SU report calls for ‘University-wide cultural shift’ to support students with part-time jobs

By Dana Datu, News Reporter

Bristol’s SU’s Student Work-Life Report 2025 reveals the compromising relationship between students and part-time work. As students trade in long hours for work shifts, their mental well-being, academic performance, and overall social life are adversely affected. 

The Students’ Union surveyed 139 working students about their experiences balancing academics with employment, limited to a maximum of 15 hours for undergraduates and 20 hours for postgraduates, as per the University’s recommended work limits.

While 80 per cent of respondents said they maintained a work-life balance, the survey data show a more complicated picture: 

• 35 per cent have skipped classes for their job 

• 34 per cent  said their well-being suffered due to balancing work and university

• 77 per cent said their work affects academics and has impacted their time and energy

Bristol SU’s Research & Insight Team led the report to address rising concerns from students and elected officers regarding the increased employment rates among students. 

Student Officers Mia Stevens (Undergraduate Education) and Gurvin Chopra (Postgraduate Education) worked on commissioning the report – they said that a ‘cultural shift’ may be needed across the University of Bristol.

They proposed that this would involve recognising that student workers are the new norm, while also offering support and resources to maintain balance between work and study.

One student surveyed said, ‘As a self-funded international PGR […] work has to take priority until I hit those 20 hours, so that I’m not homeless and can eat. Part-time study isn’t an option for international students, so work is much more of a worry and focus than my actual research.’

‘My social life has suffered, which means my mental health has worsened. I’ve been more tired too, which has impacted my studies,’ another student shared.

Bristol SU has previously highlighted the plight of student workers due to the cost-of-living crisis. A 2024 SU survey revealed that students resort to working night shifts for 20 hours per week to afford rent, bills, and living costs.

Student Officer Mia Stevens said:

‘Years ago, most students were able to focus full-time on their studies, whereas students now are needing to prioritise earning money to sustain living and studying. This means that students are often faced with the difficult choice of attending seminars to succeed in their degree or taking extra shifts at work to afford to study.’

This year reveals a sharp 12 per cent increase in undergraduate students who are now both working and studying, as shown in the recent Advance HE and HEPI survey, from 56 per cent in 2024 to 68 per cent in 2025, which features in the report.

The Students’ Union said in a press release to Epigram that it ‘hopes the University will build on these findings’, adding that the report highlighted the need for more research to get a wider picture of students’ work-life balance.

A University of Bristol spokesperson said:

‘We’d like to thank the Students’ Union for pulling together this report which highlights the difficulties students face in terms of juggling employment and their studies.

‘We are actively looking at how we can better support these students and are currently working with the SU sabbatical officers on this.

‘We’re also acutely aware of the impact of the cost of living on our students and over the last few years have introduced a number of financial support packages.

‘We have specialist teams available who can offer help and advice to anyone who is struggling financially.’

You can view more of the University of Bristol’s information on part-time work here. 

Featured image: Epigram / Sophie Maclaren