A student’s life is meant to be all about learning, studying, moving up the educational scale, and even the odd bit of partying and travelling thrown in for good measure. However, these days more and more students seem to be joining the ‘real world’ by spending an increasing amount of time in paid employment whilst they are at college or university.

A study was recently carried out by the NUS and Endsleigh Insurance, and the information was compiled into a report called the Student Lifestyle Report. The information in the report looked at different areas of student life in order to analyse student lifestyles, and looked at areas such as debt, employment, education, and options whilst at university.

According to the analysis more and more students are now spending time in paid employment, and this is partly to cover their financial commitments and debts whilst they are at university. According to the research students worked an average of thirteen hours a week in 2008, but in 2010 this went up to an average of fifteen hours per week in paid employment.

The report also found that a rising number of students were working in paid employment during their holidays, when they were supposed to be spending time resting and studying for exams.

One official involved in the research said: “University offers a unique opportunity for students to grow and develop responsibilities, both academically and financially. It is perfectly healthy for students to seek paid employment whilst at university and in the holidays, particularly if this relieves financial pressure on living costs. However, it is equally important to make sure that students leave enough time to devote to their academic course in order to ensure they get the best possible qualifications.”