There are many students who need to work to support themselves during their studies. Whether you are studying full time and working part-time or visa versa, it can be quite tricky to find the right balance for you to do both well.
So how do we find a balance between studying, work commitments and having a social life?
As overwhelming as this may seem, it can be achieved by having a well laid out plan and some self-discipline.
Create a schedule
Your schedule needs to include class times, work times, deadlines, study sessions, appointments and any other obligations which you may have. The more detailed your schedule is, the more likely you are going to be able to stick to it. This will also help to ensure that you do not leave things to the last minute, this will not only make your life very stressful but can result in you missing deadlines or delivering poor performances in either your studies or at work.
Get creative and have some fun when making up your schedule, assign different colours to different activities, this makes it easy for you to see at a glance what is happening in your day.
Keep everyone informed
Make sure that your lecturers, employer, co-workers, family and friends are aware of your various commitments, this will help you to alleviate or work around any clashes that may come up.
Now that you have a plan and everyone is aware of it, you need to set boundaries to help you stick to your plan. Don't be afraid to say no to anything that is going to get in the way of you completing an assignment, or work commitment, this is where the self-discipline comes in.
Expect the unexpected
Life doesn't always go to plan, so make sure you factor in a buffer should you face any unforeseen challenges in either your studies or at work.
Stay healthy and manage your stress.
When putting together your schedule, make sure you factor enough time into your day to exercise, eat healthily, rest and socialise. All of these activities are important to help keep you fit and healthy and to prevent you from getting overstressed, especially during exam time or when you have deadlines to meet.
Use a goal and reward system
Setting goals for yourself, and planning rewards for once you have achieved those goals, can help you to maintain your motivation and focus. These rewards can be anything from a special outing, a shopping spree or even just a long hot bubble bath.
Choose your work wisely
Try to find a job in an industry that is relevant to the course you are studying, this will not only allow you to apply and further your skills and knowledge in a practical setting, but can also be invaluable on your resume, and may lead to possible employment opportunities post-graduation.
Apply for student loans, grants or scholarships
Applying for additional funding can help to alleviate some of the immediate financial pressure, and allow you to dedicate more time to complete your studies.
Take advantage of technology
In addition to the above, there are many task management and productivity apps available to help you manage your study and work-life effectively.
So by creating your plan, and sticking to it, you can easily find a balance and be successful in both your work and study life.