Though considered to be fun years by most, college life tends to be quite hectic and requires a fine balancing act between tests, homework, social life and working part time. Combining school and work is never easy but for most students it is unavoidable as they need to take care of their tuition fees and other expenditures. Even if one is not cash strapped, working through college has many benefits- from learning time management to becoming more responsible about money, it is your first true step towards adulthood and financial freedom.

There are many types of jobs available to the university students. You can work five days a week along with your studies, work on weekends or pick a summer job to tide you over for the next few months. On campus jobs as well as off campus jobs are available to most students based on their skills, availability and interest. Do not worry if the job isn’t glamorous or a high paying one, till it fits in with your schedule and pays your bills you should be fine doing it. Remember that you wouldn’t be doing a student job forever but this will pave the way to better jobs later on.

So how do you find these jobs, whether at the uni or during your holiday breaks? The best way to look for an opening is to look at the job board in your university. You can also contact the career office and talk to other students who are already in part time jobs. Sometimes the university’s website will also advertise jobs available on the campus like library attendants, technical interns, research assistants and many more similar jobs. You can also opt for a work study position if you are looking for financial aid.

On campus jobs are a great option because college departments that offer jobs understand the pressure of academic life and since most of them are part time job opportunities, they can fit into your daily schedule easily. A university job is a great way to interact with other students and meet your peers and faculty. Many of the job offers are in the administrative field and students often hold positions of importance.

Off the campus jobs are available quite easily as college towns thrive on student employees and many business establishments are happy with seasonal student staff. The best way to locate these jobs is to keep your eyes peeled when you are out socializing. Bars, restaurants, pizza joints and night clubs almost always have temporary vacancies. If waiting at tables or delivering pizza isn’t your idea of work then you can contact the local departmental stores and malls. You can work as a shop assistant, cashier or even an accountant based on your skills and interest.

If you like socializing and are good at marketing you can join promotional events for bigwigs like Nike and Adidas. Event management companies have numerous job openings, from being a part of the catering to unit to waiting on stars at important parties and being a part of the off stage crew at a musical concert, the opportunities are many. However you may need to put in longer hours as some events go on all night long and are best suited as holiday jobs.

The internet is a wonderful way to locate a job conveniently. There are many websites that cater exclusively to student jobs and even list them area wise so that you can find the one nearest to you. If you are good at designing or writing then you can offer freelance services online and work at your convenience. Some forums have job boards exclusively for freelancers and it might be worthwhile scouting them for telecommuting jobs. This is particularly advantageous as you can choose your hours and the workload.

The classifieds in the local newspapers also carry advertisements for part time jobs which are open to students as well. Create an impressive CV and hang out at the job fairs where some companies will offer you internships that allow you to have flexi timings so that you can work and study at your convenience. Sometimes tapping your family connections may help you to be placed in a non advertised position where your studies do not get adversely affected.

Before you start hunting for a part time job take a reality check so that you won’t be bogged down with unwanted situations later on. Doing a part time job five days week that pays reasonably well may seem like an attractive option but if it eats into your study time then you need to reconsider your options. Some universities do not allow their students to take jobs off campus or at late hours so do check the rules before you apply.

Though there are many types of jobs available to the students, it is wise to choose one that isn’t too demanding and has adjustable timings to accommodate your test days and other study schedules. It is always good to boost up your resume and build up references through student jobs as it tells a potential employee that you are a hard worker, can manage your time well and are reliable.