A part-time job can make a real difference to your finances, but finding the right balance isn't always easy. Working too many hours can leave you exhausted, while working too few might not give you the extra income you're looking for. The key is finding work that fits around your studies, not the other way around.

1. Decide how work fits into your week

It's easy to say yes to extra hours when you're thinking about your bank balance, but it's much harder to find time for assignments once your shifts are already in the diary. Thinking about your typical week before you apply can help you choose work that's sustainable throughout the term.

Think about:

• How many hours you can manage on a typical week
• When your busiest academic periods are
• Whether evenings or weekends work better for you
• How much travel time you can realistically commit to

Knowing your limits early helps you choose a job that supports your studies rather than competes with them.

Try this: Look at your timetable and mark the days and hours you could actually work.

2. Choose roles that fit around student life

Some jobs naturally fit around student life better than others. Flexible shifts, predictable hours and employers who understand academic commitments can make it much easier to balance work with your studies.

Student‑friendly roles often include:

• UniJob
• Retail or hospitality with shift patterns
• Tutoring or mentoring
• Seasonal or event‑based roles

These roles tend to understand student commitments and offer more flexibility when deadlines hit.

Try this: Check CareerHub to find current vacancies — campus roles are often the most flexible.

3. Know the signs you’re taking on too much

It's normal to feel busy when you're balancing work and university, especially around deadlines or during busy periods at work. The important thing is recognising when being busy starts becoming unsustainable.

Watch out for:

• Missing lectures or seminars
• Struggling to meet deadlines
• Feeling stressed most days
• Not having time to rest or socialise
• Relying on last‑minute study sessions

Feeling stretched occasionally is normal. Feeling overwhelmed week after week usually means something needs to change.

Try this: Check in with yourself at the end of each week — how balanced did it feel?

4. Protect your study time

When work and study compete for the same time, it's often revision or coursework that gets pushed back. Protecting dedicated study time helps you avoid constantly feeling like you're catching up.

Try:

• Blocking out study time in your calendar
• Protecting some time each week to rest or catch up
• Letting your employer know your timetable early
• Avoiding back‑to‑back shifts and lectures

A bit of structure helps you avoid burnout and stay in control.

Try this: Choose one study slot each week and protect it.

5. Communicate when your availability changes

Your availability won't stay the same throughout the year. Assessment periods, placements and exams all change how much time you have. Letting your employer know in advance can make it easier to adjust your shifts without unnecessary stress.

It can help to:

• Let your employer know about important academic dates as early as possible
• Give plenty of notice if you need to reduce your availability
• Be realistic about the hours you can commit to during busy periods
• Discuss temporary changes rather than waiting until you're overwhelmed

Open communication helps manage expectations and can make it easier to balance your work and studies throughout the year.

Try this: Look ahead at your calendar for the next month. If you have a particularly busy period coming up, think about whether you need to discuss your availability with your employer.

Part-time work can be a great way to earn extra money, build experience and develop valuable workplace skills. The key is finding a balance that supports your studies as well as your wellbeing.

Next step: Review your timetable and decide how many hours you can realistically manage this term before applying for a job or agreeing to extra shifts.