A landmark study highlighting the growing prevalence and impact of paid work among university students has been launched by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University and three other universities.
Student Working Lives reveals how employment is reshaping the student experience as many juggle study, paid work and caring responsibilities.
Drawing on survey responses from more than 1,000 students and linked to institutional data, the report was developed by the University of Lancashire’s Institute for Research in Work, Organisations and Employment in partnership with HEPI, BNU, the University of Liverpool and London South Bank University. It demonstrates that for most students, paid work is no longer optional – it’s essential.
The report finds that:
Two-thirds (66%) of students work to cover their basic living costs, while 26% work to support their families.
- Students are working an average of 17 hours a week in paid roles, resulting in an overall workload of around 50 hours when academic work and travel time are included.
- Most are employed in low-paid and flexible sectors such as health and social care, retail and hospitality.
- Students who work fewer than 20 hours per week are more likely to be on track for good honours.
- Students in flexible, supportive and meaningful roles are significantly more likely to achieve good honours degrees.
- More than a third (38%) of students are on zero-hours or casual contracts, and 43% report stress, anxiety or depression caused or worsened by work.
- Only 32% of students feel supported by their managers and 38% by colleagues.
Professor Paul Morgan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Pedagogy and Practice, led BNU’s input into the project, helping to shine a light on how employment affects students’ academic outcomes, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
He said: “Student Working Lives makes it clear that today’s students are juggling far more than their studies. Paid work is now a fundamental part of the student experience, not a side issue - and universities need to work harder to recognise that reality.
“That means listening to students, reshaping curricula and support around their lives, and building stronger links with employers so that work and study complement each other rather than compete. For example, how might we recognise the transferable skills students are gaining through their work in assessment?”
The study calls for systemic reform across the higher education sector, including:
- Updating student finance, reflecting realistic living costs, means-tested grants, inflation-linked loans, and modern income thresholds.
- Building regional university/employer/council partnerships to boost student jobs and tackle skills gaps.
- Refocusing careers services on meaningful work during study.
- Creating regional Student Employment Charters promoting fair, good-quality student work.
Cost of living crisis
Many of the challenges highlighted in the study reflect initiatives BNU has adopted in recent years in response to cost of living pressures. For example:
As well as responding to the study’s recommendations, BNU is already exploring opportunities to introduce more flexible models of higher education, including block delivery and short courses that better fit around students’ work and caring responsibilities; looking at credit-bearing modules and giving greater value to transferable skills gained through paid work; strengthening employer partnerships to give more access to meaningful, high-quality work that supports academic success; and exploring opportunities to provide professionally tailored paid jobs and internships through an on-campus service.
You can see the full report here - Student Working Lives - HEPI