Balancing between work and studies is a talent that every student needs to learn for ultimate success. To be honest, this not only applies during your education but to your whole life. Once you master the skill of time management, you can do anything you wish to.
From settling into student accommodation to finding part-time work opportunities in Birmingham, you should know how to create a Balance Work and Study. Students, especially international students, often end up working part-time while studying abroad. But how exactly do you master this skill of balancing while you work and study in Birmingham?
We know juggling between daily classrooms, part-time work and late-night study sessions can be challenging. It exhausts you both mentally and physically. Fortunately, our blog will provide you with the right direction to balance work and study in Birmingham. Here are tips for balancing work which you should not forget.
Always Stick to Schedules
Following your schedule with dedication is the key to finding a good balance. Plan your day according to your classes, assignments, and commitments. This way you will have a written plan of what and when to do.
There are plenty of applications available through which you can manage your plan. You can use Google Calendar or any other application to receive timely reminders to be on top of your schedule. Besides this, try to set your priorities and never miss out on incorporating breaks. Additionally, some of the top benefits of sticking to your schedules include:
- You can accomplish more in less time.
- This significantly improves mental health.
- You will be more well-rested and be physically fit.
Know Your Visa Restrictions
If you are an international student, there is a dedicated number of hours which you work in Birmingham. For instance, students with Tier 4 student visas can only work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the holiday seasons. Hence, know your visa restrictions and plan your schedule accordingly. You can check these restrictions from your university’s international student office.
Explore Opportunities That Fit Your Schedule
When you look for part-time work around your student accommodation in Birmingham, you need the one that fits your schedule. This is crucial while you try to build a balance between work and study. Let’s say you have many lectures during the day, you can either work in the evenings or on weekends as per the limit. Hence, you should find an opportunity that is flexible enough to balance while you study.
Take Advantage of Flexible Work Options
Since COVID-19, we have seen a rise in flexible work opportunities in Birmingham. This city takes pride in offering numerous part-time opportunities which are tailored to students. Many companies and local employers understand the challenges students often go through when they offer flexible schedules. Simply put, you can find opportunities to work from your student housing in Birmingham. Some of the top kinds of flexible work options include:
- Part-time Jobs: Part-time work in retail, hospitality, and call centers is gaining popularity. Many shops, cafes, and pubs near your long-term and short-term student accommodation in Birmingham are also open to different part-time roles.
- On-Campus Jobs: Universities often provide numerous work opportunities which are getting hyped up among students. You either be a library assistant or student ambassador while staying on campus.
- Freelance and Gig Economy Jobs: Platforms like Ubereats, etc also offer gig economy to work on your routines. This option is particularly great for students living in off-campus student apartments in Birmingham.
Be Efficient and Stay Organized
One of the best ways to create a Balance Work and Study is by being organized and efficient. This simply means creating a routine that helps you well in building a balance. You can stay organized and efficient by following your routine and completing all your tasks effectively. Plus, this also helps in avoiding homesickness or overwhelming feelings.
Master the Art of Saying NO
Students often end up overcommitting, especially in vibrant cities like Birmingham. In short, learn the art of saying no and stop over-committing. You often find yourself in a situation where you already have a lot on your plate. When you start prioritizing your tasks well, you can avoid burnout. You can achieve this skill by setting realistic goals and knowing your limits. As a result, aim for achievable milestones and avoid commitments that hinder your studies.
Never Feel Shy From Asking for Help
We have seen students struggling to create a good balance between studies and work. But they often end up not asking for help which can do no good. If you are struggling, you can end up feeling burnt out or overwhelmed. To avoid such feelings, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can talk to friends, advisors, teachers, or professionals, and you can get endless support and guidance.
Balancing work and studies in Birmingham is no small feat. We know juggling between classrooms and student accommodation in Birmingham can be challeng, but it is achievable. Consequently, take our words and be organized, follow your plan and prioritize what’s more important to make a difference.
