Working whilst at Uni. Is it a good idea?

A blog by a current Joblinker (studying at the University of Leeds)

As a current 6th-year uni student who’s been through both undergrad and postgrad life, I’ve felt the pressure from all angles – deadlines, exams, social plans, the lot. So, I’m in a great good position to share what I’ve learned about part time working as a student!! 

It’s very understandable to be worried about whether you can manage a job, are you thinking:  

“But what about socials? I don’t want to get FOMO, but how will I afford these socials if I’m not earning? I really don’t want to be locked into a contract that adds stress during exam seasons” 

Why consider getting a part time job?? 

Financial Support 

Life is expensive, right? Between Wednesday night socials, fancy dress costumes, daily coffees, and food shops, costs can build up, QUICK.  Not everyone qualifies for student loans or gets regular family support, so earning your own money gives you more control and freedom.  

CV Boost 

You might be thinking your CV is looking a little sparse, especially if graduation is around the corner. If you’re fortunate to have a few days off lectures a week, why not use that time to build some experience? 

Skills Development 

You might want to strengthen skills you feel are lacking e.g., communication, teamwork, or customer service. Part-time jobs are a great way to do this in a real-world setting.  

Part time working worries 

It’s completely valid to have doubts. I had loads when I first started considering part-time work, such as:  

Will it affect my academics? 

Your degree is your priority. I was initially stressed about how I’d juggle a job with timetable changes, revision periods, assignment deadlines and group meetings. But with some planning and the right kind of job, it’s possible to make it work without your grades suffering.  

Will I burn out? 

That was a massive concern for me. Some jobs come with fixed hours and tight contracts that can be overwhelming. Burnout is real, but it’s completely  avoidable if you’re honest about your limits. 

What about FOMO? 

Will your friends go out without you because you’re at work all the time? Will you have to drop out of societies because you can’t commit to training/rehearsals? NO! With smart scheduling it’s possible to fully enjoy your student life and earn some money. It’s all about balance. 

Striking the Balance 

Loads of students successfully work part-time and still manage to have a great, healthy uni experience. It’s 100% doable. But you must be clever with your time and realistic with your commitments. 

My top tips:  

• Go for flexible contracts or small-hour roles. The University of Leeds recommends no more than 15 hours per week of paid work during term time.
• Search for work during holidays or weekends. Jobs like summer camps, weekend clubs, or event work are great because they don’t clash with your academic timetable. 
• Set boundaries early. Be clear with your employer that uni comes first. Good managers will respect that, especially if you're upfront from the start.
• Use a planner that works for you. I swear by Notion (an online scheduling platform that you get free with a student account). I use it to plan my lectures, deadlines, shifts, and social plans. Whether you’re a digital or paper person, find a method and stick to it.
• Schedule ‘me time’. Block out time to rest, chill, and do what makes you feel good. If you’re constantly exhausted, you won’t do well at uni or at work. 

My thoughts about Joblink

Joblink at Leeds University Union is a job service and agency that prioritises students. They are great for students because of their:  

• Flexible roles: They know you’re a student and understand where students’ priorities lie, especially around exam seasons. You can also clearly set your availabilities via an app.  
• On-campus opportunities: Many roles are based on campus, which saves time and travel costs. 
• Support and advice: Joblink can help with signposting you to external job opportunities suitable for students in Leeds and surrounding areas.  They also work closely with the University of Leeds Careers Service, so if Joblink doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll guide you elsewhere! 

Overall….. 

Working as a student can be so rewarding, for your confidence, your skillset, your CV, and of course your bank account! But it’s only beneficial if you stay realistic about your capacity. 

From personal experience, yes it is possible to work, study, socialise, and thrive! You just need to meticulously plan, create boundaries, and seek the right support.