Thinking about coming to uni but not sure how you’ll juggle study alongside work? Managing everything can be challenging but the good news is many students successfully work and study. Here are seven steps to mastering that all-important work–life–study balance.
1. Create a vision of why you’re doing this
Being a working student can be overwhelming at times and you could have moments where you question why you’re doing this. So, being clear on how study will help you reach your goals is crucial.
For some, a vision board can be a useful tool to paint a picture of where you’re heading. For others, breaking down your big goal into smaller milestones, so you can celebrate your successes along the way, is a good way to keep up your motivation levels.
2. Make sure your job works for you
First, calculate the number of hours you might need to attend classes across all your planned units and additional studytime each week. Remember to factor in extra time for peak periods such as when assignments are due or before exam time. The handbook for your chosen course will indicate the time needed for classes each week. For any questions about the study patterns for your course contact our Curtin Connect future students team.
Then proactively discuss these requirements with your manager to prevent future pressures – they may be more accommodating than you expect! They might offer study leave, offer flexible working hours or allow you to use annual leave to make your schedule more manageable.
Remember, if the number of hours you need to work and study just isn’t manageable, part-time or online study could be useful options for you. Visit the webpage for the course you’re interested in to check the study options available.
3. Prioritise
When faced with many demands on your time, prioritising will help you avoid overcommitting and will keep you focused week-to-week.
While everything on your to-do list may seem essential, prioritising helps to distinguish the most important tasks. Using a priority matrix that sorts tasks by importance and urgency can clarify what on your list is a must-do and what can be deferred.
4. Stay organised
Once you’ve established your priorities, carefully planning your study schedule each week can prevent chaos and boost your efficiency.
Break down the priorities into smaller tasks and estimate the realistic time needed for each, including buffer time.
Creating a study schedule isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Customise your schedule to your preferences and strengths. For example, plan to tackle your most challenging activities during your peak productive hours.
5. Find ways to be efficient
Many students find working smarter, not harder, is the secret to success.
Research indicates multitasking can reduce productivity, as time spent switching tasks is mentally draining. To maintain concentration, focus each study window on a specific task.
Keeping a record of how you spend your time against your planned schedule can highlight opportunities to be more efficient.
Often, people lose time in starting or maintaining focus on a task, so staying productive will also help optimise your available study time. Consider what motivates you and enhances your ability to study effectively – whether it’s working in a different space or rewarding yourself in some small way after each study session.
6. Practice self-care
Juggling everything can be overwhelming and sustained stress can lead to burn-out, affecting your productivity both at work and at uni.
When planning your schedule, allocate time for relaxation and wellbeing – whether that is catching up with a friend over coffee or hitting the gym. Self-care may not feel like a priority but taking short breaks can refuel your mental and physical energy, so consider it an investment in your overall success.
7. Get support
You’re not alone in this! Communicating your needs and getting help is an important part of maintaining work–life–study balance.
Make full use of university resources and support networks for academic and personal assistance. Services such as counselling or career advice can be helpful during your time as a student. If you are a parent or guardian, there are a range of facilities available.
And remember, if you’re feeling your current schedule just isn’t manageable there is the option to adjust your study load for most courses by reducing the number of units you take. University staff are there to guide you towards the best option for your situation.
Being a working student requires strong time-management, but the hard work will truly be worth it, and you’ll feel great for all that you accomplish. With these steps you can effectively balance work, life and study to pursue your goals.
