Studying full-time at college or university is demanding. As well as attending lectures, there are assignments and projects to complete along with preparing for and sitting exams.

And then there’s money.

For most students, taking on a part-time job is a necessary evil. It’s a method of supplementing a student loan and paying for course fees (for some), study materials and everyday living expenses.

Sure, a role like that can be a distraction, particularly around exam times when there are more important things you could be doing. But there are many benefits, other than financial, to taking on a part-time position while studying.

Increase Your Social Circle

Moving away from home to study can be a daunting experience. Not having family or friends can, in the first few weeks or months, be a lonely experience.

Going to work will hopefully provide some friendly faces amongst your colleagues and maybe even some friendships. No matter how strong or resilient you are, it’s important to have a support network, particularly if you are staying far away from everyone you’ve grown up with.

A Career Starting Point

When taking on a job to support their studies, many people opt for something casual that allows flexibility. The role itself isn’t important, it’s more about the hours and the rate of pay.

But a student job can also be the first rung on the career ladder. If you see yourself pursuing a career in retail, contact centres or journalism for instance, there’s nothing to stop you getting a part-time role while completing an HND or degree.

Gain Life Skills

When you go from school to college or university, you live most of your life in a world of essays, studying and attending lectures or lessons. It’s like being in an academic bubble.

But it doesn’t prepare you for the outside world. Taking on a job can provide much needed life experience like dealing with customers, cash handling, getting there on time and the responsibility of opening and closing a business premises.

A Break from Studying

No matter how much you love your chosen subject, stepping away from the books (or the website, or any other method of study) is a must.

Doing something completely different can help you relax, or at the very least, take your mind off from the stress and pressure that being a student can often bring.