How to balance a part time job and uni?

Hi, I’m going into my second year as a veterinary nursing student at NTU. I didn’t have a job in first year and was able to get really good grades. But this year, as my student finance is not enough and I am having to support myself mainly this year, I have no choice but to get a job. I was just wondering will it still be possible for me to still get good grades and work a part time job. The job I have will be on campus and will be flexible hours. So I can work as much as I want. I was thinking I could work 10 hours a week. Plus 4 hours of student mentor work a week. Totalling to 14 hours. Is that realistic??

Reply 1

Peaches2796

5

Original post by Minta Vic

Hi, I’m going into my second year as a veterinary nursing student at NTU. I didn’t have a job in first year and was able to get really good grades. But this year, as my student finance is not enough and I am having to support myself mainly this year, I have no choice but to get a job. I was just wondering will it still be possible for me to still get good grades and work a part time job. The job I have will be on campus and will be flexible hours. So I can work as much as I want. I was thinking I could work 10 hours a week. Plus 4 hours of student mentor work a week. Totalling to 14 hours. Is that realistic??

I can't speak on the amount of hours you're doing, but I'm going into 4th year of vet med and work every other weekend, completely doable. There's definitely times I wish I didn't have to work the weekend but more due to wanting time to relax rather than falling behind on uni work.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Minta Vic

OP

6

Original post by Peaches2796

I can't speak on the amount of hours you're doing, but I'm going into 4th year of vet med and work every other weekend, completely doable. There's definitely times I wish I didn't have to work the weekend but more due to wanting time to relax rather than falling behind on uni work.

Hi how did you balance working, studying and free time if you don't mind me asking. Because after my veterinary nursing degree, I plan on doing a graduate entry into veterinary medicine, and may need to work during that time, so hearing your perspective would be helpful!

Reply 3

Peaches2796

5

Original post by Minta Vic

Hi how did you balance working, studying and free time if you don't mind me asking. Because after my veterinary nursing degree, I plan on doing a graduate entry into veterinary medicine, and may need to work during that time, so hearing your perspective would be helpful!

I only work every other Saturday but do a 12 hour shift so it's not so bad. Means every other weekend I get to keep free. I always avoid doing any uni work on weekends, so I don't burn out. Some parts of the course are more hectic than others, and work/life balance goes out the window leading up to exams, literally revising from 8am-10pm, which sounds brutal but the course is so content heavy. As long as you can accept that the misery is temporary, it's okay, some days I shed a tear. But in general I personally find it okay, actually much better than I thought it would be, the first 3 years are much less than working a full time job, there was really only 1 or 2 days a week that had 9-5 lectures, it's only now going into 4th year where most days are full, even then it's not 9-5 every day. I don't drink so don't have to deal with hangovers etc and I'm more of a day/weekend person than an evening person, so I balance quite well 🙂 good luck on your degree

Reply 4

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

10

Original post by Minta Vic

Hi, I’m going into my second year as a veterinary nursing student at NTU. I didn’t have a job in first year and was able to get really good grades. But this year, as my student finance is not enough and I am having to support myself mainly this year, I have no choice but to get a job. I was just wondering will it still be possible for me to still get good grades and work a part time job. The job I have will be on campus and will be flexible hours. So I can work as much as I want. I was thinking I could work 10 hours a week. Plus 4 hours of student mentor work a week. Totalling to 14 hours. Is that realistic??

Hey! It’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about balancing your studies and work. The fact that your job will be on campus and offers flexible hours definitely works in your favour. A lot of students manage to juggle part-time work alongside their studies and still do really well—it just comes down to time management and making sure you’re not overloading yourself.

Working around 14 hours a week sounds pretty realistic, especially since it's split between a part-time job and your mentor work. Many students find that having a structured schedule helps them stay on top of both commitments. The key is making sure you have enough time for studying, especially during busier times like exams or project deadlines.

Since you’re already doing well academically, you probably have a good study routine in place—just make sure to keep that up and adjust as needed once you start working. Don’t forget to check in with your personal tutor or support services at NTU if you ever feel like things are getting overwhelming. They’re there to help with advice or adjustments if necessary! Ar Salford we have an amazing careers service and wellbeing support that can help with balancing workloads, make sure you reach out to similar services at your University.

It sounds like you’ve got a good plan, so I’m sure you’ll handle it just fine. 😊 Good luck with your second year!

Good luck,
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

How to balance a part time job and uni?

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