How to balance work and study. Best practice guide

As a 6th year masters student who has worked throughout my whole university life, I have had to learn the hard way how to balance work and study. Now that I’m pretty confident I’ve got the balance just right, I’m here to share some tips and advice.  

Make a Realistic Schedule  

Having a weekly plan that outlines your lecture times, study sessions, shifts, sports commitments and rest time is the key to finding that balance. I use notion ( a free software for students) to visually block out everything. This is crucial to make sure you have no clashes and also to make sure you are dedicating the right amount of time to each commitment. The University of Leeds recommends no more than 15 hours per week of paid work during term time.  

Learn to Say No  

It's very tempting to say yes and sign up for lots of extra shifts. However, it’s okay to turn things down, especially if your plate is already full. Learning to say no doesn’t mean you’re lazy, it means you’re being realistic about your capacity. If you’re burning yourself out, neither your work or studies will reflect your true potential.  

Communicate With Managers  

From the very start, tell your managers that you are a student and therefore university is a big priority in your life. Let your managers know about important exam periods or assignment deadlines well in advance. Most people are very understanding if it’s done in advance and in a respectful way.  

Prioritise Self-Care  

Rest is a necessity, not a luxury. Make sure your schedule includes proper sleep, decent meals, and some form of exercise. When you’re well-rested and healthy, both work and study feel much more manageable.