Lori Meadows
The rising cost of living has led to an increase in the number of university students taking on paid employment. In the UK, over half of students now work alongside their studies, with many working long hours. Similarly, in the US, the majority of students also work, often due to practical reasons. This shift has resulted in a two-tier system, where students who can afford to focus solely on their studies have an advantage over those who need to work to support themselves financially. While some universities encourage part-time work, others caution against it, and the impact of employment on academic performance can be positive or negative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of university students working paid jobs | 55% in 2023, 56% in 2024 |
| Reason for working | To meet living costs, to support friends or family |
| Universities' attitude towards part-time work | Nearly half of universities promote part-time work |
| Universities advertising jobs | On campus, in the local area |
| Universities providing support | Food banks, travel subsidies, laptop loans |
| Students' mental health | 23% reported feeling lonely most or all the time in 2022, increased to 26% in 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
Students are working to support themselves financially
The rising cost of living has meant that an increasing number of students are turning to paid employment to support themselves financially. Research suggests that 55% of students now undertake paid work, with many working multiple jobs. For example, one student reported working three jobs to support herself while studying for a degree in social work.
The cost-of-living crisis has flipped the proportion of students mixing paid employment with full-time study. In 2021, most students had no paid employment during term time, but in 2024, more than half of UK students were working long hours in paid jobs. Three-quarters of those in work said they did so to meet living costs, while 23% also said they worked to financially support friends or family.
Students are facing rising monthly bills, yet student funding has stagnated alongside inflation. The National Union of Students (NUS) reported that the proportion of students using food banks doubled between 2021-222 and 2023-24, with 14% of students using a food bank in the latter year.
In response to the crisis, nearly half of universities are now open to the possibility of students working part-time during their studies, with many advertising jobs on campus and in the local area. However, the rise of the gig economy has meant that students are often faced with zero-hours contracts and insecure contracts, which can lead to students missing important classes.
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The cost of living crisis
The rising cost of living has had a profound impact on university students, with an increasing number of them taking on paid jobs alongside their studies. The cost of living crisis has abruptly flipped the situation, with a majority of students now engaging in paid employment and working longer hours compared to previous years. This shift has significant implications for the higher education landscape.
Historically, universities often cautioned students against working part-time, concerned that it might interfere with their academic performance. However, the current economic climate has forced many students to seek employment to meet their living expenses. Research by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) in the UK found that 55% of students are now doing paid work, a notable increase from 45% in the previous year. Similarly, in the US, a significant number of students work while studying, with 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time students employed in 2020.
The financial pressures on students are further exacerbated by the stagnant funding and rising costs. Students face increasing rent, energy bills, food expenses, and transportation costs, while student funding has failed to keep pace with inflation. This has resulted in a two-tier system within higher education, where some students can afford the traditional university experience, including extracurricular activities, while others must prioritize paid work to support themselves financially.
The impact of the cost of living crisis on students has not gone unnoticed by universities and policymakers. Nearly half of the universities are now open to the idea of students working part-time, with many advertising jobs on campus and in the local area. Additionally, governments have taken steps to address the issue, with the UK government, for example, increasing funding for disadvantaged students and urging those facing financial challenges to seek support from their universities.
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Universities' support for students
University students are increasingly taking up paid jobs alongside their studies. Research suggests that 55% of students now do paid work, with many juggling multiple jobs to support themselves financially. Universities can play a crucial role in supporting these students and helping them become career-ready.
One way universities can help is by setting up an 'agency-style' learning environment, enabling students to experience first-hand what their chosen career entails and the skills they need to develop. This allows students to understand how to prepare and demonstrate the capabilities that employers look for, such as adapting to specific work environments.
Additionally, universities can host free workshops with local organisations and businesses. For example, a careers advisor could collaborate with a local tech start-up to offer lectures or workshops for students. This approach allows students to explore potential career paths, gain a better understanding of the skills needed in different sectors, and build positive contacts in the local community.
