Balancing a part-time job with studies: a financial survival guide for students across the UK

High school student Joel Davies shares essential tips for balancing part-time work and studies

With financial independence a life essential, students from GCSE through to university are increasingly taking on part-time jobs.

Balancing work with studies, hobbies, and social life isn’t easy. Regional differences make it even more challenging, students in the South might earn more but face higher living costs, while students in the North may struggle with fewer job options but enjoy lower expenses.

As I get ready to start my own part-time job, I’ve gathered tips to help students across the UK manage these challenges while staying on top of their studies and well-being.

College student Leo from London shared his take on juggling work and study. He believes discipline is key: “It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted, and I’m still figuring it out myself. But with strong time management and discipline, it’s more manageable than people think.

“I still make time for hobbies like the gym, gaming, and basketball, but the trade-off is a reduced social life, just part of the grind.”

In the North, students like Malachi face a different reality as they balance work, A-Levels, and extracurriculars. Fewer job opportunities mean greater competition, while lower living costs ease the pressure.

Here are some practical strategies to help students across the country manage their finances without compromising on school or social life.

1. How much should you work?

Balancing income with academics can be tough. Here’s a look at what’s manageable for students at different stages:

• GCSE Students: A 5–10 hour work week is often best for GCSE students. Weekend shifts are ideal, keeping evenings free for homework and rest. Try to find a job close to home to cut down on travel time.
  
• A-Level Students: A-Level students, who face a demanding study load, may find 10–15 hours per week manageable. Evening or weekend shifts are best for flexibility. In the South, students might need more hours to keep up with higher living costs.
  
• University students: With more flexible schedules, university students can handle 15–20 hours a week. Southern students may hit financial goals with fewer hours due to higher wages, while Northern students should seek stable hours to maintain consistent income.

Tip: In the South, you might need longer shifts to meet higher expenses, while Northern students could aim for steady shifts to ease competition for fewer jobs.

2. Budgeting time and money together

Balancing work and study involves planning time and money effectively. Here’s how:

• Tracking spending and hours Worked: monitor both spending and hours worked. Budgeting apps can help you track both time and finances, giving you a clearer picture of where your earnings and hours go.
  
• Time-blocking techniques: Reserve blocks of time for studying, working, and downtime. For example, schedule weekday evenings for study, weekends for work, and keep one day for relaxation or hobbies. Adjust your schedule as needed for exam season or social plans, and tailor your approach based on where you live—Southern students may need more flexibility, while Northern students could aim for a more consistent weekly pattern.

Tip: By tracking both money and hours, you can adjust your schedule to avoid burnout while still reaching your financial goals.

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3. Setting boundaries and saying no

It’s important to set boundaries with work and social commitments. Here’s how to handle it:

• Setting boundaries with employers: Be clear about your availability with your employer, especially during exams. If you’re balancing A-Levels with work, let your manager know your availability each week.
  
• Managing social invitations: It’s tempting to say yes to every invite, but it’s essential to take time for yourself. Politely declining with, “I’ve got a lot on this week with work and studying, but let’s catch up soon,” lets friends know you still care.

Sample scripts for saying no:

To your employer: “Thanks for offering me more hours, but my study load’s pretty intense right now. I’ll let you know if my availability opens up.”

To friends: “I’d love to join, but I’ve got a busy week with work and studying. Let’s plan something for next week.”

Tip: Boundaries help prevent burnout and keep you performing well in both work and studies.

4. Maximising perks and stretching your income

Make every pound count by taking advantage of job perks:

• Employee benefits: Many jobs offer perks like discounts, free meals, or help with travel costs. Take advantage of these to cut down on expenses. Retail jobs, for instance, often come with discounts, which can be especially helpful in high-cost areas like the South.
  
• Jobs that build experience: Look for jobs that relate to your future goals. For instance, a job as a social media assistant is useful if you’re interested in marketing. Northern students may want to choose stable jobs with experience-building potential, even if the pay isn’t as high.

Tip: Choosing flexible jobs with added benefits lets you build skills for the future and still meet your financial needs.

Balancing a part-time job with studies can be a challenge, but with these strategies, it’s possible to handle work, school, and personal life without sacrificing success in any area.

Wherever you’re studying in the UK, these tips can help you make the most of your time and income as a student. Remember, finding balance is different for everyone, but with some planning and discipline, you can find an approach that works best for you.

Photo credits: Pexels