Navigating postgraduate studies alongside a full-time job requires careful planning and dedication. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to help you efficiently manage your schedule while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

1. Create a realistic schedule:

Start with creating a schedule that takes into consideration both your work and study commitments but don’t overdo it. Remember to be realistic about the time you can allocate to studying each week and avoid cramming too much into your schedule to prevent burnout.

Our top tips: 

• Start by planning the year ahead and note all the important events, work deadlines, essays, exams, deadlines and anything else worth noting. 
• Then work backwards to determine the time needed for each assignment or big task. For example, if you have an essay due in March you might want to start working on it in January. 
• Once you’re done planning, schedule all the deadlines and activities into your calendar – set digital reminders, and get a study buddy to keep you accountable.

2. Minimise distractions and manage your energy

Set specific time slots for studying that align with your energy levels. If you work long hours, don’t pressure yourself to study every night of the week. Pace yourself and try to establish a routine that’s sustainable and matches your energy levels.

Our top tips: 

• Look at the areas which can eat up a lot of your time such as scrolling through social media. Minimise the amount of screen time by setting a rule such as an hour limit or no phones after 9pm. 
• If you work full-time, speak to your employer about the possibility of doing condensed working hours. 
• Start with the task that makes you the most nervous. It’s often an indication that it needs the most amount of attention.
• Spend some time understanding your energy levels. Do you feel most rested on Monday mornings before work or Tuesdays after a gym class? When are you the most tired? This will give you useful information in understanding when to schedule study time in.

3. Start slow and increase effort with time

People often overestimate how much they can achieve in a month and underestimate how much they can achieve in a year. Keep this mentality in mind when you’re planning your academic year. 

Our top tips: 

• If you work 35-40 hours per week, try to study twice a week for 2 hours at first. Then over the upcoming weeks, you can increase your efforts. 
• Look at the big picture and remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. How many times do people commit to going to the gym five days a week in the first week of January, only to crash a couple of weeks later?
• Start slow and build up for your efforts week by week.  

4. Effective communication and time management:

Maintain open communication with your employer, academics, and other relevant people by informing them of your professional and study commitments and addressing potential conflicts in advance.

Our top tips: 

• Have regular check-ins; Schedule check-ins with your employer and course leader to discuss your workload, progress, and any issues. Keeping an open line of communication allows for proactive problem-solving and ensures everyone is on the same page. 
• Prioritise mental health: Regularly check in with yourself and your emotions and communicate openly about any challenges you may be facing. Discussing workload concerns or seeking support when needed can contribute to a healthier work-study-life balance. 
• Consider incorporating self-care practices into your routine to maintain mental resilience during busy periods. 

 5. Utilise student resources:

Explore the available resources at your university to enhance your student experience and make the most of your academic journey.

While balancing a full-time job with part-time study can be challenging but it is doable. Aim for a balanced approach that suits your circumstances, and instead of perfection try to have a sustainable routine. Most importantly, try to prioritise self-care and allocate time for hobbies and activities that bring relaxation.

In conclusion, create a sustainable routine and find strategies that help you to manage stress such as incorporating mindfulness or meditation practices. A year or two of postgraduate study passes quickly so above all maintain your focus.

About the University of Westminster 

As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. To find out more about our courses, visit the University of Westminster website.