Balancing Part-Time Work with Studies

Starting university or college is a big life change, and when you're in a new country, it can feel even more overwhelming. When I first moved to the UK, it took me about three months to adjust to everything—from creating a routine to understanding my priorities, balancing in-person and online classes, managing household chores, and even dealing with the unpredictable weather. Once I had settled in and felt more comfortable, I decided to look for a part-time job. But I had three key criteria that helped me maintain my balance:

1. Avoid physically demanding jobs (especially warehouses)

2. Close proximity to my house

3. Flexibility in working hours

   
   

Here’s how I made it work, and some lessons I learned along the way.

Set Boundaries for Your Job Search

When you're a student, time management is everything. I made sure the part-time job I found wouldn’t interfere with my studies or personal life. Specifically, I chose not to work at a warehouse, despite the higher pay. While warehouse jobs might seem attractive financially, they come with major drawbacks—12-hour shifts and physically exhausting tasks like heavy lifting. Some warehouses are even as cold as -4°C, which adds another layer of difficulty.

I knew people that worked in warehouses, and it affected them in ways that go beyond tiredness. Their work hours often meant starting at 8 PM and finishing at 9 AM, after which they’d sleep through the day and miss their classes. Additionally, warehouses are often far from campus and residential areas, adding a minimum of 45 minutes of bus travel each way, which eats into your time even more. Eventually, their social life and academic performance began to suffer.

While it’s tempting to choose a job that pays more, it's crucial to remember that university is a long-term investment in your future. Sacrificing good grades and meaningful involvement in university life for short-term income is rarely worth it.

Prioritize Location and Time

For me, proximity was key. I found a job that was no more than 15 minutes by foot, 7 minutes by bike, and 5 minutes by car from where I lived. The convenience made a huge difference in how much time I could save each day. In fact, during my last five months, a new branch of my workplace opened less than a minute from my place, making things even easier! Travel time might seem small, but those minutes add up, especially when you’re juggling deadlines, study time, and attending lectures.

The job’s location allowed me to integrate work into my day without sacrificing too much time for commuting. This flexibility gave me more room to breathe and focus on my studies.

Flexible Shifts Are a Lifesaver

The most important factor that kept my work-life balance in check was my employer’s flexibility. The manager was understanding and allowed me to adjust my shifts, especially during busy periods like submission deadlines and exams. This level of accommodation meant I could put my academic responsibilities first without constantly feeling stressed about work obligations.

I always recommend students search for jobs where employers offer such flexibility. You don’t want a job that takes up all your time, leaving no room for the crucial things: attending classes, preparing for exams, and yes, enjoying your university experience.

Focus on Studies and Involvement

While it's important to earn some money, remember why you're at university/ college in the first place. Getting good grades and staying involved in university/ college activities—such as Freshers’ Week, Careers Fairs, or the Student Union—can help you stand out to future employers more than part-time job experience ever will. Additionally, there are sports teams and competitions, like Student Formula (Formula 1 for students), that you can be a part of or attend!

Grades reflect your dedication and knowledge, and involvement in activities shows that you can balance academics with personal growth. University/ College is more than just earning a degree or a qualification; it’s about gaining valuable skills and experiences that will set you up for a successful career.

Finding the Right Time and Place to Study

One of the key factors in balancing part-time work with studies is knowing when and where you’re most productive. For me, I found that the study area in my residence was the perfect spot, especially during submission weeks. I would generally start studying around 5 PM, take a break for dinner, and then continue until I felt I was too tired to focus. This routine worked perfectly for me.

But remember, what works for one person might not work for another. It’s important to experiment and find what suits you best. The environment you study in can have a huge impact on your focus and performance. Some options you can try include:

• Your residence study rooms

• The library at your college or university

• University/ College common areas

• Cafés

• Even your kitchen, if that’s a comfortable spot for you

  
  

Try not to spend all your time studying in your room, as it can sometimes lead to lower productivity and more distractions. Plus, a change of environment and a bit of social interaction can be refreshing. During submission or exam weeks, I noticed that there were always a few familiar faces in the study area, like me, with their headphones on, listening to music or podcasts. We’d occasionally chat, which helped break up the long study sessions without becoming a distraction.

The key is to figure out what works best for you. Some people focus better in the mornings, others, like me, prefer studying later in the day. Take time to try different places and schedules until you find your ideal study setup. Whether it’s alone or with others around, early morning or late at night, find what makes you the most productive and stick with it.

The Bigger Picture: Invest in Your Future

At the end of the day, working long hours at a physically demanding job like a warehouse may provide more income in the short term, but it’s important to think about the bigger picture. Balancing your studies, health, and social life is essential for long-term success. Prioritising your education and well-being now will set you up for more opportunities and a smoother career path after graduation.

Make the most of university/ college life—whether it's by joining societies, attending career fairs, or networking with your peers. There is a lot more to university/ college life than just studying and working part time. Take your time to adjust and find the best way to manage your time for a full balanced university/ college experience.