These factors can make seasonal work more appealing, leaving semesters for university and the breaks between them for work. Yet, as the Christmas seasonal employment period draws to a close, many students express concern about losing their stream of income, and a sense of disillusionment with the benefits promised by only working seasonally.
The Courier spoke to students who have worked seasonally during their time at university, with varying degrees of satisfaction. Benjamin, 20, told us he was kept on after his initial contract, but that the job itself is seasonal, so he gets one period of work each year.
He said: “I applied for my seasonal job because I saw it as an opportunity to make significantly more money [alongside] my regular job. I was concerned with the possibility of not being kept on, however I was assured by other staff that due to managers’ desperation, everyone gets offers to stay.”
However, Zoe, 19, did not have such luck: “I had good work experience before starting university but still found it hard to find a job. I applied to work a temporary job over Christmas - I was becoming desperate. There were so many staff members, and high staff turnover meant your feelings went unnoticed - my managers didn't even know my name.” She was not kept on.
Both students reported that worrying about their finances was their primary motivation for seeking seasonal work. Benjamin said: “if I didn’t work seasonally, I would have to work during lecture hours to pay my rent.”
But Zoe told us that even just working seasonally negatively impacted her education: “I had some assignments that were due over the winter break and I found it difficult to balance.” Students who work part-time jobs are more tired, have less time to study, and struggle with other commitments, report NUS UK.
Megan, 21, had a more positive experience: “I choose to work part-time when I’m at home from university during the holidays. There has been an unchanged spoken agreement about my hours because I don’t drive and I rely entirely on my family for lifts.”
Still, her employment has been challenging at times: “when there has not been enough overtime, I have been stressed about money. At my job, we have the option to transfer stores during term-time, but there are no spots in my university city.”
Megan added that “only” working seasonally was something she was “very privileged to be able to afford to do.” In 2025, 28% of 16-24 year olds who are in full-time education were also in employment (House of Commons Library), reflective of the disparity between maintenance loans and living costs - HEPI found that less than 57% of first-year students’ costs are covered by the maximum maintenance loan (excluding London).