Part-time jobs are a great way for university students to earn some extra income while balancing their studies. Having a part-time job not only provides financial support but also offers valuable work experience and the opportunity to develop new skills. In this guide, we will explore the top part-time positions for university attendees, discuss the benefits of having a part-time job while studying, and offer tips on balancing work and studies effectively.
Why Have a Job While Attending Uni?
Having a part-time job while studying can be an important part of life for university scholars.
Paying Rent
First and foremost, it provides a source of income to cover expenses such as tuition fees, textbooks, and living costs. If you have a student loan, you can save up now or make payments while in university to lower your total costs later on.
If you have an apartment rather than university-provided housing, you’ll need to be able to pay rent and buy food. You may also need to cover transportation costs as well as other expenditures such as school supplies, clothing, and more.
Living It Up
This financial independence can alleviate some of the stress associated with student life.
With your paycheck, you can also participate in fun activities like going out to eat, visiting museums, travelling, going to an amusement park, and more!
I personally spent a lot of time decompressing after class in college by buying mugs. Was it practical? No. Was it a way for me to relax while spending less than the cost of a movie ticket? Yes.
Real-Life Experience
Moreover, part-time jobs allow undergraduates to gain practical experience. Ideally, you’re working in your field of interest, but even random gigs will prepare you for the future.
Whether it's a job in retail, customer service, or tutoring, these experiences can enhance a student's resume and make them more competitive in the job market after graduation. Additionally, part-time jobs often provide opportunities to develop transferable skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork, which are invaluable in any profession.
Gain Independence
For many undergrads, university is the first instance they’ve been able to really manage their own lives with minimal input from others (like parents). Sheltered kids (such as myself when I graduated high school) especially need to embrace this new stage in life to prepare for being independent functioning adults.
Managing studies while working isn’t easy, but developing the competence and confidence needed to do both helps you get ready for life after your studies.
How to Balance Work and Studies as a Uni Student
Balancing work and studies can be challenging, but with some practice and management skills, it’s certainly achievable. Millions of undergrads juggle the two simultaneously all over the world every year.
Communicate with Your School and Employer
Communicate with your employer and professors about your schedule and any conflicts that may arise. Most employers and professors are understanding and willing to accommodate scholars' needs as long as there is clear communication. By being proactive and open about your availability and limitations, you can avoid unnecessary stress and conflicts.
Develop Organisational Tactics
Proper time management and organisation is key. Firstly, prioritize your commitments and create a schedule that includes dedicated time for studying, working, relaxing/socialising, and things like chores. Scheduling time to relax and have fun is crucial for avoiding burnout and enjoying your Uni years!
Stick to this schedule as much as possible to ensure that you are able to fulfil both your work and academic responsibilities. Tweak your schedule as needed throughout the term, semester, or year as needed.
Remember: your studies are the most important thing. If you have to sacrifice one thing, make it your work. You’ll have more opportunities to work in the future, but you only get one chance at completing your studies adequately. Also, you’re likely paying quite a lot for your tuition! Don’t let your studies slide!
How to Get Organised
Make use of available resources such as revising groups, online tools, and campus support services. These resources can support you to stay organized, manage your time effectively, and make the most of your revision sessions. Remember to take breaks and practice self-care to avoid burnout. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential to maintaining a healthy balance between work and studies.
You can also find helpful YouTube videos and blogs for tips and methods that benefit other organised people. If you don’t already have a method that works for you, give these tutorials a try. Take what works and leave what doesn’t.
Some great organisational tools for students are:
- Canva
- Notion
- Padlet
- LiveBinders
- Bublup
- Todoist
What to Consider for Student Part-Time Jobs
When choosing a part-time job as a university student, it is important to consider a few factors to ensure that your studies and health don’t suffer.
Flexibility
Firstly, flexibility is key. Ensure that your employment allows you to balance your working hours with your study commitments. It is important to find an employer who understands and respects your academic responsibilities.
If an employer tries to pressure you into skipping class or forgoing revision and homework, that’s a big red flag! Again, your main task as a student is to be a student. Your part-time job is negotiable; your studies are not.
Low-Stakes
Secondly, choosing a low-stakes position is a good idea, at least in the early semesters/years of your university days, when you’re still figuring out how to balance everything.
This way, if you have to call out at the last minute due to work, your workplace won’t mind too much. Also, you won’t have too much pressure in addition to your studies.
