Juggling Work and Study: A Growing Struggle for Students in Glasgow

Student Life Under Pressure

When I first started my reporting on university life in Glasgow, I was struck by how differently students now speak about their experiences compared to just a few years ago. The conversation has shifted dramatically—from the traditional focus on academic excellence to one of sheer survival.

In recent months, many students have voiced growing concerns over how they're managing to afford basic necessities like rent, food, and transport. As inflation continues to impact everyday costs, more young people are turning to part-time work to stay afloat—sometimes at the expense of their studies.

"I used to study for 20 hours a week. Now I'm working 30 hours and trying to keep up with assignments," said Sarah, a third-year history student at the University of Glasgow.

This reality is no longer just anecdotal—it's becoming the norm. With tuition fees already high and living costs soaring, the combination has left many students in a precarious financial position. The strain isn't only economic; it's emotional and mental too. I've seen firsthand how students are increasingly stressed, burned out, and sometimes even falling behind academically due to time constraints.

The Economics Behind the Struggle

From an economic standpoint, this trend mirrors broader global patterns. Across the UK, and especially in cities like Glasgow, where rent prices have surged, students are facing unprecedented financial challenges. According to data from the National Union of Students, 78% of university students now rely on part-time employment to support themselves—up from 63% just five years ago.

But what's particularly alarming is that these jobs often don't align with the academic calendar or field of study. A student majoring in literature may end up working in a fast-food restaurant, while another pursuing engineering might take on temporary labor to make ends meet.

It's a misalignment that can be costly in terms of both time and long-term career development. While these jobs offer immediate relief, they can also hinder professional growth by diverting focus from internships or projects that would otherwise enhance a student's employability post-graduation.

The Impact on Academic Performance

What concerns me most is the effect this financial pressure is having on academic performance. Studies show that students who work more than 15 hours per week are significantly less likely to maintain high grades or graduate on time. When a student's schedule is packed with shifts, there's less room for deeper engagement with coursework, group projects, or even social activities that contribute to personal development.

There are also signs of increased dropout rates in universities across Scotland—particularly among students from lower-income backgrounds. The pressure to earn money has led some to abandon their education entirely, which is a tragic outcome that goes beyond individual loss; it reflects a systemic issue within how society values and supports youth.

A Call for Systemic Change

This isn't just about students struggling with time management or financial mismanagement. It's about structural problems in our economic system that leave young people vulnerable when they're most in need of support. As someone who has spent years analyzing business and policy impacts, I believe we must take a step back and ask: are our institutions doing enough to ensure students aren't left behind?

There is growing momentum for policy changes—like increased maintenance loans, better access to mental health services on campus, and flexible academic calendars that accommodate work schedules. These measures could go a long way toward alleviating some of the pressure currently facing university students.

In Glasgow, some universities are beginning to introduce programs aimed at helping students find jobs more closely aligned with their fields of study. But such initiatives remain limited in scope, and the financial burden continues to mount for many.

The Human Cost

Ultimately, what stands out to me most isn't just the numbers or policy debates—it's the human cost. I've spoken with several students who told me that their university years are no longer about exploration, growth, and discovery. Instead, they're about survival.

We can't afford to let our economic systems treat young people like commodities to be exploited rather than individuals with potential and dreams. The path forward must involve a balance between supporting education and protecting students from the financial realities that threaten their futures.

Until then, we're not just witnessing the decline of student experience—we're seeing the erosion of opportunity itself.