However, there is a still certain stigmas about part-time jobs and how they interfere with university. I have had my part-time job since the summer before my first year and when I was struggling with a first semester module, my lecturer suggested I quit it but that was not an option. In order to live my university life to the fullest, joining societies and going out with my friends, I needed my job, and I have done just fine without quitting it. It seems some people don’t understand how important jobs are, I believe them to be a necessity while at uni as it, of course, earns you money as well as getting some professional experience before becoming post-grad where jobs are even more scarce.
I have a very love-hate relationship with my part-time job, I live in Newcastle but I am from Gateshead, so my job is very convenient when I am at home. However, while at uni, travelling back and forth twice a week is a pain both time-wise and financially. My job is very quiet, with not much to do apart from cleaning as well as being the only person in the shop. But I am lucky to have it as it is very helpful and does help my CV when applying to other jobs closer to uni. Though it can be draining with not much to do.
In first year, I felt that having my part-time job was keeping me from enjoying university as much as I could as I worked on Wednesday and Friday nights. Yet, I found that putting in effort to seeing my friends was really important to me and so I prioritised my plans with them for the days I had off.
Balancing my job, making friends and university can be difficult, but at the end of the day, my weekly paycheck makes it all worth it.