Lectures? Yes, of course. Study? Naturally. Work? Erm, surely some mistake! Who goes to university or college to work?
Well, you’d be surprised. Part-time jobs are fast becoming the done thing among students starting or returning to their studies.
That’s because part-time roles can be the best way not only to earn extra cash – and therefore enjoy extra fun – but also gain skills that will fill your CV and boost your future career prospects.
Show all part-time jobs across Scotland
But how do you balance part-time work with learning commitments . . . and, of course, that all-important student social life? Let s1jobs show you.
First, it pays to choose wisely. There are many amazing part-time roles to be found on s1jobs but your priority should be something that allows you to have enough time and energy left over so that your studies won’t suffer.
Working as bar staff in a trendy nightclub is a great way to socialise but will you be able to get up the next morning for your first lecture and stay awake throughout?
If your study time is focused on mornings and weekdays, a better choice might be the world of retail. This, too, is great for making new friends and improving communication skills but it’s more flexible, with evening shopping hours and weekend dayshifts available.
Supermarkets, department stores and independent shops all need sales assistants to help shoppers. At the same time, working with the public will teach you great customer service skills.
Remember, too, if you land a role right now you’re likely to be kept on for the shops’ busiest spells, such as the forthcoming festive season, when you’re on holiday and can turbo-boost your income.
The next step is to manage your study and work schedules. As well as the traditional paper diary, most mobile phones and tablets have apps that can easily auto-fill calendars – and, more importantly, offer timely reminders.
Now that you’ve landed a job and set a sensible schedule, make sure you’re not tempted to take on extra shifts that would overstretch yourself.
Yes, this stage is all about getting your balance right by staying healthy and happy.
Ample exercise, a healthy diet (swap that pot noodle for some fresh veg!), plenty of water (yes, water!) and enough sleep all add up to a stronger constitution for working and a sharper mind for studying.
Finally, for the perfect balance make your downtime work for you. If you have a long break at work, get out the textbooks and catch up on your learning. Even 15 minutes every day will add up to a whole lot of extra study time.
Time should also be set aside for absolutely nothing. Yes, nada! Ten minutes a day in still and quiet contemplation is well known for its power to de-stress after work and study.
Of course, if you still have time on your hands after all this, you can spend it by wisely by finding the best part-time roles on offer on s1jobs.