As a first year who lived in catered halls, the only money I needed was for snacks, alcohol and frivolous purchases – all of which were funded by my student loan. However, when it comes to second year – where you’re suddenly inundated with things that need paying for, from food shopping, to the electricity and water bills, to the TV licence, all things that add up that you haven’t even had to think about before – the student loan doesn’t stretch as far as you’d like.
Thus, I, along with more than a few of my friends have undertaken a part-time job. The most popular, and easiest to find is work in a bar or club. For minimum wage, it may seem like a lot of effort, but to have that little extra pocket money so you’re not too worried about the next day’s meal, as well as the perks of the job – free entry, queue jump, cheaper drinks – make it all worth it. The downside tends to be the late nights, and you do have to miss the occasional party or night out.
EVEN MY FRIENDS WHO DO LIVE OFF ‘THE BANK OF MUM AND DAD’ ARE BEGINNING TO FEEL THE STRAIN
Ultimately, money will always matter – even my friends who do live off ‘the bank of Mum and Dad’ are beginning to feel the strain. Aside from that, the work experience itself is a learning curve for some who have never had a job before, offering an essential life lesson. If you can juggle the hours along with your workload, I think a part-time job is extremely beneficial…but maybe that’s just the talk of a second year at the very start of term.
Money Matters
As a first year who lived in catered halls, the only money I needed was for snacks, alcohol and frivolous purchases – all of which were funded by my student loan. However, when it comes to second year – where you’re suddenly inundated with things that need paying for, from food shopping, to the electricity and water bills, to the TV licence, all things that add up that you haven’t even had to think about before – the student loan doesn’t stretch as far as you’d like.
Thus, I, along with more than a few of my friends have undertaken a part-time job. The most popular, and easiest to find is work in a bar or club. For minimum wage, it may seem like a lot of effort, but to have that little extra pocket money so you’re not too worried about the next day’s meal, as well as the perks of the job – free entry, queue jump, cheaper drinks – make it all worth it. The downside tends to be the late nights, and you do have to miss the occasional party or night out.
Ultimately, money will always matter – even my friends who do live off ‘the bank of Mum and Dad’ are beginning to feel the strain. Aside from that, the work experience itself is a learning curve for some who have never had a job before, offering an essential life lesson. If you can juggle the hours along with your workload, I think a part-time job is extremely beneficial…but maybe that’s just the talk of a second year at the very start of term.
Rosie Shepard
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The Science of the Serenade
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