International Students Studying in Irish Universities Top Tips

Top Tips for International Students Studying in Irish Universities

Name: HomeHak
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It is a truly enriching experience to study in an Irish University. With highly dedicated and qualified staff, our universities have a prestigious reputation of delivering world class education to the highest standard. According to the Irish Universities Association, there are currently over 32,000 international students studying in Ireland availing of the extensive range of courses available. Read more to find your top tips for international students studying in Ireland.

You might be feeling a bit anxious. Fear not, as HomeHak has put together our top tips for international students coming to Ireland to make you feel more at ease.

Bank account

One of the first things you should do is open a student bank account. Each university usually has a banking partner on campus. This makes it easy for you to open a bank account with appropriate supporting documents. In addition, it takes the stress away of having to choose the right bank and you can get the process done in minutes. Want to know the different student bank accounts in Ireland? Compare and apply online here.

Budgeting for international students

To enable you to enjoy your university experience to the fullest, you need to learn to manage your money correctly. One of the biggest ways to save money in university is through your grocery shop. Furthermore, Lidl and Aldi are the best budget supermarkets to do your food shop in. They can help save you a substantial amount of money on your food bill. Want more tips? Check out this article.

Jar with savings — Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash

Manage your time

As you settle into the swing of things, your time in Ireland is going to fly by. Plan Your Next Adventure with Discover Ireland.

Irelands Weather

Ireland is the type of place where you can experience the four seasons in one day. Ensure to pack wisely for cold, warm and wet days. Moreover, summer temperatures usually range from 16-22 celcius with winters rarely dropping below freezing point but still quite cold.

Student Travel Card

A student travel card will get you discounts on your travel throughout Ireland. Also, giving you great savings is the Student Leap Card. The Student Leap Card is the national student travel card. Furthermore, it can help you with savings on mobile plans, travel and shopping. Besides, card holders can get student discounts on fares for Go-Ahead Ireland, Dublin Bus, Luas, Bus Éireann, DART and Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann).

The Irish People

The Irish are well known around the world for their friendliness and love to converse with strangers. Furthermore, if you ever need something during your time in Ireland don’t be afraid to ask as the Irish will go above and beyond to help you out. The one thing you will be guaranteed from studying in Ireland is a few new Irish friends too! So don’t be shy and get out of your comfort zone and mix with new people.

Here are some links international students might find helpful

To summarise

Ireland prides itself in nurturing international students and helping them to adapt to a new culture. Equally important, each university has a dedicated international office for your needs. Additionally, there is also a diverse range of clubs, societies and support structures to help you settle into university life in Ireland. Finally, there is magnetic energy around the Emerald Isle Universities. As a result, this draws in students from all over the world. No wonder it is ranked in the top 3% of institutions worldwide.

If you are an international student studying in Ireland, check out our article:

International Students in Cork City – Where to Do Your Shopping?

July 29, 2022November 29, 2022

New Club or Society in an Irish Student University – How to Set One Up

Do you feel like there is something missing from campus life? Interested in setting up a new club or society?

Everyone remembers being in first year. We are all stressed trying to get to our next class on the other side of campus. Or, already behind on your assignments. But among the chaos, you carry the same interests and hobbies from secondary school. Did you like dancing, photography, or playing soccer?

But what if there’s no way for you to continue? Will you give them up or find different hobbies? Or would you create an opportunity to enjoy your hobbies again?

Idea for a new club or society

The first thing you need to have is an idea. It must be original and new. In addition, an idea needs to be distinguishable from other Clubs and Societies that are already established. Furthermore remember that new Clubs and Societies will not be considered if they break college policies, promotion of alcohol etc.

People-reading — Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Elect

This includes, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relation Officer, Events Manager etc. Depending, usually there must be at least 4 full time students on the committee. Additionally, the committee posts can only be filled by fully registered, full time students of the college.

Constitution for your new club or society

With every Club and Society comes a constitution. Moreover, this document sets out how the Club or Society should be run. It will act as a set of rules for future committees.

Setup form

Next, you will have to complete the “How To Set Up A Club/Society” application form. You can find these on your university or students union website.

Membership

Members must be added to the application for a Club or Society to become recognised. If a clubs or society is not fully recognised then it is not entitled to collect a membership fee.

