Not only will a part time job help you financially, it will also help you after university. I wouldn’t say I needed to get a part-time job to get through university but I think it’s a really good idea to gain experience in the workplace to add to your CV for when you graduate. Even working part time in a bar shows employers that you’re committed and driven. Getting a part-time job is also a great way to meet new people. I found that having different groups of friends at university meant I was able to have different experiences and really make the most of the city. If you think a part-time job is for you, I suggest contacting companies in your new city and interning 1 day a week, or if retail’s your thing getting a part-time job in a shop could mean having contacts for that company's graduate scheme which is a bonus!
If you’re worried about a job interfering with a heavy workload, a lot of companies offer students small fixed hour contracts. In my first year of uni I got a part time job where I only worked 8 hours a week and was able to take on extra hours if I was having a quieter week of deadlines. Another option is to think about working in your student’s union. A part-time job there is ideal as it means you get all of the holidays off work too!
On the other hand, degrees are extremely expensive and although there are lots of benefits to having a part-time job, it’s important that studying is your primary focus. If having a job means you’re spending less time writing your assignments and as a result you’re getting 2:2’s instead of 2:1’s you might want to re-think and try and budget your spending rather than have a part-time job. To do this I recommend planning your meals, not taking your bank card out on nights out and using your UNiDAYS® discount if you want to treat yourself!
It’s also important to think about your work/life balance. You need to ensure you are financially secure through uni but it’s also important to socialise and have the time of your life. When I was going to work, my friends were having bbq’s in the park or going to see the latest movie in the cinema. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun!
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