Studying at university can be very financially demanding. Whilst your student loan might provide a certain level of financial stability, it probably doesn’t cover all of your expenses. This is why many university students in the UK choose to work a part-time job alongside their studies.
A part-time job can help to cover your living costs such as rent, groceries and nights out. You can also be savvy and set aside some of your wages for the future! Aside from the financial benefits of a part-time job, you will also gain valuable work experience and something new to add to your CV.
We understand that finding a part-time job as a student can be hard, and managing one alongside your studies can be even harder! Here are some tips to help you:
Finding a part-time job
- Assess your skills and interests
Before beginning your job search, have a think about what your main skills are and what industries you’re interested in. If possible, this should guide your job search so that you find a part-time job which is suited to you as a person.
For example, if you have great people skills, maybe you would enjoy working in a customer service role! Or if you really love writing, maybe a part-time journalist job would suit you.
- Write a CV
Having a CV that accurately reflects your abilities and experiences is an important part of finding a part-time job. A CV is a record of your education, work history, qualifications, and skills. It should serve the purpose of:
- Highlighting any experience you have that is relevant to the role/s
- Including skills that are mentioned in the job description/s
- Demonstrating why you are a suitable candidate
- Use online job search tools
The internet will be your best friend in the search for a part-time job! Online boards such as Indeed, or student-specific websites like Student Job post thousands of different jobs. And who knows, maybe you’ll find your perfect role?
You can look for jobs in specific industries and filter for different requirements, contract lengths and locations. You can also apply online, which will save you a lot of time!
- See if there are any jobs on offer at your university
Check with your university to see if there are any on-campus positions available. Campus restaurants, libraries and offices will often hire students, so make sure to check if any part-time jobs are up for grabs!
- Practise your job interview skills
Many employers will interview you before taking you on as staff. Practising your job interview skills ahead of time could definitely come in handy.
Make sure that you know your CV well and can discuss any of the experiences listed in depth. Being able to ask and answer questions is an important interview skill to practise, as is having a friendly and personable demeanour.
Managing a part-time job
- Make a schedule
Balancing a part-time job with your studies will require careful planning and time management skills. Having a clear schedule will help you to keep track of your daily tasks and responsibilities, and allow you to prioritise better.
Note down your shifts for work and also make sure to jot down any lectures or seminars that you need to go to. You can then allocate time for studying and leisure activities.
- Communicate with your employer
It’s important that you communicate properly with your employer. Have a discussion with them about your schedule and any commitments that you have at university. Tell them in advance if you have an exam or deadline that you need time off for, so that both of you are on the same page.
- Set clear boundaries
It’s important to set clear boundaries between your work and study time. For example, avoid checking work emails during your study hours. This separation will help you to maintain a better balance between your part-time job and university.
- Manage stress in healthy ways
Having a part-time job as a student can definitely be stressful. Finding healthy ways to manage this stress is key to avoiding burnout and maintaining your mental health.
Some good ways to manage stress are getting regular exercise, practising good sleep hygiene and taking part in activities that bring you joy. Remember to reach out to your loved ones, or a mental health professional, if you’re finding that stress is becoming a problem in your life.
Thank you for reading our blog. Hopefully it has made the idea of finding and managing a part-time job as a student less daunting! A little organisation and determination will go a long way!
Be sure to check out the Roome website, where we post loads of tips and tricks for university students every single week. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to learn more about how we’re revolutionising the student housing market!