When you get a good hold of balancing your occupation and your studies, you might want to consider moving into a job that gives you more real-world experience in your field, which means it might have higher stakes.
But, don’t feel pressured to do this, especially if interning is part of your curriculum, since you’ll naturally be getting exposure with a relevant company as part of your studies.
Transferable Skills
Third, consider the relevance of the position to your field of study. While any part-time job can provide valuable exposure, finding one that aligns with your future career goals can enhance your resume and offer networking opportunities. For example, if you are studying marketing, working at a marketing agency or in a related role can provide valuable industry knowledge.
Again, if you will be an intern later on in your degree anyway, this point isn’t as important.
Convenience
Lastly, consider the location of the job. If you are living on or near campus, finding employment within a reasonable commuting distance can save you time and money. Alternatively, if you have access to reliable transportation, you may have more flexibility in terms of job location.
You can also seek out online jobs that you can do from home!
5 Best Jobs for Uni Students
So, what are the best jobs for uni students?
There are a handful of positions that always make sense for undergraduates. These tried-and-true occupations are low-stakes and low-pressure enough to allow scholars to earn a paycheck while not adding much stress to their lives.
Of course, depending on your own goals and personality, some jobs might suit you better than others. One of the best things about having an occupation while in school is that you get to work in industries that you may never be in again. It’s fun to explore other types of work before you strap in for a career in one industry!
1. Tutoring: Student Tutor
Tutoring is a flexible and rewarding part-time position for university scholars.
And, it’s one of the most convenient ways for scholars to earn! Your university likely has a tutoring centre that may employ scholars to assist other students, so you can look for an opening there. The commute is virtually non-existent and you may even be able to work between classes.
If that doesn’t fit your schedule, you can advertise your tutoring services directly to other Uni attendees. This allows you to tutor at any location and timeslot convenient for you and your tutee, even if it’s 11 PM in the common room. You can also teach high schoolers, or even adults looking to brush up on old skills!
Platforms such as Superprof offer opportunities to teach subjects you excel in, whether it's math, languages, or music - all online! By teaching online, you can work from the comfort of your own home and set your own schedule. It is a fantastic way to share your knowledge and passion while earning money. You’re also not restricted to teaching only in your area.
2. Hospitality: Barista, Waitstaff, Concierge
Working in the hospitality industry, such as in restaurants or cafes or at the front desk of a hotel, can provide part-time job opportunities for university undergrads. These positions often offer flexible shifts and can be a good way to earn tips in addition to your hourly wage, which will probably be lower than the average salary in New Zealand. Moreover, they provide opportunities to develop customer service and teamwork skills.
3. Assistant: Administrative Assistant
Many offices and businesses hire part-time administrative assistants to take care of tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and general office duties.
Part-time assistants might be tasked with the unglamorous aspects of office life, such as shopping for break room and office supplies, running errands, sending and receiving mail/packages, greeting clients, and light cleaning. While not the most exciting job in the world, the staff will be grateful for your help and you can relax as soon as you punch out.
This type of job can provide valuable office experience and allow you to develop organizational and communication skills.
4. Assistant: Virtual Assistant
In this day and age of online everything, virtual assisting is becoming a booming industry.
Many small businesses require a VA for only a few hours a week to assist with things such as answering emails, moderating comments, corresponding with vendors and buyers, data entry, auditing finances and inventory, and other behind-the-scenes parts of a business.
This is a great virtual and remote job for anyone, especially students! You can also easily get more clients to assist for if your schedule allows.
5. Retail: Sales, Cashier, Stocker
Of course, who can forget the classic retail position?
Many stores and supermarkets offer flexible hours and are often willing to accommodate a student's schedule. Retail jobs not only provide a steady income but also teach valuable skills such as customer service and sales.
While you may have to deal with a rude customer every now and then, most ex-employees also have a lot of fun memories of their time in retail.
If you’re personable and persuasive, you can even look for a position in sales where you get a commission on top of your hourly wage.
Parting Thoughts
Part-time jobs for Uni scholars offer numerous benefits, including financial support, practical know-how, and skill development. By choosing a field that aligns with your interests and field of study, balancing work and studies becomes more manageable. With effective time management strategies and proper organization, you can successfully navigate the demands of both your part-time employment and academic commitments.
Ready to launch your part-time job as a student today? Why not try teaching online with Superprof as a part-time job and start earning while sharing your knowledge!
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