More UK Students Doing Paid Work During University
More than half of people studying full time at universities in the UK are doing paid work alongside their courses, according to a new survey.
It found that students are working at jobs for an average of more than 14 hours per week.
The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) surveyed 10,000 full-time undergraduate students. It found that the percentage of students working has increased from 35% in 2015 to 56% this year.
Students working while they study is not a new thing, and it does have advantages, giving people extra money and teaching life skills.
However, Nick Hillman from HEPI said that it's poorer students who are forced to do more paid work, while other students are able to concentrate on their studies.
Poorer students find that paid work "has to come first," he said, while others can spend their time enjoying university life and freedom.
University fees in the UK have increased over time. A student in England may pay up to about $12,000 per year in fees — and they may have to pay almost as much for accommodation.
Students in the UK can get loans to pay their fees and some of their living costs. But this may not always be enough for those living in big cities, especially for those whose parents can't help them.
Grants are available to some — but not all — poorer students.
The survey also found that students who took paid work were more likely to use artificial intelligence software while studying, and to watch lectures online.
Chloe Field, from the National Union of Students, said some students are cutting back on food while working almost full time, and they're too tired to focus on their studies.
