is 20 hours to much work during university

is 20 hours too much to work in university im thinking of doing one double shift then one single shift so friday and saturday only doing 20 hours as week. so saturday will be like 12 hours shift and friday will be a 8 hours shift. is that too much

im doing computer science. (first year student)

Reply 1

mesub

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by ALIeHSANI

is 20 hours too much to work in university im thinking of doing one double shift then one single shift so friday and saturday only doing 20 hours as week. so saturday will be like 12 hours shift and friday will be a 8 hours shift. is that too much

im doing computer science. (first year student)

If you can handle it then it's possible. I would think about your lectures on friday and your social life. Will you still be able to fit everything in and have a good grade?

Reply 2

Scienceisgood

21

“Too much work” is subjective. Personally I’m someone who does the slow and steady approach I.e I read things three or four times for it to really sink it but allocate time for it and plan around that.

Others I know can read something just the once and their revision can be literally half the amount of time I’ve allocated and absorb the same or even more information.

It’s down to the individual but instead of working your way down, maybe if possible work your way up the number of hours you work (maybe 8 or 10 hours) and if you can handle it, then work up to 20?

Reply 3

ALIeHSANI

OP

8

Original post by Scienceisgood

“Too much work” is subjective. Personally I’m someone who does the slow and steady approach I.e I read things three or four times for it to really sink it but allocate time for it and plan around that.
Others I know can read something just the once and their revision can be literally half the amount of time I’ve allocated and absorb the same or even more information.
It’s down to the individual but instead of working your way down, maybe if possible work your way up the number of hours you work (maybe 8 or 10 hours) and if you can handle it, then work up to 20?

Cos I work through college. I did well on my exams and all of my coursework with no issues

Reply 4

mesub

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Scienceisgood

“Too much work” is subjective. Personally I’m someone who does the slow and steady approach I.e I read things three or four times for it to really sink it but allocate time for it and plan around that.

Others I know can read something just the once and their revision can be literally half the amount of time I’ve allocated and absorb the same or even more information.

It’s down to the individual but instead of working your way down, maybe if possible work your way up the number of hours you work (maybe 8 or 10 hours) and if you can handle it, then work up to 20?

I think they meant paid employment :wink:

Reply 5

Scienceisgood

21

Original post by mesub

I think they meant paid employment :wink:

That’s what I meant. Work around your revision time and if OP felt they had time to spare, then consider employment.

Reply 6

MJ1148

16

Original post by ALIeHSANI

is 20 hours too much to work in university im thinking of doing one double shift then one single shift so friday and saturday only doing 20 hours as week. so saturday will be like 12 hours shift and friday will be a 8 hours shift. is that too much
im doing computer science. (first year student)

It depends on your contact hours and workload. Plenty of people need to earn money to support themselves at university and you can absolutely make it work if you organise your time well. However, your studies need to come first, otherwise there's not much point in going to uni in the first place.

I worked throughout second year (around 24 hours per week), but I was doing a humanities degree so I only had like eight hours of classes per week. I found that working part-time actually helped me to structure my weeks better as I needed to make good use of my spare time. However, I did find it difficult to say no to my manager when he increased my hours or put me on inconvenient shifts. You need to put your foot down and make it clear what your availability is during busy periods.

Personally, I'd ask for shorter shifts or evening shifts if possible so that you have time to study/have a life during the day. A 12-hour shift every week probably would have killed me. You can always start with those hours, see if they are manageable and ask to cut them down if needed.

(edited 2 months ago)

Original post by ALIeHSANI

is 20 hours too much to work in university im thinking of doing one double shift then one single shift so friday and saturday only doing 20 hours as week. so saturday will be like 12 hours shift and friday will be a 8 hours shift. is that too much
im doing computer science. (first year student)

Hi @ALIeHSANI,

This varies between students as some may find the workload too overwhelming, whilst other students can manage it just fine. I have plenty of friends who juggle 20 hours of work during university, and I think managing their time effectively is what helps them to keep going. You could consider devising an assignment/reading list that includes all the work you have to do from your modules, and ensure you're always updating this regularly.

What does your timetable look like? Do you have any days off from university? Perhaps you could use your day-off assuring all you're caught up on all your work from university so you don't fall behind whilst still working a 20 hour shift. The first year is usually when you have the most "free-time" throughout your course, so I'm sure you'd be able to manage.

Hope this helps,
Danish
BCU Student Rep

Reply 8

Labradoodle1

19

Depends on your course. For a difficult course you would definitely burn out.

is 20 hours to much work during university

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