Studying at university is no cheap feat, especially today amidst the cost-of-living crisis. According to the BBC, 1.8 billion people in the UK are burdened by at least £50,000 worth of UK student debt. From tuition fees to rent to general living costs, it’s no secret that money is often tight for students. Part-time jobs can be a lifeline, offering relief from the stress of a dwindling bank balance. In fact, according to the HEPI/Advance HE Student Academic Experience Survey, as of 2023, 55% of students in the UK are now working part-time.
However, finding a job in Edinburgh that fits into the hectic and demanding schedules of students is a challenge in itself. While the university offers support to those looking to work through MyCareersHub, where students can find part-time on-campus jobs, there are only so many opportunities to go around, and many students still struggle to find a suitable job. The Student interviewed Emma, a first-year anthropology student, who chooses to travel 40 minutes back to her hometown every weekend to work shifts at a local café where she’s been employed for several years. She prefers the stability of a familiar workplace over the challenge of finding a new job in Edinburgh and adjusting to an unfamiliar environment.
The job search is even more challenging for international students, many of whom face bureaucratic obstacles. Abbie, an American student, expressed her frustration over the lengthy process of becoming viable to work in the UK. International students must first have a biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card, in order to prove their right to live and study in the UK and allow them to get jobs. Given that international students face significantly higher tuition fees and have limited access to financial aid or UK student loans, the lack of income from a part-time job can place an even greater financial strain on them.
On the other hand, English first-year student Naomi described the straightforward process she faced when securing her job as a hostess at a nightclub. All it took was a quick WhatsApp message to a promoter she met at the Freshers’ Fair and a trial shift before she was employed. Naomi described her new job as “ideal”: the late-night hours don’t clash with her lectures, she enjoys the lively atmosphere of nightclubs, and she finishes early enough (one a.m.) to wrap up the night with her friends. Yet, Naomi also expressed her lingering stress over the potential strain this job may place on her in the coming years, especially during exam season. As a mathematical physics student, she understands that the workload will become increasingly intense, and she is concerned about the prospect of balancing work, life, and university in the future.
This is a feeling that rings true for many students. According to the university’s website, the standard study week at Edinburgh University is 40 hours, including both contact hours and independent study. It is recommended that part-time work should not exceed 15 hours a week to achieve a proper balance. When you do the maths, that adds up to just over 7 hours of work a day, which may sound attainable. However, when you factor in other commitments such as sports, societies, and social activities, life at university with a part-time job becomes an overwhelming prospect. First-year law student Eve explained her feeling of “drowning” under the stress of balancing her job during the first month of university: “I felt so much pressure to make new friends, go out at night, join new societies, stay on track with schoolwork, and go to work… It was too much!”.
Even though a 15-hour workweek feels like a daunting commitment to many, some students believe that 15 hours of work is not enough to sustain the expensive lifestyle that comes with living in Edinburgh. A fourth year international student explained her struggle to pay her rent and living expenses, which she has noticed rising significantly during her time in the city. “Fifteen hours of work just isn’t enough to make ends meet as a student, especially without access to a loan.”
As the cost of living continues to climb, students in Edinburgh will continue to find themselves navigating the challenges of job hunting and managing part-time work. Balancing life as a working student is a meticulous act, one which many have successfully managed before. However, the concerns voiced by students suggest that more needs to be done to ease their financial burdens. It may be time for the university to explore ways to do this.
“edinburgh shops” by joeandkaty is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.