Juggling a social life and studying at university can be really tough - and even tougher when you throw in a part-time job as well. But don’t get put off by having a job at uni, it can be very valuable, especially when applying for graduate jobs.
What are the benefits of having a part-time job at uni?
• With increasing costs of living and smaller maintenance loans, getting a few extra pennies in your bank account is a must for most students - and part-time work can certainly help out.
• The beauty of part-time jobs is that they’re flexible to your busy studying schedule; you can choose the shifts which are most convenient for you.
• Meet new people! The beauty of working in nightclubs, shops, retail etc. is that you’ll get the meet people who you might not usually interact with in your current social circle.
• Enhancing your C.V. Juggling a part-time job shows prospective employers that you can manage your time successfully and shows your ability to be responsible.
Will it work for you?
Just because your bank account is dwindling, it doesn’t mean you should apply for any and every job available. Keep in mind that you need to find time to study, and have a social life, so make sure you’re searching for a fulfilling and flexible role.
Having a good work/life balance is especially important whilst studying at university - remember, you are paying over £9,000 a year (that’s around £130 per hour)!
Make sure that your job doesn’t impact on your study time or attendance at university - if you’re working until 3AM and you have a lecture at 9AM, are you 100% sure you’re going to make it and be prepared to learn?
How much should you work?
If you do find yourself searching for part-time jobs at university, knowing how many hours are manageable is a must. Whilst there’s not an exact science, we recommend working less than 15 hours a week -- you’ll have a good income per week, and it shouldn’t take away too much time from university or your social life.
Will you have to pay tax?
Every tax year (from April - April), you can earn an amount of money which you won’t have to pay any tax on. It’s typically known as a ‘personal allowance,’ and by working part-time, you should stay below the limit - so no tax!
If you do end up paying tax, don’t worry. It’s likely that you’ll get a tax rebate soon!
Just a couple job ideas...
If you like the idea of working at university, here are our top picks:
1) On-Campus! - Why waste time commuting to work when you could get a job in the same building your studying in? Universities will usually employ students to show guests around, work in student support or help out in the library -- and in case you didn’t already know, they pay a pretty good hourly wage!
2) Tutoring - What’s better than selling your knowledge to young people studying A-Levels or GCSEs? If you know a lot about a subject, consider tutoring for a couple of hours a week.
3) Takeaway driver - With the steady rise of self-employed food delivery services like UberEATS and Deliveroo, becoming your own boss with flexible working hours is a huge attraction for many students. And getting started is even easier, all you need is a bicycle, a smartphone and the branded kit, and you’ll be well on your way to earning £16 per hour delivering food!
4) Club rep - For those party animals out there, you could get the best of the nightlife and become a rep for your favourite club. Usually, nightclubs will pay commission on every ticketed event you sell - and your friends are likely to be going to this night away, so why not get paid for it?
