In today’s fast-paced world, more students are juggling their studies alongside part-time jobs, striving to build a future while addressing immediate financial needs. Yet, this balancing act comes with its own set of challenges.
For many students, managing academics and work can feel like a never-ending struggle. Paul Ndahiro, a third-year Mass Media and Communication student, shared his experiences: “I don’t feel like I have enough time for myself. I spend 10 hours at work and 3–6 hours at school, which often changes due to exams or assignments. That leaves me with only 2–3 hours of personal time a day. It’s like I’m constantly racing against the clock,” he said. Ndahiro emphasized the strain of balancing lectures, assignments, and shifts, adding, “There’s barely time to breathe, let alone relax.”
Ndahiro’s sentiments are echoed by Rosemary Karangwa, a business major who works 40 hours a week in accounting and taxation. “I find it hard to focus on my coursework because I’m often exhausted after work. When I sit down to study, all I want to do is sleep,” she admitted. For both, time management has become a matter of survival.
Coping with the pressure
Despite these challenges, students like Ndahiro and Karangwa have developed strategies to manage their workload. Karangwa relies on careful scheduling. “I use a to-do list to organize my tasks, prioritize what’s urgent and important, and break everything into smaller, manageable chunks,” she explained. Her approach helps her maintain a clear picture of her responsibilities for the week ahead.
Ndahiro, on the other hand, leans on his social support network and prioritizes self-care. “Having a solid support system is key. During my personal time, I avoid distractions like social media and focus on getting enough sleep and staying hydrated,” he shared. He also takes advantage of brief moments to catch up with friends, which helps him stay connected despite his hectic schedule.
These strategies, however, are not foolproof. Both students admitted they often feel overwhelmed and disconnected from their social lives.
Is the Trade-off Worth It?
The question of whether balancing work and study is worth the sacrifices is one that students like Ndahiro and Karangwa grapple with constantly. The financial aspect of working while studying is a significant factor.
For Karangwa, her job is essential to cover tuition, rent, and living expenses. “Tuition fees and rent are so high. Without my job, I wouldn’t be able to make ends meet,” she said. However, the cost of working includes fatigue, reduced academic performance, and a strained sense of well-being.
Ndahiro, whose family provides some financial support, views his job as a way to gain work experience and cover personal expenses. “I don’t rely entirely on my income for tuition, but it definitely helps with other costs,” he explained. Yet, he acknowledged the toll on his academic performance. “Sometimes I wonder if I would do better academically without a job.”
For both students, the trade-off is clear: while working helps meet financial demands, it often comes at the expense of academic excellence, personal time, and social engagement.
The rising cost of education
Students interviewed by MKU Magazine highlighted the broader issue of rising tuition fees and the increased necessity of working while studying. They pointed out that the current cost of education and living leaves many with no choice but to take on part-time jobs, even when it negatively affects their studies and personal lives.
“Education is so expensive these days, and you can’t afford to study without working. But when you work, there’s not enough time to study effectively,” Karangwa lamented.
For students balancing work and study, the struggle is real, and the cost of education is steep. The sacrifices they make—whether in academics, personal time, or mental health—are often unavoidable. Yet, their resilience reflects their determination to succeed despite these pressures.
With the ongoing rise in tuition fees and living expenses, educational institutions must ask: how can they better support students to ensure they thrive academically and personally, without bearing such heavy financial and emotional burdens? Until that question is addressed, students like Ndahiro, Karangwa, and many others will continue navigating the tightrope of work and study, doing the best they can with the tools they have.
