Working And Studying At The Same Time: 12 Valuable Tips

Balancing working and studying at the same time can be challenging but rewarding when handled effectively alongside the other responsibilities in your life… 

Many students in the 21st century find themselves overworked with the responsibilities of handling a full time job alongside a full time degree, exacerbated further if they have a family to look after as well. So, is working and studying full time in the UK really possible? In this article, we will explore how to successfully manage working and studying at the same time. We’ll provide practical tips for those studying and working full time, including strategic planning and self-care.

Studying And Working Full Time: What Are The Risks?

Balancing work and studies simultaneously can be a daunting task, and many worry that one will receive more attention than the other. With many surveys suggesting that the majority of university students are juggling paid work and studying amid cost-of-living crisis, it is understandable why they underperform at work, or do not get the degree grades they deserve. Here are the main challenges you might face when working and studying at the same time:

Finding A Balance

When you’re studying and working full time, you’re essentially doubling your responsibilities. This can lead to fatigue and stress as you try to excel in both areas. It’s crucial to monitor your mental and physical energy levels to avoid burnout. Regular self-check-ins can help ensure you maintain a healthy balance between work and study.

Conflicting Schedules

Managing conflicting schedules is another significant challenge of working while studying. You might find yourself juggling multiple deadlines, such as an important work presentation coinciding with a major school assignment. These overlapping demands can be overwhelming. 

Even with a flexible work schedule, the collective effect of many smaller tasks can add up, making it hard to keep track of everything. Effective time management and prioritisation are essential to handle these pressures.

Being Flexible with Your Workload

Flexibility from both your employer and your educational program in regards to your workload is crucial for balancing full-time work and studies. If your employer understands your academic commitments and allows for schedule adjustments, managing both responsibilities becomes more feasible. 

Similarly, choosing a study program that offers evening or weekend classes, online courses, or part-time options can significantly ease the burden. It’s important to discuss your plans with your employer and select a program that complements your work schedule. Additionally, consider potential out-of-class requirements like field research or group projects that might affect your work commitments.

12 Tips to Balance Working and Studying at the same time

With the right strategies, you can succeed in balancing work life and studying full time. Here are some practical tips to help you manage working and studying at the same time:

1. Consider Online Courses

Online learning courses are ideal for those studying and working full time. Without the need to commute, you can attend lectures and complete assignments at your convenience. This flexibility makes it easier to balance work and study commitments.

2. Routines and Forward Planning

Establishing a work and study routine will ensure it becomes a healthy habit for you. Start by checking your study timetable in advance and noting important dates like deadlines or exams. Discuss your schedule with your employer to find the best way to manage both responsibilities. Reviewing the full overview of your course modules and their dates can also help you plan effectively.

You could even ask yourself questions like:

• Have you achieved what you needed to after each session?
• Did you plan out the time needed to complete a task effectively?
• Are other life commitments already planned out and will not be interrupted?

3. Create Reminders

Set up a reminder system for all important dates and events to avoid last-minute stress. You can use digital calendars on your phone or traditional physical calendars. Reminders help you stay on top of your responsibilities and manage your time efficiently.

4. Being Time-Efficient

Divide your time between work and study, ensuring you also include rest and relaxation. For instance, allocate weekends for rest and weekday evenings for studying. Flexibility in your study schedule, with deadlines provided in advance, allows you to plan your time effectively. Ensure you take breaks to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.

5. Productivity 

Identify when you are most productive during the day and schedule your study time accordingly. Some people are more productive in the morning, while others work better in the evening. Aligning your study time with your peak productivity hours can enhance your efficiency.

6. Appropriate Study Space

Having a dedicated study space can help you focus better. Whether it’s a local library, a specific area at home, or even a spare room at work, a designated study area can reduce distractions and improve your concentration.

7. Problem Solving In Advance

Anticipate potential conflicts between work and study responsibilities. If a study deadline conflicts with work, communicate with your employer early to find a solution. Similarly, inform your instructors about any work-related conflicts to seek accommodations.

