If you want to work while attending university, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you should be a full- or part-time student. Since there are pros and cons of each option, it’s important to think carefully about your situation by considering a variety of factors.
How Much Time You Can Afford to Commit
Your main consideration needs to be how many hours a week you can commit to your studies. Most full-time students dedicate the majority of their time to schoolwork, meaning they are usually only able to work a part-time job at the most. In addition to accounting for around 12 hours a week in class, you’ll also need to factor in time for reviewing your notes, completing assignments, and preparing for tests.
If you’re unable to commit to this many hours, becoming a part-time student may be a better option. For instance, you could take just one or two classes, which will mean finding just a few more hours to study in your own time. In fact, if you do decide to opt for part time, starting out with just one or two classes can be a good strategy for determining how much you can handle. You can always increase later.
When You Want to Graduate
The biggest downside to being a part-time student is that it will take you longer to graduate. Many students are tempted to create a schedule that will allow them to graduate as soon as possible, particularly if this means being able to start a new career. However, if studying full time may mean your grades will suffer or you’ll struggle to keep up, it could be better to extend your studies by a year or two.
Bear in mind that if you’re using a college education for career advancement in your current field, your employer may be impressed just by the fact that you are studying. This could lead to opportunities for promotion sooner than you expected.
What You Can Afford
The next factor to consider is how much you can afford. Financial aid may be able to cover some of your college fees, but you may prefer to pay as much as possible out of pocket to keep student debt to a minimum.
Although studying part time may mean you qualify for less financial aid, it allows you to spread out costs and earn more while you’re at university. On the flip side, being a full-time student can cost more in the near term, but you may be able to find a higher-paying job soon after you graduate.
The University You Want to Attend
If you want to study at a specific university, you’ll need to find out what kinds of programs are available. Some colleges only offer full-time programs, whereas others have a large number of part-time students and may be able to help you create a schedule that meets your needs, such as by incorporating night classes or summer classes.
You’ll find it easier to study while holding down a job if you live near campus. However, on-campus housing can be uncomfortable even for students who have just finished high school — and it’s even worse if you’re an adult student returning to education. A better solution is off-campus housing. Waterloo students can live just minutes from their university by choosing Preston House or Bridgeport House. Plus, you’ll have everything you need on site, including internet access, laundry facilities, and parking. Check out the properties by taking a virtual tour.