To summarise

To conclude, why not start up your own new club or society? Equally important, the process is easy to follow. Dont forget, the student union will be more than happy to help! We hope you have more confidence to start your own after reading this article.

For more articles on student hacks, check out our other articles:

July 28, 2022November 29, 2022

Irish University Space – Ways To Make it Feel Like Home for Students

Now that secondary school is complete, it’s time to research college room ideas to make your Irish university space feel like home. The great news is your new room is a completely blank slate. Of course, you need the college room essentials, but you also want your room to feel like home.

Here are HomeHak tips to create a space you’ll want to spend time in:

1. Create a photo wall

Everyone gets homesick, so reminders of memorable moments with family and friends can help brighten up your dorm room. Photo walls are a fantastic way to cover those dull walls.

2. Bring some plants

Adding greenery to your dorm room will help it feel fresh and less basic. Houseplants can be good for your health, so bring a few low-maintenance varieties.

3. Light up the night

If your room has fluorescent lights, a bedside lamp adds a softer glow that mellows, instead of you relying exclusively on harsh overhead lighting.

4. Slide into soft sheets and a comfy comforter

A comfortable set of sheets, cozy quilt, or comforter helps keep you sleeping oh-so-soundly.

5. Add a mirror

Mirrors aren’t just for checking your look, they also make your room feel bigger — super important in small spaces.

6. Create a homey feel with curtains

Is your view less than stellar, or your dorm on the first floor? Curtains add privacy and the feel of a finished room. If you like to sleep in, try light-blocking curtains. For a brighter, airier feel, choose sheer curtains to gently filter light. Add some twinkle with fairy lights. Proper lighting can be hard to come by in a dorm room. Add festive twinkle fairy lights to your dorm room ideas for a feeling of comfort. Check our this article on how to make a room feel more like home.

7. Add a plush area rug into your Irish university space

Does your university room have cement floors or thin, industrial-grade carpet? That’s not very cosy for getting in and out of bed. Adding a colourful plush area rug next to your bed adds a pop of colour and softness underfoot. No more cold mornings for your warm feet!

8. Make your bed extra comfy with pillows

When university room decorating, an easy way to add character is with throw pillows. A very simple way to add some vibrance into your space!

To summarise

Student accommodation can often be more practical than palatial. Meaning, if you’ve just moved into your new Irish university space you’re probably eager to make it look a bit more homely. Not only does this make your new home a nicer place to relax and hang-out with friends, but it can also help to offset any feelings of homesickness you may feel.

Here are some more articles on packing for Irish University:

July 28, 2022November 29, 2022

Key Items Every Irish Student Needs To Survive University

Getting ready to pack and move off to college is incredibly exciting. HomeHak has compiled a list of tips must-have key items and random things that no one thinks of!

Key Items:

An extra set of sheets
Microwaveable bowl
Noise-cancelling headphones
Cleaning Wipes
A Coffee Maker
A big lamp
A mini toolkit
A surplus of school and office supplies
A really long TV cable
A cosy, colourful rug
Trash liners
An umbrella
Twinkle lights and other decor
Command hanging strips and hooks
A pile of pillows and blankets
A big calendar (desk or wall) in addition to your planner
A backpack
Storage bins
Air Freshener Spray
Your calculator
A spare phone charger and battery

In this article, you will find the key must-haves voted by students. Keep reading for more tips for university students in Ireland:

Some Tips:

1. Be able to work and get around

It will be so important to have a good laptop. This should be one that is not heavy to carry around. when moving, you should also have a set of copy books with sets of dividers in them. These will be really helpful for studying. And also, don’t forget a Leap card. This will get you great discounts off travel.

2. Key items – Don’t bring everything

It is easy to think you need every single pair of shoes in your home wardrobe but you really don’t, trust me. It might seem silly but get yourself a good pair of slippers or flip flops to wear around your apartment or accommodation. You will live in these! Also, an extension lead is always handy. A printer is also great for any last minute assignments needing to be printed off late..

Girl with bag — Photo by Resi Kling on Unsplash

3. Remember to get up

It is easy to just rely on your iPhone but don’t forget to pack a good alarm clock. Yes it may seem old fashioned but this device will physically make you to get up from your warm comfy bed in the morning if you put it at the other end of your room. You also wont end up procrastinating and wasting time checking your notifications.

4. Be ready to move around

In college, you will be rushing to classes in the morning and doing A LOT of walking around campus in between lectures. That is why a travel mug for coffee, a phone power bank or portable phone charger will be key items on your moving list.

5. A4 is A1

There is nothing worse than not having a suitable bag in university. Find a sports bag or a handbag that’s big enough to fit your laptop. You will also need a bag to use for the gym so consider if you want this to be a multi use bag or if you want to have two separate bags.

To summarise

These are absolutely college must-haves to survive! Bed, Bath & Beyond also has a great variety of packing lists to make your life a lot easier! We hope you enjoyed HomeHak’s key items for surviving life in Irish University!

Here are some more articles on packing for Irish University:

July 27, 2022November 29, 2022

Moving into Your New Student University Accommodation – What to Pack

There’s so much to think about when moving to university. HomeHak has put together this guide to help with all the practical considerations.

University Accommodation Moving Checklist

We recommend that you write a list of what you need a couple of weeks before and keep a track of items you use in that time. You may well find your list alters. Don’t just be functional, you may wish to include something that reminds you of home.

Put theses items on your moving list:

Bed linen – including sheets
Duvet, blankets
Pillows and pillowcases
Towels
Clothes for all seasons, plus smart wear
Coat hangers
Extension
Lead socket
Adaptor (for international students)
Personal items such as toiletries
Kitchen items and some food to keep you going for the first week
Stationery, including pens, pencils, notepads and highlighters
Pc/laptop and any cables and chargers USB stick notepads mobile phone and charger medicine
Washing detergent and cleaning items
Games and sports equipment
Umbrella
A list of important numbers, in case you lose your mobile phone.

It’s also important to bring the necessary documentation. ‘This differs per university and their registration procedures, but bring your university acceptance letter, accommodation paperwork if moving in to halls, student finance documents and some valid ID like a passport or driving licence,’ says Ruki. You’ll also need a letter or document with your address on, as this might be needed to register with a local GP.

Don’t panic if you’ve forgotten certain items. Most things can be bought from nearby shops, or collected from home at a later date.

Home comforts and room practicalities

Most students spend the first year of their studies in some form of student accommodation. As you’ll be spending time in your room resting and studying, you should make this space somewhere you feel at ease. Decorate with photos of family and friends, posters, or your favourite bedding and cushions.

Other practical suggestions for your room include:

A desk
Fan
A desk lamp
A torch
Music speakers
Drawing pins for putting up photos or posters.

Wondering where to buy these? We recommend checking out Harvey Norman, My Home Interiors, Arnotts and IKEA Ireland.

Be aware that your room may be smaller than your bedroom at home, so take a look on the university’s website and work out how much space you’ll have. You’ll likely have a desk, bed and chair, so don’t clutter your room by packing items you don’t need.

Your room may be the place to get some respite from the hustle and bustle of university life, but it’s also good to invite friends round and get to know those you’re staying with – especially during freshers’ week. You may want to have a couple of spare mugs and some biscuits at the ready.

Desk with laptop and screen — Photo by Domenico Loia on Unsplash

Kitchen equipment

Most halls are kitted out with all the kitchen equipment you need so check what items are there when you arrive and share the cost of any extra items with your flatmates, instead of having six toasters.

Check the rules of your accommodation as some halls ban items such as rice cookers or deep fat fryers. Make sure that electrical items have been PAT tested, or that you can prove they’re less than two years old.

Some universities may also give you the opportunity to pre-order bedding and kitchen packs. These bundles can be in your room on arrival.

Space in your room and kitchen is likely to be at a premium, so weigh up each item and consider its value. In general, you’ll need:

Knives and a chopping board
Saucepans and a frying pan
Baking tray plates and bowls (microwavable ones are a good idea)
Cutlery
Glasses and mugs
Corkscrew and bottle opener
Tin opener
Vegetable peeler
Measuring jug
Grater
Cling film
Tin foil
Tea towels
Dish cloth
Student recipe book.

If taking your own kitchen equipment, make sure all your items are marked in case there are any disputes over ownership.

Wondering where to buy these? Check out stores such as Harvey Norman, Littlewoods, Arnotts and IKEA Ireland.

