My advice for working part-time alongside your studies

This article was written by Musical Theatre BA(Hons) student Caitlin.

While you're studying, working part-time may be something you're thinking about doing to earn a bit of money on the side. There are multiple options for part-time jobs all around Falmouth and Penryn.

• Supermarkets: there are multiple supermarkets around, such as ASDA, Lidl, Sainsburys and Tesco Express in and around the area, where you can look into doing nights, weekends or the occasional weekday shift, to earn some money and get retail experience. Some of these also give the advantage of being near to campus, so there is less of a journey into work.
• Nightclubs and pubs: if you have bartending experience or you want to get some, the pubs and nightclubs around Falmouth are usually hiring. The shifts are quite long, but they are usually evening shifts, so no worry about scheduling around lectures and timetables. It's also a fun and lively experience, that still allows you to enjoy the nightlife whilst also getting paid.
• Work on-campus: there are a few jobs on-campus that are available e.g. in the cafes and the campus shops. It’s a great opportunity to earn money at the same place you are learning and, if you live on-campus, then it’s really accessible (even if you don’t, it's just a bus journey or a walk into work).
• Online surveys: if you really don’t want to work for a company and just work for yourself, take a look at online survey sites. It’s a little slower than working a job, but it means you can work whenever/wherever and you don’t have to worry about talking to other people when you’re working. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something quick & easy and it also works when done alongside another part-time job.
• Student and Digital Ambassadors: if you enjoy working with the public and advertising the university, apply to be a student ambassador and also a digital ambassador. This job gives you the chance to give Campus Tours, work at Open Days, answer prospective students’ questions, attend webinars, write blog posts (like this one!) and so much more. You choose when you want to work and you have the freedom to work in-person and online.

I am currently working as a Student Ambassador and a Digital Ambassador alongside my studies, which is handy due to my course's busy schedule and good to be able to choose the shift I want and choose whether to work online or in-person. It is a very easy system to use! I get paid monthly and it gives me the chance to talk about my course and my passions, while also telling people about the university and what I love about it.

Having a part-time job has given me some extra money to be able to afford to do more things with friends and it also means I still have time to chill and have some time to myself when I need it.

Depending which course you choose to study, you can get an idea for how much time you will have to work and chill out. It may be harder to find a job if you’re in lectures more frequently, so it is definitely something to think about. It also gives you a chance to learn new skills or brush up on skills you already have.

Having a part-time job alongside your studies may seem like it will be stressful, but it is a great way to earn a little extra cash to help with food shops, going out and enjoying your university experience in the long run.

I hope this blog post gives you the advice you need and helps when thinking about jobs and working alongside your studies when you come to university. 

Got any questions? Chat to Caitlin now