Let’s be honest you’d much rather chillax over the break. But you also know that working is mostly an unavoidable aspect of university so let’s get down to business.
80% of students worry about making ends meet
The reality is that uni life is expensive, even if you are careful with how you spend your dosh and chances are you are running out of money before you run out of month on a pretty regular basis.
Hence the need to get a job. But it’s not all bad news. Working isn’t just about money – though that bit is kind of key – working is also a way of gaining much-valued experience, developing contacts and padding your (probably) sparse CV.
Where to find the job:
There are loads of places to go to find a part-time or casual job.
- Specialist sites; like student boards will point you towards retail, the service sector, bar work etc
- University job boards
- Local establishments – like cafes, restaurants etc
- For creatives, there are plenty of freelance opportunities available
- The gig economy – including delivery, driving, walking dogs etc are easy to come by, especially if you live in a big city
Check your timing:
You have to check how much free time you have and how much of it you want to use for working. It is really important that you look after yourself and your main priority – getting the best education and marks you can so you are best placed to create the future you want. Don’t put your studies at risk. After all risking your future for a part-time job is a false economy (what seems to be a way to save money which actually ends up costing loads more).
Getting the balance right:
Working, studying and partying take their toll on your physical and mental health and you need to make sure you can manage everything. That means you need to maintain a positive balance so that your studies don’t suffer.
Taxes
Anytime you earn any money you have to think about the tax implications. Make sure you check your pay-slip to see if you have had PAYE deducted. Chances are you’ve earned less than the personal tax-free allowance of £11,500 for the tax year – in which case you will be entitled to a refund – but if you have earned more you won’t.
Find what works for you and your studies. Get the right balance!