Earn while you learn

Work, work, work, work, work …

So you’re probably thinking you’re going to be non-stop at uni. You may think you'll be working on so many different assignments and projects that you won’t have time for extra work.

Don’t worry, if you speak to most people who went to university, you’ll find a lot of them had a part-time job (sometimes more than one) and still managed to go on nights out, attend lectures, and graduate.

Many employees when hiring students understand that you may need time off to revise for exams and will try to fit your working hours around you. Or if you have a part-time job with regular hours, you can learn how to manage your studies around your work hours.

If you’re wondering where to start when looking for a job, many universities have whole teams dedicated to helping you find work. Here at Solent, we have the super helpful Solent Careers - they have dedicated advisers to help you find employment during and after university. You can find out more about the support offered here.

Is it worth it? Let me work it

Working while you study will be of great benefit to you. You'll learn so many skills that future employers will want and you’ll also have something to add to that ever-so-important CV.

Every bit of work you do alongside your studies will set you apart from other applicants, so if you can, try to get some relevant work experience alongside your studies too. It’s not just about making extra cash. It can also help you build confidence as you work with different people, and you may even gain positions in management, which can be a very beneficial professional experience.

Volunteering

There are also loads of opportunities for volunteering. This might be a good option if you're looking to work in a sector that relates to your studies. Check out Do IT where you can find volunteering options in the area you live; some of them can be relevant to your chosen career and sometimes it's just nice to help out in your community. We also cover volunteering at university, so make sure you check there too.

Work in your university

Many universities will have jobs on campus, meaning there's going to be a very minimal commute from your lectures to your job!

Check out if your university has an ambassador scheme. University ambassadors are current students who work at a variety of events to promote the university - you'll be able to help out on open days, school visits and sometimes even some admin work. And you’ll get paid for it all too.

Students’ unions are a great place to get work too. Many students’ unions have bars, shops, admin and events jobs available. Pretty much every university has a students’ union so it’s definitely worth checking out what they have on offer.

Working on campus is also great as you’ll be employed by a university or students’ union who ultimately want you to succeed in your degree, so they will usually be flexible with hours!

Work hard, play hard

A paid role is great for making some extra side cash to help fund living costs, or for the fun things in life!

The salary from your part-time job can help fund all the little extras you want in life, from gym memberships, or maybe a cheeky takeaway, to make your time at university just that little bit more fun.

The working world is also a great chance to expand your social circle. You’ll make some really great friends at work who will sympathise with your little work annoyances and you’ll get to celebrate Christmas, birthdays and leavings with your colleagues too.