By Vicky Xian, MSc Occupational Psychology
You may think that a masters course means long hours in the library, lack of sleep, and no social life. You may think ‘there’s no chance I’ll be able to work part-time on top of all that!’ But with the costs of a masters degree and no maintenance loan, it becomes an even harder decision.
Yes, a masters requires a lot more time and energy compared to an undergraduate degree. But, it doesn’t almost mean you have to compromise having a life outside of study! There is a lot of financial support for masters students, which you can find here.
But, what if you do get a part time job? And what about scheduling time to see your friends? Well, I’ve managed to keep all these balanced. Here’s what I’ve learnt and some suggestions:
- Limit your working hours
If you do have a part time job, with a masters, keep hours on or below 10 hours a week. What I’ve found so great is that the Students’ Union offer a wide range of different job roles, which are specifically catered for students. This means the hours are not contracted, and if you have a particularly stressful week, you don’t have to work! Earning money is important, but remember studies should come first.
- Keep a diary
Keeping a diary, where you write all your important deadlines, social interactions, and shifts in the coming week is very important. It helps you visualise what you’ve got on, and gives you a chance to plan your free time. Here’s an example of my normal weekly spread:
- Schedule in some down-time
Since being at university, I’ve found delegating alone time in the week really important for my mental health. Having so much on can really put a strain on someone’s happiness. This doesn’t have to be so serious, half an hour after dinner watching your favourite YouTuber can have a massive positive impact on stress. It’s important that you choose to do whatever works for you, whether it’s baking, watching a film or listening to some music!
- Socialise on a budget
Guilt can really creep in when I want to see some friends, as it takes time away from studies, and usually I spend more money than I mean to. I’ve come to realise that you can have fun, but not spend too much. Cooking a home meal with a group of friends can be very cheap, and it’s enjoyable! Bar One, located in the Students’ Union, is one of the cheapest bars in Sheffield. Sometimes their burgers are 2-for-1, which makes it even cheaper.
- Get extra support when you need it
There has been times where I’ve felt like it’s all too much, and I get really frustrated with how much I have on. If you’re really struggling, and you have similar feelings, please don’t keep it in. The university offers a wide range of mental health support and information for students: