Many students work part time while going to college. Some even hold down full-time jobs. These students often report that they appreciate their education more because they worked to pay for it. Working doesn’t have to interfere with getting good grades, but it does mean you have to manage your time carefully. Don’t work too much your freshman year—10 or 15 hours a week is probably plenty.
Another tip: Schedule your study time like you schedule work. Remember, school is your most important job right now. A college education will give you the biggest payoff down the road, so don’t let anything else interfere with it. Go to class, participate in discussions, get to know your professors, and make sure you get out of every class what you need to know. After all, you’re paying for it!
