How to balance part-time work and university life
Hiya! 
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned
).
Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned
). Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
Reply 2
It's definitely a juggling act and good organisation goes a long way! I've got two planners next to my workspace. A monthly calendar that I've got all the lectures/tutorials/assignments/exams marked on and any planned social events (gigs/football fixtures etc), and then a weekly planner that can be wiped clean which allows me to write in each week when I've got work around lectures/tutorials, when I'm going to be prepping for those and getting the work done to be best prepared walking into them. Also helps that my fiancee can also see when I'm available and when I'm likely to be out the house for a while instead of all plans on hold. It's already looking mighty busy and that's before assignments/exams become more pressing- using both planners, I can see exactly when downtime can be squeezed in to decompress.
Reply 3
Original post by De Montfort University
Hiya!
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned).
Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned
). Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
Hi Maddie!
This is a great thread as this is something that I found quite tricky when I first started university!
I agree that organisation is key and I also like to use the colour coding method to organise my schedule so I can see clearly what I have to do each week which helps me to plan other things around it. I use one colour for work and then another for uni and another for fun things that I want to do that week. This helps me to organise my week and it's also really easy to see when I am free so if something comes up I can see easily if I am available to do this or not. This helps me to make sure I have enough time to do all of my uni work alongside my work and then if any extra shifts come up I can see if I am able to do them.
I think being transparent with your employers is really important too. Make sure you communicate when you are free and when you have university so that you ensure you are not being scheduled on days that you have university. During times where you have lots of deadlines and if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to do, talk to them about this and see if there is any room for flexibility so you can make sure you finish all of your university work to your best standard.
Looking for campus jobs and jobs within your university is great as they are very understanding about uni and want you to prioritise your uni work so you will never be obliged to work on days where you have lectures or other classes. Have a look and see if your uni is offering any jobs as they are often zero hours which means you can pick and choose your shifts when you are free.
I also agree that it is really important to make sure you are scheduling fun things in your week too. Have at least one fun activity to do each week that is non-negotiable and make sure you mark this in your calendar as it will make sure you don't schedule anything else at this time. It is really important to make sure you have balance and you are doing things other than uni work and your job. Try and see a friend, family, go for a walk, go to the gym etc!
I hope some of this helps! 🙂
Lucy - SHU student ambassador.
Reply 4
Original post by De Montfort University
Hiya!
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned).
Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned
). Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
Hi Maddie,
This an extremely useful thread for new or old students, I'd love to add my input! 😊
Being a student ambassador is an excellent work opportunity. Depending on the type of work your university provides, being a student ambassador can teach you loads of skills including leadership, teamwork, communication, organisation and professionalism. It also works perfectly around various university schedules.📝
The advice of scheduling on your laptop is also an excellent point. Personally, I ensure to write all my task, work, deadlines and more on my Outlook calendar. You can access this information from most devices, so I can check it on the go! I also colour code my various tasks/events to make it easier to identifying certain things at a glance. 📑
One point I'd love to add is not to be afraid to try something new. Don't be afraid to pick a job where you will learn new skills and don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone. If your looking at trying something completely new then go for it!
I hope this helped,
-Sophia (Business and Management)
Reply 5
Original post by De Montfort University
Hiya!
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned).
Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned
). Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
Hi 🙂
This is definitely something many people struggle with, so a great topic to discuss!
The number one piece of advice I received that has helped me was to make it clear to your employer that you are a student. This way they cannot expect more from you than you are able to give. Additionally, I would designate time for independent study and rest, this way you do not fall behind on uni work and you don't get burnt out.
Hope this helps! Faye
Reply 6
Original post by De Montfort University
Hiya!
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned).
Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
During university, I took on part-time jobs to support myself financially and gain valuable work experience. I had previously worked in a medical warehouse, a job I continued into my first year of university till the Easter, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and develop additional skills to further my professional growth alongside my studies
Balancing work with studies, commuting, and a social life can be challenging but on the other hand it has helped me develop strong time management skills and organisation. Here's how I managed it and some tips for success
Finding the right job
When job hunting, I prioritised flexibility, choosing a role that fit around my university timetable and could be done in the evenings and weekdays. Since I traveled home on weekends, I wanted to keep my weekends free for relaxation and personal time. Fortunately, I have found some amazing, flexible part time jobs such as being a Student Ambassador (which is a zero hour contract) and being a Frontrunner at the university (which is only a 10 hour contract) and I have worked other roles similar to this too! For students, it's crucial to find a job that accommodates academic demands, as your studies should always be your top priority and you can't afford to miss lectures and workshops anyway but especially around exam periods / assignment deadlines. I would recommend getting in contact with your University Career Team, if you want to explore any part time jobs on Campus or even some in your nearby town!
Time Management Strategies
Managing work and university life requires strong time management skills. To stay organised, I schedule my week in both a physical diary and on my laptop for easy access. I even let my family know, when I am in Leicester and any plans I have on the weekends, so they feel organised too. I use colour-coding to differentiate between work shifts, lectures / workshops, and social activities. By prioritising tasks, such as university deadlines and important meetings, I’m able to navigate busy periods more effectively. This also allows me to take on more shifts during quieter times or even between lectures as I have effectively balanced my workload. For example, despite just starting my first week back, I’ve already begun planning and doing further reading for two assignments due in mid-November, as I already know that November is a busy month for me. Plus, I don't want to leave it to the very last minute as that is when being a Student can become very overwhelming and stressful
Maintaining academic performance
Despite working, and sounding quite busy I always ensured my academic performance didn't suffer and this is through being very well organised. Being a student, my studies are going to always be a top priority. And I have managed to perform well in my studies so far by being incredibly proactive, positive minded, a work-aholic and trying to start assignments as early as I can (but we are all human, and there are times where I have left it much later than I originally planned
). Balancing Social life and Well-being
To maintain a healthy social life, I always made it a point to schedule time with friends, family and boyfriend, whether that meant suggesting a FaceTime call, planning a walk, or organising a day out together. Additionally, I ensured I had personal downtime for relaxation and self-care to prevent burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Challenges
At times, balancing everything can feel overwhelming, especially during assignment deadlines or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. For anyone struggling, I believe it's important to maintain open communication with employers, personal tutors, and close friends and family, even though that can be difficult. Reaching out for support—whether it’s requesting flexible hours, asking for extensions, or seeking counseling—can make a significant difference.
I hope this has helped
-Maddie , Third year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
Hi
This is so helpful!
Managing studies around work is really key as it allows you to ensure that enough of your focus is on your studies while you are financially sound.
One piece of advice I would like to add would be to just speak to your university's Money and finance department who will be able to help you, if money becomes an issue that could affect your studies.
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps
Quick Reply
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