Today, the college experience is looking a little different compared to the past. There are more non-traditional students than ever before who are pursuing their degree programs. Over the past few decades the estimated number of students who work while studying hasn’t changed much, but what’s definitely changed is the number of hours these students are putting into their jobs. In fact, a report from Georgetown University found that over 75% of graduate students and around 40% of undergraduates are working at least thirty hours per week while studying. In addition, one in four students is working full time while they are studying.
1. The Benefits of Keeping Your Full-Time Job While Studying
Although working full-time while you study might not make it any easier to get good grades, there are some advantages to be had. Working provides you with a steady income to help pay for school. And depending on your job, you might be able to take advantage of education-related employee benefits, such as tuition reimbursement or assistance if you are studying for a program that relates to your career.
2. Consider Attending Online Classes
When you’re juggling full-time work and study, online classes can also be a godsend. Online learning is usually much easier to fit around your full-time work schedule as there are no set hours or classes, and you get to choose the time of day that suits you best when it comes to studying. This allows you more freedom and flexibility to get things done without feeling like you’re rearranging your life or don’t have enough hours in the day. You can go for a fully online program or a hybrid course, which combines both online and classroom-based learning.
3. Get Organized
Juggling full-time work, full-time education, family commitments and everything in between can easily become overwhelming, so it’s important to come up with a good organization system for your schedule. When you wake up in the morning knowing exactly what you’re facing for the day ahead, you’re going to feel calmer and more in control of your workload. Whether you use a planner, diary, or an app to stay on top of your schedule and work out where you need to be and what you need to be doing at certain times of the day or week, committing to staying organized is key to staying in control.
4. Prioritize Your health
Doing too much can lead to burn-out, so when you’re juggling work with study (and everything else), it’s never been more important to make sure that your physical and mental health is a priority. The first thing that you should do is make sure you are getting enough sleep at night to give your body and mind the rest that it needs to recover from the long days. Staying up late studying can be tempting, but it will only have a negative effect on the rest of your week. Have a set bedtime and try to stick to it as much as you can. Keep your bedroom free from any distractions – don’t have your laptop by the side of the bed and keep your phone on silent! A good night’s sleep is important. If you often find yourself waking up with aches and pains throughout the night, then it might be time to upgrade to a memory foam mattress to see if it can help ease your pains.
Also, don’t forget to stay on top of your fitness while in college. Set time aside to exercise in a way that best suits your personality.
5. Take Some Time for Yourself
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of simply having a break and taking some relaxing free time for yourself to do something you enjoy. It can be hard to catch a break when you’re studying and working full-time, so schedule in one day per week where you don’t need to worry about either. You’ll feel more productive and fresh when you return to it the next day.
Juggling full-time work and your studies can be tough, so keep these strategies in mind to stay productive and in control.
For more great education tips, check out the other blogs on College Basics.
