Working During University: Expectations vs Realities

Health & Wellbeing

Nov 1

The summer preceding my start at university was one of 70-hour or 80-hour weeks, with irregular diets, and sleep deprivation. As counterintuitive as it may sound- I really enjoyed it. The comradery of kitchen life made me feel that I was part of something bigger, not to mention that I was making a not-negligible amount of money with no time to spend it (… was this saving?). Until, suddenly, I was swept into my first year. Given the success I had had in employment and the unfortunate necessity of paying rent, I got a job. I quickly realised that I was ‘not in Kansas anymore’, overworking now had consequences, I had other places to be, lectures to attend, and a life to live. Something had to change, and unfortunately, it wasn’t whether I’d be working. I needed to strike a balance, between work, studying and enjoying my time at university (time which experience has proven irretrievable).

What Does Working as a Student Look Like?

For some of us, having a job alongside university studies is not an option, but a necessity. Reportedly 13% of students work full time during term time, during the holidays, or both.[1] It may not always be pleasant, you may end up missing social events and going out surrounded by a motley crew. You may be fortunate and find your dream part-time job. Irrespective, the lion’s share of students will work because they have to. Once this is understood, it should be appreciated that working can add immense value to you as a person and a prospective employee in your chosen field. But without due care, you could find yourself burning out, your mental health suffering, and without a support network. Don’t worry, this blog isn’t meant to scare you and put you off work, it’s just about being mindful of a potential reality, the fact that you’re reading this is a good sign that you’ll do it right!

Pitfalls to Avoid

As pessimistic as it may sound, when working, not everyone has your best interests at heart. It is important to be able to recognise when things may be detrimental to you. Time is usually the leading issue, or the lack thereof. Being overworked is not only detrimental to how you feel, but also to your studies. Covering shifts is not uncommon, and you may choose to (I did frequently when I had the time), but it can be a slippery slope. It is important to be able to say “no”; your employer won’t be offended, and if they are, this may be indicative of a larger issue. In the same way the business puts itself first, it is important that you, too, put yourself at the forefront of your priorities. If you do have issues with employers overstepping, you are not alone, there are resources that can help you, such as Citizens Advice, and many more[2].

The only constant in the job market is the ebb and flow. It is currently an employee’s market, therefore, freedom may exist if you do not feel you are being paid your worth (within reason). Of course, this varies from place to place. It’s common to feel loyalty to where you work, but over time this may change once you organise your motivations and realise that you are working for a reason (to support yourself). This is not to say you won’t work hard but you can do so with an appreciation for reality. You’ll also be quicker to spot if anything is not quite right.

Time Management

My biggest shock came from having to manage my own time. As remedial as this may sound when you are literally selling your time, it is a given that you’ll have less of it. Unlike working at college and school, my schedule was flexible with fewer rigid obligations. Similarly, the freedom you are afforded means you are only accountable to yourself, a forgiving accomplice. As a result, I found myself falling behind in other areas of my life. On the one hand, I felt I couldn’t express why I was behind because it meant admitting that I needed the money - I found the Uni to perceive students working as a “choice”. On the other hand, it meant talking to my employer about the situation, which wouldn’t earn me much favour. This impasse that I found myself in is not uncommon; students working 16 hours or more a week only have a 60% chance of getting a 2:1 or higher, compared to those not working.[3]

Building a structured approach may not be easy, it may not come naturally to you, and that’s okay. There are tried and tested ways to become more structured, such as the ‘To do’ list, cultivating small and easy-to-achieve tasks, and creating gratification and momentum. You can also build healthy habits through repetition, set out your intentions for the day, and be mindful of what you’re doing. I found the most effective way to manage time was to treat my studies as a 9-5 full-time job, creating a constant routine irrespective of how sporadic my shift pattern may have been. This allowed me to allot the time needed for my studies whilst still leaving space for necessary flexibility.

Skills and Benefits

If done right, working during university studies can be a valuable asset; it may afford you skills and competencies that can be presented on applications and in interviews. In the legal sphere, work experience is an invaluable asset. This is helpful when internships or free work experience are not possible, whether that be because you cannot afford to undertake unpaid work, or you haven’t managed to land one (both applied to me).

To preface this, my working life had been spent in hospitality. This could also apply to retail, facilities management, warehouses, business support, online freelance work, and a whole range of other industries that may not directly correlate with your degree subject or career aspirations. One would be hard-pressed to find a student job that does not involve working with others effectively (teamwork), to achieve a common goal while creating value for a business. When working in retail or hospitality, this will likely involve delivering at a pace to achieve goals and targets, while working well with your team and communicating effectively. When faced with difficult tasks and situations, you will likely demonstrate your resilience in overcoming them. To effectively hold down a job while a student will also show that you possess the motivation to do what has to be done, utilising your effective time management skills and your organisation accruement. You will be able to demonstrate that you are service orientated to your guests and have earned the ability to build solid interpersonal relationships.

Once you leave University, you’ll realise it’s a unique place; through working you meet people living in the area who aren’t there to study. This can be refreshing while also allowing you to build a network that other students may not have. I found these interactions a relieving break from the echo chamber that campus could be. You may also find a unifying social element. In my course, I didn’t feel like many people were in the same position as me, giving way to imposter syndrome. Seeing other students on the same grind was grounding.

In conclusion, despite often being ignored, working while at university can be a necessity. However, if done correctly there are many benefits to having a part-time job while studying; they look good to employers and the personal benefits speak for themselves! Despite money being the bottom line, it is important to stay healthy and mitigate the risks that can come with working, like burnout. It is essential to make use of your support network and keep a watchful eye on your mental health. Poor mental health can be detrimental to your friends, family, and most importantly, to you. There is a wealth of knowledge that can be accessed to aid you every step of the way, a few of which are listed below.