Study essentials

You’ll need to bring your own stationery when moving, including:

Pens, pencils and highlighters
Lever arch files
A4 file paper
Ruler
Eraser
Stapler
Hole punch
Diary/personal organiser
Different sized notebooks
Post-it notes.

Wondering where to buy these? Check out stores such as Hunt Office Ireland, Littlewoods, Etsy and Easons Ireland.

Electrical items

Having your own laptop will make your work and study much easier, as shared library resources are often oversubscribed. This is an investment that will keep your learning mobile, meaning you can work wherever you go. It can also remove the need to take a TV, as you can use it to watch your favourite shows online. However, if you bring a TV, you’ll need a TV licence.

Different universities have different rules around electrical equipment but you should be fine with standard items like a docking station, games console and beauty items such as hair dryers, but other items like electric blankets, electric scooters and heaters may be deemed a fire risk and aren’t allowed.

To ensure your connection to the internet is more reliable, consider buying an Ethernet cable. This connects your laptop to a modem or router to provide a solid internet link.

A portable hard drive is also great for backing up your work – and they don’t take up much room in your bag.

When moving, make sure you pack all the chargers you need (a spare one for your phone will come in handy when you misplace the original) and remember to bring a few memory sticks.

Wondering where to buy these? Check out stores such as DID, Lenehans, Expert, and screwfix.

To summarise

We hope you enjoyed our guide on tips on what to take with you, what to leave behind and how to make the move. Be aware that your room may be smaller than your bedroom at home, so take a look on the university’s website and work out how much space you’ll have. Moving should be exiting not stressful, this guide will be your best friend!

Here are some more articles on packing for Irish University:

Key Items Every Irish Student Needs To Survive University

Irish University Space – Ways To Make it Feel Like Home for Students

July 27, 2022September 22, 2022

Helpful Apps Must Haves to Download for Irish University Students

Moving into Your New Student University Accommodation -What to Pack

Whether you want help with taking notes and revising. Moreover, waking up on time. Additionally, keeping fit. HomeHak has put together our pick of the apps for students. These are must have helpful apps that will make your time in college much easier.

Lecture capture apps

SoundNote (iOS) is a popular lecture capture app for iPad users. Acting as a notepad and audio recorder. You can store an entire lecture in both visual and audio form. If it’s a whiteboard you want to capture, however, Office Lens allows users to photograph a whiteboard. You can convert it to a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file. Additionally, store all the data via OneNote or OneDrive for catch-up and revision purposes. Other than SoundNote, other good quality lecture capture apps include Notes Plus (iOS) and Audio Memos Free – The Voice Recorder (iOS).

Revision apps

If you’re a flash card fanatic you might like to consider StudyBlue, a student app. This uses your course information to create a selection of card sets for related revision. You can also make their own flashcards and test yourself. Another useful revision app is GoConqr. Using resources to create revision charts, mind maps, flash cards, notes and quizzes. As well as the ability to connect and collaborate with friends, classmates or students from around the world. Another choice is Exam Countdown (iOS), which keeps track of the days until each of your exams.

Checking apps on phone — Photo by Rob Hampson on Unsplash

Exam prep apps

BenchPrep uses social networking-style functionality. This allows users to connect with other test-takers and peruse revision materials with quizzes, notes and more. You can also use the app to track your learning progress..

Student planner apps

Popular student planner apps include Timetable (Android). An app featuring a sharp and clean interface which you can map your timetable onto with ease. For more familiar-looking planner apps for students, consider those with a more traditional spreadsheet-style layout. Examples are My Class Schedule (Android) or Class Timetable (iOS).

Bibliography helper apps

EasyBib is an extremely useful app for students. It creates an academic reference for any book simply from a scan of the book’s barcode.

Video call apps

Most students will be aware of video calling software such as Skype and FaceTime by now. This technology is becoming even more easy-access. Computer companies integrate quality cameras into their products and internet connection speeds get faster.

Student safety apps

The Circle of Six app works on both Android and iOS. Designed for university students to keep connected with close friends. The app is particularly useful for locating lost friends on nights out. Furthermore, it allows users to send their circle of six friends an instant call for help at the touch of a button. Other student apps to promote safety include bSafe and React Mobile.