Universities can also provide financial support to students in need. For instance, the Stokes Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Similarly, the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship provides undergraduate and graduate students with financial support, mentoring, and professional development to prepare for a career in the US Department of State Foreign Service. These initiatives help ease the financial burden on students and enable them to focus more on their studies and career development.
Furthermore, universities can tailor their support for students' mental health and well-being, especially for those living alone or at home, as they are more likely to experience loneliness. This holistic approach ensures that students can manage their academic, financial, and emotional responsibilities effectively.
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Students' mental health and well-being
A student's mental health and well-being are critical aspects of their overall health and academic performance. Good mental health promotes a student's overall well-being, happiness, learning ability, and academic achievement. It impacts how they learn, participate in school, and interact with others. However, the increasing financial burden and the need to work alongside studies are taking a toll on students' mental health.
Financial challenges and the pressure to work while studying are impacting the mental health and well-being of university students. According to a survey, 55% of students in the UK are working paid jobs alongside their studies, a significant increase from 45% in the previous year. Students are juggling part-time jobs with their academic responsibilities, which can affect their mental health. The cost of living crisis is also contributing to the financial strain, with 76% of students reporting negative impacts on their studies due to financial concerns.
The stress of managing finances, working multiple jobs, and coping with the rising costs of living can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among students. This can result in difficulties with concentration, motivation, and attendance, ultimately impacting their academic performance and well-being. Students may experience low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and increased feelings of loneliness. In some cases, undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues can lead to more severe consequences, including thoughts of suicide.
To support students' mental health and well-being, early identification of mental health concerns and flexible policies are crucial. Schools and universities should provide resources such as counseling sessions, therapy groups, or telehealth services to help students cope with their mental health struggles. Mental health education can also play a vital role in combating stigma and providing students with the knowledge to recognize and manage their mental health effectively.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that students with learning disabilities may face even greater challenges. According to research, students with learning disabilities, such as ADHD, are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and other mental health issues. Therefore, it is essential to address their unique needs and provide appropriate learning plans to ensure their well-being and academic success. By offering the necessary support and resources, educational institutions can promote a healthy and inclusive environment that fosters both academic excellence and the overall well-being of their student population.
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Students' academic performance
The number of university students working paid jobs has been increasing. Research suggests that 55% of students are now doing paid work, compared to 45% in the previous year. Many students have to work part-time or full-time alongside their studies due to financial challenges and the increasing cost of living.
Working while studying can impact students' academic performance. Recent research has found a negative correlation between working and grades, with students who work falling behind their peers in terms of academic performance. Students who work more than 20 hours per week tend to have lower GPAs, whereas those who work fewer hours may see a positive impact on their grades.
The decision to work while studying is influenced by various factors, including student ability, family income, and financial pressures. Students who rely heavily on their parents during high school may struggle more at university as they may lack crucial life skills such as self-direction and self-advocacy.
Additionally, working students may face challenges in managing their time and balancing their commitments. They may have to prioritize work over their studies or vice versa, which can impact their academic performance. The type of work students engage in can also vary, with some taking on multiple jobs or combining lectures with part-time work.
While working during university can provide financial support and real-world experience, it is important for students to carefully consider their priorities and time management strategies to minimize the potential negative impact on their academic performance. Universities and colleges should also provide support and resources to help working students succeed in their academic pursuits.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. According to a 2023 survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), 55% of students are working a paid job alongside their studies, compared to 45% in 2022.
Students work to support themselves financially. The cost of living crisis has impacted students' finances, with 76% of students reporting a negative impact on their studies. Students also work to afford living costs, and to provide financial support to friends or family.
Students may work part-time or full-time jobs. Part-time jobs advertised by universities include working in a student union or other jobs in the local area. Students may also work zero-hour contracts in the gig economy, which can result in missing classes due to unpredictable shifts.