8. Self-Care

Balancing studying and working full time can be stressful. Prioritise self-care by incorporating stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness meditation, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. Taking care of your well-being is essential to sustain your productivity and health.

If you want to learn more about managing your mental health, try our mental health courses online today.

9. Less Social Life

Balancing studying and working full time often means sacrificing some social interactions. Preparing for reduced social time can help you stay focused on your goals. Many people will move closer to their selected university, initially knowing few people. This can feel isolating, but remember that it typically improves as you build relationships with colleagues and classmates. By expecting a decrease in social activities, you can avoid feeling lonely and stressed, making it easier to concentrate on your work and studies.

10. Use Annual Leave Effectively

By effectively planning out your annual leave, you can further maximise your study time and potential. For example, look at any key deadlines and ensure that you book time off work in advance so that you have enough time to plan and prepare for exams or assessment hand-ins.

11. Managing Relationships

Working and studying at the same time can be a lot to have on your hands; this is why it is important to still check-in on those close to you, friends and family. Remember: even if you do not see them often, it is only temporary, as you are prioritising you and your studies.

Similarily, you could attempt to make new friends that are on the same course as you; this will aid with building relationships as well as helping to motivate you and others, especially if they are struggling.

12. Stay Healthy

Lastly, you should still find the time to look after yourself, both physically and mentally. Working and studying at the same time will undoubtedly bring plenty of stress, but taking time to eat well and take breaks such as walks in nature are small steps towards maintaining your health and keeping fit.

It may become tempting to binge out on takeaways with such a busy schedule and upcoming deadlines, and whilst they are okay to have now and again, you should build a habit of eating healthy, nutritious foods instead.

Benefits Of Studying And Working At The Same Time

Despite the challenges, there are significant benefits to working and studying at the same time:

• Reduce Debt: Students often incur substantial debt from student loans. By working full time, you can offset some of these costs, reducing the amount you’ll owe after graduation. This financial relief can make the investment in your education more manageable.
• Better Living: Earning a salary while studying can improve your lifestyle. Unlike students who rely solely on loans or grants, having a job provides extra income, allowing for a more comfortable living situation.
• Develop Life Skills: Managing the multiple responsibilities of work and study helps you develop valuable life skills. Time management, prioritisation, and work ethics are crucial skills that will benefit you in your future career.
• More Work Experience: Some students choose jobs in their desired career field. This allows you to gain practical experience while studying, making you a more competitive candidate after graduation. Combining work experience with academic qualifications can significantly boost your employability.

The Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is a powerful tool for managing multiple responsibilities. It helps you prioritise tasks by categorising them into four groups:

1. Urgent and Important: Tasks that require immediate attention, such as crises or pressing deadlines.
2. Non-Urgent and Important: Tasks that are important but not time-sensitive, like long-term projects or personal development activities.
3. Unimportant and Urgent: Tasks that can be delegated or set aside, such as minor interruptions or routine emails.
4. Unimportant and Non-Urgent: Tasks that can be minimised or eliminated, like leisure activities or unnecessary meetings.

Using this method helps you focus on what truly matters, ensuring you stay on track with both work and study commitments.

Setting study goals can ensure that you achieve better results, especially when combined alongside a full or part time job.

Working While Studying Made Possible

Balancing studying and working full time in the UK is achievable with the right strategies. From planning and prioritising to practising self-care and managing your social life, these tips can help you succeed. Remember to use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to manage your time effectively and always communicate your commitments to employers and educators. With determination and organisation, you can excel in both your professional and academic pursuits.

You can also learn about how working part time at university is worsening inequalities.

FAQs

Sources

Busby, E., (2023) Majority of university students juggling paid work and studying amid cost-of-living crisis, survey reveals. The Independent. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/university-students-cost-of-living-crisis-b2362077.html [accessed 14/05/24]

Time Management Abilities. (2013) The Eisenhower Matrix. [online] Available at: https://www.time-management-abilities.com/eisenhower-method.html [accessed 14/05/24]

Whitworth, D., (2023) Working part-time at uni risks worsening inequalities, warns think tank. BBC News. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66922452 [accessed 14/05/24]