Wake-up apps

If you happen to be a persistent snoozer who always wakes up about 20 minutes too late for lectures, then Alarmy: Sleep If You Can is the app for you. Meanwhile Sleep Cycle aims to correct its users’ sleeping pattern by waking them up during their lightest sleep phase.

Responsible-drinking apps

The responsible-drinking app WiseDrinking charts how much you’ve been drinking. Secondly it gives you suggestions about how much is safe. Thirdly, it lets you know the optimum time to call a cab, and maps your location in relation to public transport services.

Fun fitness apps

Nike Training Club (iOS), Sworkit, Fitbit (iOS), JeFit, RunKeeper, Strava, 7 Minute Workout and MapMyFitness are great. Nudge is another app that collates all your fitness data and stores it in one place.

Healthy eating apps

Rockin Ramen (iOS), is a student app featuring a number of nutritious recipes with ramen as a main ingredient. MealBoard (iOS), an app which plans healthy meals, grocery shops and recipes based on what you’ve got in the fridge.

Other helpful student apps

Oxford English Dictionary – to look up words on the go.
Dictionary.com Dictionary & Thesaurus – dictionary and word-finder.
Dropbox for mobile – access and edit documents, upload photos and play your own videos anywhere.
Penultimate – a handwriting app made by EverNote, allowing users to write with a digital pen and upload the work to any device.
Skout – a friend-finder app helping students meet new people in their locality.
Socrative – student app for quizzing and assessment.

To summarise

There’s almost an app for everything nowadays, and this can make student life easier, cheaper, safer and more fun. Whatever the category – exam prep, revision, student planner, bibliography, fitness and healthy eating, HomeHak has it covered.

Here are some other useful study hacks articles for students:

July 27, 2022November 29, 2022

Useful Informative Websites for Irish University Students to Follow

As a new student, you’ll need to learn a lot of new information fast. If you dont do this, you will risk being confused about independent student life. HomeHak has put together some useful informative websites. All university students need to follow!

We have put together a realm of student resources. These are full of information about everything. A place where you can learn the things your parents never taught you. These include how to budget your money. As well as how to arrange an overdraft with your bank. Additonally how to iron your clothes without leaving an iron-shaped pattern.

Useful informative general websites for students

Spunout.ie is Ireland’s youth information website. This was created by young people, for young people.

Secondly, LifeHacker.co.uk aims to help its users out with life in the modern world.

Thirdly, UnplugTheTV.com is a student resource. This offers an alternative to TV hosting randomized videos on interesting scientific topics.

Furthermore, Sleepyti.me site tells you the best times to go to bed. Great if you have to be up at a certain hour. KeepMeOut.com is used to block certain distracting websites, additonally.

People pointing to a laptop screen — Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

Useful informative educational websites for students

EdX.org is one of the world’s leading MOOC platforms. MOOCs (massive open online courses) are offered for free. Specifically for anyone wishing to learn additionally.

Further Coursera.org covers a wide range of academic learning.

Useful informative cooking websites for students

StudentRecipes.com has recipes for 4,000 quick and easy student meals. As well Recipepuppy.com allows you to search for recipes. Based on the ingredients you already have at home.

Instructables.com is one of the most useful online student resources. Preferably if you like making and fixing things yourself moreover.

Useful informative Health websites for students

The Ultimate Health Food Guide – Have a health problem? Visit this resource. You can find out what foods to eat to build your immunity back up. What’s more WebMD.com allows you to check your current health status. This is done by using its symptom checker.

Shopping & selling websites for students

Ebay.com allows you to buy, sell or auction off almost anything. This includes clothing, electronic devices and antiques, moreover.

Next Amazon.com sells everything under the sun. Firstly, whatever you need Amazon has it. Secondly, you can get books, e-books and textbooks that you may need for your program.

Also Freecycle.org is an online platform. That resource allows you to give away your unwanted things. This provides the options of getting your hands on what other people are giving away. It is handy for furniture and general bric-a-brac.

Useful informative Money-saving websites for students

Groupon.com offers daily deals. These things include spa days, fancy restaurants and city breaks.

Along with Mint.com which is free to use. Mint can help you organize your finances.

One can also track their spending, most importantly. As well as UniDays.com which lists thousands of student discounts and offers around the globe. Wisebread.com is dedicated to living well on a tight budget in addition. This website if for both students or if you are just trying to get more for your money.

