Balancing university life with side hustles isn’t always easy, but for me, it’s a way to gain experience, earn some extra cash, and pick up skills that will help me in the future.
Between lectures and assignments, I juggle multiple roles on a zero-hour contract basis through Campus Jobs. I work as a Student Ambassador, Applicant Engagement Content Creator & Unibuddy Ambassador, Student Life Content Creator, and Website Developer. The flexibility of a zero-hour contract means I can choose when I work, which helps me balance everything effectively.
I also worked as a Christmas temp at M&S Foods, which was a cool way to see how food retail ties into my degree in Food Economics & Marketing. One key thing I learned was how consumer demand fluctuates during festive seasons and how supermarkets manage stock to avoid food waste. Seeing these concepts in action gave me a real-world perspective on my studies.
Every day is slightly different, but one thing remains constant—staying organised and flexible is key. Here’s what a real day in my life looks like!
7:00 AM – Morning Run & Planning the Day
I start my day with a morning run—it’s my way of staying fit and clearing my mind before the day begins. Fitness is really important to me, and I love maintaining an active lifestyle while balancing my hustle. After my run, I check my Outlook Calendar to review my schedule. Between classes, studying, and work, staying organised is essential, so I jot down my top three priorities for the day. I also use a to-do list app to keep track of deadlines and meetings. Planning ahead ensures I don’t miss anything important.
9:00 AM – Study Time
I like to get my hardest work done in the morning when I’m most focused. Whether it’s revising for an exam, tackling coursework, or finishing an assignment, this is my deep-dive study time. Coffee is usually involved!
11:00 AM – Student Ambassador Duties (1 Hour)
As a Student Ambassador, I chat with prospective students through Unibuddy, where I answer their questions about university life. I also help out with virtual open days and campus tours, ensuring students get a real feel for what studying at the University of Reading is like. It’s rewarding because I remember being in their shoes, wondering what uni would be like. Plus, it’s a great way to develop communication and public-speaking skills.
12:00 PM – Lunch
By midday, I’m ready for a break. Lunch is always with my friends at one of the university’s catering outlets, and if the weather’s nice, I’ll eat outside. I love the lunch break; it’s my way to de-stress and reset before diving back into the day.
2:00 PM – More Study Time
Afternoons are a mix of coursework and group projects. I try to keep up with everything so deadlines don’t creep up on me. If I have a lighter workload, I’ll use this time to catch up on reading or prep for upcoming assignments.
4:00 PM – Website Development or Content Creation (1 Hour)
This is my side hustle time! Whether I’m working on a website project or creating content for university engagement, I try to keep it to an hour so it doesn’t take over my whole day. It’s nice to switch gears and do something creative outside of my studies.
5:00 PM – Study or Group Work
If there’s a group project or an assignment that needs extra attention, I use this time to collaborate with classmates. Otherwise, I’ll review notes or do some light reading.
7:00 PM – Relax & Unwind
Evenings are for me. I chill with friends and If I have extra energy, I might squeeze in another quick workout. Having downtime helps me recharge for the next day.
Why I Love Side Hustling
Balancing uni with a side hustle can be a challenge, but it’s so worth it. I’ve gained real-world experience, built connections, and developed essential skills like time management, prioritising tasks, and multitasking—all of which will help me in my future career.
My Christmas temp job at M&S Foods was also a great way to see food retail in action, reinforcing what I’m learning in my degree.
For any student thinking about starting a side hustle, my advice is simple: pick something you enjoy, don’t overcommit, and stay organised. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you!
Written by Deepali Malhotra