to. The income from your part-time job will fund your adventures in your host country.

You can enhance your CV

Working part-time while at university allows you to gain valuable work experience that can help you stand out to future employers. You will develop appealing transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities, making you an attractive candidate.

Having a part-time job relevant to your field of study is also an excellent way to combine your academic knowledge with practical experience, which can make you an even more desirable candidate.

You will make new friends

Are you starting university in a new location? Taking on a part-time job offers a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. It allows you to form new friendships, learn about diverse cultures and create a network that reaches beyond the campus.

An opportunity to network

On top of expanding your social circle, working part-time can potentially link you with professionals who can provide helpful advice and support. By building a professional network, you can expose yourself to internships, mentorships and future job opportunities.

You will become more confident

Working part-time while studying requires effective time management and organisational skills. To juggle work and study, you must know how to prioritise your responsibilities and allocate your time. You will undoubtedly gain a strong sense of achievement when you successfully balance your work and academic lives.

Your part-time job will also naturally come with its challenges, and being able to navigate them will also make you feel accomplished.

Disadvantages of part-time jobs for students

Before deciding that part-time work is definitely for you, you need to take into account its potential drawbacks. Here are the main areas for you to think about:

Your stress level may increase

Committing to part-time work can make your life more stressful. It can be overwhelming to juggle work shifts, coursework and exams.

However, you can reduce your stress levels by practising effective time management. For example, creating a detailed schedule or prioritisation list can help you effectively manage the challenges of working while studying.

You may have less time for your social life

Many part-time jobs require unsociable working hours, which can affect your university life. You won't have as much time to participate in the various extracurricular activities on campus or create meaningful connections.

As you master the balance of work, studies, sleep, errands and friendships, you must be ready to sacrifice or learn to compromise. At the same time, you must also learn how to set boundaries and know when to say no.

What are the best part-time jobs for university students?

Ideally, you should find a job that works around your lectures and study time. Since most of your classes and exams are during the day, you should look for work that can be scheduled around your primary focus, which is your coursework and future career.

Here are a few part-time job types that best fit into your life as a university student:

Shift work

Jobs in industries such as retail or hospitality allow you to work flexible hours, making it possible to fit work around your class schedule. While this type of work is flexible, it may also involve irregular, unpredictable hours.

On-campus work

Don't forget to explore job opportunities provided by your university, such as becoming a student ambassador. Working on campus allows you to form stronger connections with your institution and peers, enabling you to fully engage in university life.

Freelance work

If you want to work independently and maximise your earnings, freelance work might be your ideal option. However, it requires a high level of self-discipline and the ability to secure your own clients.

Alternative work

Digitalisation has created many alternative sources of income that students can take advantage of. For instance, you can sell items on e-commerce platforms like eBay and Vinted or participate in affiliate and social media marketing.

Visa requirements for international students

Before seeking part-time work, it is crucial to consider the student visa requirements. Different destinations have varying rules for international students regarding the number of hours they can work. It is essential to adhere to the conditions of your student visa diligently.

Here’s a quick overview:

Top tips for working part-time while studying

Juggling work and study is undeniably challenging, but it is more than achievable if you have the right strategies and mindset. Read on for our top tips on how to make the most of this experience.

Get a planner

Get a physical or digital planner to help you organise your weekly schedule, including lectures, study sessions, work commitments and social activities.

Visualising your week will help you spot open time slots for effective study sessions and relaxation. Once you have created your schedule, try sticking to it as closely as possible to stay organised.

Prioritise your academic life

Despite the many benefits of working part-time, your studies should always be your priority. Your part-time job shouldn't impact your grades. When organising your weekly schedule, we recommend allocating specific periods for concentrated studying to ensure steady academic progress.

Communicate with your employer

Let your manager at work know your university schedule and help them understand your availability. Communicate with your manager if you struggle to manage your work and academic responsibilities. Find out if they can introduce flexibility into your work schedule to support you. 

Look after your health

It's easy to get caught up and forget to look after yourself when you have a busy schedule. However, it is important to be physically and mentally healthy to keep up with a hectic lifestyle. Make sure to maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly to stay healthy.

Check out the video below for more good tips and advice on how to balance your studies with working part-time.