Venturing off to college, many students imagine nights out with friends, attending football matches, participating in clubs, and heading to class. However, for a lot of them, the reality involves adding a job to this list in order to afford the hefty tuition fees and basic living expenses. The result is a heavy workload.
If you’re on the hunt for top private schools in the UK, Educator has got you covered. And don’t feel alone in juggling responsibilities. Many individuals have been in your shoes and have successfully managed to balance their job alongside their school life.
Struggling to strike a balance between work life and academics? Here are a few recommendations to better manage your time.
1. Seek a flexible job: While this might be more challenging in practice than theory, landing a job with a flexible schedule can bring much-needed relief during hectic study periods. Try your best to find employment that accommodates your school schedule and also allows sufficient time for you to attend classes comfortably. Campus jobs often offer such flexibility since majority of the staff are fellow students.
2. Schedule: Furthermore, writing down your schedules, both weekly and monthly, can immensely help in managing all the competing needs. Start by noting down your class timings, work hours, and any extra activities you’re involved with, distributing each task a different color. Don’t forget to incorporate time for leisure activities that you can anticipate.
3. Plan ahead: Maintaining a monthly schedule helps you better anticipate busy periods in your academic calendar, allowing you to organize your other activities accordingly. Starting each semester, you generally receive a syllabus detailing the course workload. Use this to plan around any potentially demanding periods, such as around tests or project submissions, when your stress levels could potentially rise.
4. Inform your employer: It’s vitally important to let your employer know about your academic commitments early on. College-based employers are generally understanding towards student needs for flexibility, but try to give them a heads up well before critical academic times. Discussing your role expectations and understanding the time commitment beforehand can help you determine if the job aligns well with your academic pressures.
5. Support system: Don’t underestimate the power of having a supportive network around you. This could be comprised of friends, family, professors or even colleagues. During tough times, having someone to unload onto can make a world of difference.
6. Consider online classes: Traditional classroom time schedules might conflict with your work life. Online classes can be more adaptable and are generally accessible at your convenience. They also tend to be more affordable, which makes them a popular choice for most prerequisites.
7. Schedule wisely: Although you may not have complete control over your schedule, try to manage it wisely. If the notion of a 15-hour credit with work and study time overwhelms you, opt for a 12-hour credit instead. Similarly, don’t take on a job that prevents you from studying. Your schedule should allow for all your tasks to be accomplished without sacrificing your sleep.
Juggling work along with education might seem daunting, especially in the beginning. However, with a reliable support system and the right tips, it may turn out to be not as tough as it appears.
What are some of the strategies that you’ve found helpful in achieving a good balance between work and school? Share your experiences below.