Other useful informative websites for students

Genius.com poetry is an offshoot of Rap Genius. Lit Genius is a place where scholars have formed a community. This annotates poetry and literature. These can be both classic or recent.

Furthermore TED.com hosts thought-provoking talks given at events all over the world. The talks are on core topics of technology, entertainment and design. It covers pretty much every aspect of human experience.

Wikipedia.org is a collaboratively edited encyclopaedia project moreover. This can be a very useful tool for early-stage research into your assignment or project.

Plus Bartleby.com publishes classic literature, poetry, non-fiction and reference. These texts free of charge. What’s more Gutenberg.org provides free online access to texts whose copyright has expired.

To summarise

We hope you enjoyed HomeHak’s useful informative websites for university students. These will be sure to come in handy in your time in university. Covering every aspect you could need for your third level education experience.

Here are some other useful study hacks articles for students:

July 27, 2022November 29, 2022

Study Tips for Irish University Students – How to Study Effectively

Alternating study locations. Resisting the urge to cram the night before an exam. There are simple changes you can make in your study routine that will help you learn and retain material faster. Here are some of HomeHaks most effective study tips.

Take good notes

Taking good notes involves dating each entry and keeping notes for different classes separate from each other. In addition, write down anything your lecturer writes on the board. If the lecturer took the time to write it out, he or she considers it important. Check out this article on notetaking hacks.

Review your notes every day

Spend 30 minutes each evening going over notes from each class. Research shows that reviewing new material within 24 hours after hearing it increases your retention of that material significantly.

Study tips recommend alternating study locations

Alternating study spaces is a more effective way to retain information. Although you may have a favourite spot to study, research suggests that it is better to change locations. Memory is influenced by location, so changing your study locale increases the likelihood of remembering what you learned.

Girl picking books on a library — Photo by Eliabe Costa on Unsplash

Get enough sleep

Sleep is essential when it comes to effective study habits. When you’re tired, you think more slowly and tend not to retain as much information. If you want to get the most out of your study sessions, make sure you get enough sleep.

Use flash cards

Writing notes and definitions more than once will help imprint information in your memory. Write down important facts for a test and quiz yourself each day until you have mastered the material. Flash cards are convenient because they allow you to condense material and eliminate irrelevant information, allowing you to focus on only the most important details.

Join a study group

When working through a difficult problem set or assignment, a study group can prove very valuable. Dividing the work amongst your peers is also an effective method for reducing your workload and ensuring that you understand the material.

Don’t immerse yourself in subject matter

Contrary to popular belief, immersing yourself in a subject for long periods of time is less effective when it comes to memory retention than switching between topics. Take a break from each topic after 30 minutes and move on to another topic. You can come back to the topic after you have spent some time studying other topics. When you do revisit the topic, you will feel refreshed and ready to pick up where you left off.

Don’t wait until the night before an exam to study

Waiting until the night before an exam to study can lead to cramming which is not an effective studying technique. Cramming before an exam will increase the feeling of desperation which can lead to test anxiety. Instead, jot down a few ideas or facts that you want to have fresh in your mind when you begin the exam. Read through your list a few times when you get up in the morning and just before you take the exam, then put it away. This kind of memory reinforcement not only improves your performance on the test, it also improves your long-term memory of the material.

To summarise

Take good notes. Alternate study locations. Review your notes each day. Get enough sleep. Use flash cards. Join a study group. These are just a few examples as to how you can ace your college education. HomeHaks top tips made easy!

Here are some other useful study hacks articles for students:

July 27, 2022November 29, 2022

Balancing a Job and Study at University

Balancing a job and university can be tough. HomeHak has put together some tips on how to get the formula right! We will help you work out how you can take on part-time work to pay the bills, whilst still gunning for that top class university grade.

Figure out whether you really need a part-time job

For the majority of us, the answer to this will be a resounding “yes!”. Particularly seeing the costs of living! The key is to first work out a monthly budget. Have a close look at all your incomings and outgoings.

Don’t over-commit to shifts

When balancing your job, how many hours you choose to work each week depends. Firstly, on how much you feel you’re ready to take on. Secondly how much free time your course permits. Most universities recommend not to take on more than 15 hours per week. The important thing is to take some time to consider how much time you’re able to put in before making any commitments – it’s a lot harder to go back once you’ve given your word, so don’t rush this decision.

