Choosing to work part time while studying for a Masters in psychology at the University of York wasn’t a decision I made lightly. Like many students, I wanted to gain valuable experience and ease some of the financial pressure of university life. But it’s also become an incredibly enriching part of my time here, teaching me skills that go far beyond lecture halls.
Sunset on West Campus Lake
Why I chose part-time work
When I started my degree, I knew that working part time would help me support myself financially and give me a little extra freedom to enjoy student life. Having a bit of money to spend on fun things— like going out with friends, trying new experiences, or late night Amazon hauls— makes all those endless reading assignments actually feel bearable.
Beyond financial freedom, I also saw work as an opportunity to expand my skills and CV. My roles now include working as a student content creator for the university and contributing to a remote role in AI development. Each job has taught me something new: creative communication, multitasking and adapting to different work environments. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with diverse projects and people outside my academic bubble while gaining real insight into working life. So, what does a typical day in my life look like?
A typical day in my life
Balancing work and study might sound daunting, but it’s all about planning, finding a routine that works for you —and sometimes winging it! It doesn’t mean waking up at 6am to hit the gym and cram in studying before your 9am lectures. It’s all about being realistic, so here’s a peek into what a typical weekday really looks like:
- 8am: The alarm goes off, and I spend 15 minutes debating whether I really need to get up – I’m not a morning person. I rush out the door to make my 9am lecture, fuelled by sheer determination and maybe a coffee if I’m lucky.
- 11am: After my morning lectures, I usually try to reserve a spot in one of the University’s libraries, as these spaces help me get into a productive mindset. I then set aside a few hours to catch up on university assignments and work.
- 2pm: After a good lunch—because taking breaks and staying fuelled is key—it’s time to dive into my remote jobs. This might involve drafting blogs, editing or writing code for AI projects, though the tasks can look different for everyone depending on their role.
- 5pm: Time to wrap up work and shift into full relaxation mode. The evening is all about recharging—cooking dinner, catching up with friends or unwinding with a favourite TV show.
- 10pm: I try to wind down with a good book before bed. It’s the perfect way to relax and reset, especially after staring at screens all day.
No two days are the same, but trying to keep this balance between work, study and downtime keeps me grounded.
Studying
Getting involved beyond work and study
Despite a packed schedule, I’ve made it a priority to stay active in university life. Having a healthy social life and doing things that give you a sense of accomplishment (like volunteering) and finding joy in hobbies are all essential for maintaining good mental health. As a peer mentor, I’ve supported first-year students as they settle into life at York, sharing tips and tricks to balance their workload. I’m also involved in a few student societies, which are not only great fun but also a perfect way to connect with like-minded people and stay engaged with my hobbies
Admittedly, it can be challenging to juggle everything, but these activities bring balance and joy to my week. They remind me that university isn’t just about lectures and deadlines—it’s also about creating memories and making connections. Finding that balance takes a bit of effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. Here are some tips that I find helpful in achieving this.
Tips for managing work, study and life
- Start small: If you’re new to balancing work and study, start with a few hours a week to see how it fits into your routine.
- Be realistic: Know your limits and communicate them. Most employers near the university or remote ones are flexible with student schedules.
- Stay organised: Use a planner or app to track deadlines, shifts, and events. This has been a lifesaver for me; my personal recommendation is the app TimeTree.
- Make time for yourself: Whether it’s a walk by the River Ouse or a coffee at a hidden gem like Gatehouse Coffee, carve out moments to recharge.
- Use university resources: York offers plenty of support, from career services for finding part-time work to well-being resources for managing stress.
Final thoughts
Studying and working part time isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The skills you gain, the people you meet, and the lessons you learn about yourself make it all worthwhile. If you’re considering this path, my advice is simple: go for it. With a bit of organisation and a lot of determination, you’ll thrive.
And if you’re ever in York, feel free to ask me about creating content or balancing remote work—I’d be happy to share more tips in person!
Charming streets of York
Leave a Reply