Boy working in a pub — Photo by Elevate on Unsplash

Know when exams and deadlines are coming up

Being seriously organised with your calendar is the key. Make sure you know all the important dates coming up in your course calendar, such as assignment deadlines and exam dates so that you can easily see your busy periods and plan accordingly. If you can highlight important deadline periods in advance, you can ask to take time off or swap shifts with other people.

Use your time productively

One of the best things about taking on part-time work during university is that it puts you in a situation where you’re pretty much forced into becoming super productive with your time. The psychology of knowing you only have a couple of hours before your shift starts to make some serious progress writing an essay will force you to really focus and use those couple of hours wisely.

Talk to your university and employer if you’re struggling

The easiest way to really upset that work/uni balance is by letting things get on top of you if you’re struggling. Juggling a job when you’re studying for a degree is no walk in the park, and your employers and tutors should try to respect that. Remember to reach out for support if you’re ever finding things difficult – the minute you notice any problems with your timetable or if you’re struggling with the workload, tell someone.

Get enough sleep

Getting the recommended eight hours a night of shut-eye is vital. If you don’t, you’ll soon notice everything starts to slip. We know that there’ll be nights where this will go amiss, but make sure it doesn’t happen more than a couple of times a week.

To summarise

As we have seen from above, when balancing a job, there are a number of factors to be considered. Is having a job really necessary. Do not over commit to shifts. Know when your exams and deadlines are. Use your time productively. Let your lecturers or boss know if you are struggling. Finally, get enough sleep. We hope you got some value off HomeHaks top tips for balancing a job in univeristy.

Here is another article on finding a balance in university:

Improving the Balance between School, Work and Social Life for University Students

July 27, 2022November 29, 2022

Improving the Balance between School, Work and Social Life

Improving the work-life balance is as difficult thing to achieve. Most of us know what a poor work-life balance feels like. But we’re not sure how to break free of it. Want to perfect your work-life balance? This will allow you to figure out what kind of balance you need. Build sustainable habits to support your lifestyle. Additionally, advocate for yourself at work.

Here are HomeHak’s best tips for improving the balance.

1. Create a schedule that works

Start by identifying your available time and prioritise your tasks.To avoid being overwhelmed and cramming at the last minute, set personal deadlines at a much earlier date to the defined deadline. Keep a diary that can help you keep track of your activities!

Timetable and coffee — Photo by Estee Janssens on Unplash

2. Do Not Procrastinate

As a student, procrastination is likely to get a hold of us and become our best friend. We know what we should be doing but we keep posting or binge watching TV shows. We recommend getting your space organised, set achievable goals and try as much as possible to avoid distractions. Remind yourself of the repercussions if you put off doing your tasks. It is easier to get more things done if you stay disciplined.

3. Less of Social Media for improving the balance

Too much social media can cost us more than just time. Set up screen time on your phone that locks your applications whenever you exhaust the allocated time for that day. Freedom and Moment are some apps that can help manage how long you spend on your phone.

4. Take time for a quality rest

This is very important. It is ok to take time off and get relaxed. Our brains are like computers and we need time to rest and rejuvenate. You may want to use this time to take a walk if the weather is great or watch Netflix. Maybe even chill and grab a cup of coffee, bond with that housemate or call your friends.

5. Interact with others

Vital information could be missed out. Interacting with fellow classmates can help in creating your social sphere and boost your academics by discussing course work. Don’t be afraid to reach out, that’s what they are here for. It is also very important in improving your network.

6. Don’t be afraid to say no sometimes:

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a real thing. Say no to FOMO. It’s not every gist that demands your attention. You don’t have to attend every party or be at every hangout. It is okay to tell your friends you can’t hang with them sometimes. Your true friends will understand if you are busy with college work. Take it easy on yourself. It’s not easy to juggle working and schooling, so always know that you are doing your best.

To summarise

There are a lot of reasons to strike a better work-life balance. Protecting your physical and mental health. Accelerating your career. Less stress. The list goes on. We hope you enjoyed HomeHak’s most recommended tips for improving the balance.

Here is another article on finding a balance in university:

Balancing a Job and Study at University as an Irish Student