The landscape for UK students has shifted dramatically. According to recent findings, 68% of university students in the UK now juggle term-time jobs alongside their studies. This marks a significant increase, driven largely by the intensifying cost of living crisis and declining affordability in student life. The latest HEPI survey underlines this trend, spotlighting how the financial strain is pushing more students to work just to stay afloat.
What’s Behind the Surge in Student Employment?
The primary driver is unmistakable: UK students working more due to cost of living in 2025 is no longer an exception—it’s the norm. Rent prices have surged by over 11% compared to last year, energy bills remain high, and basic expenses like groceries and transport have risen steadily. With maintenance loans failing to keep pace, many students find themselves with little choice but to pick up part-time work.
Term-time jobs in the UK used to be optional—now, they’re often essential. Hospitality, retail, and delivery services remain the top employers. But some students are turning to gig platforms, tutoring, or freelance digital work to stay flexible and reduce commuting time.
The Struggle for Student Work-Study Balance
Balancing academic responsibilities with part-time work is a growing concern. As students take on longer shifts and more hours, the student work-study balance becomes harder to maintain. Many report fatigue, reduced academic performance, and diminished engagement in extracurricular activities.
According to the HEPI survey, 42% of working students in 2025 admit that employment has negatively impacted their academic output. Study sessions are cut short, assignments delayed, and attendance in lectures drops. Some universities are beginning to respond by offering more flexible learning options, such as recorded lectures and asynchronous assignments, to accommodate the working student body.
Key Stats on UK Student Employment (2025)
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of students working term-time | 53% | 68% |
| Avg. weekly work hours | 12.5 hrs | 16.2 hrs |
| Students citing financial need as primary reason | 67% | 78% |
| Reporting academic impact from work | 35% | 42% |
Changing Attitudes Toward Term-Time Jobs in the UK
The stigma around working during term-time is fading. More universities are actively supporting students with part-time job fairs, skill-building workshops, and career mentoring. However, there’s concern that the educational mission is being overshadowed by financial survival.
Some institutions are piloting ‘study-friendly’ jobs on campus—roles that are low-stress, close to student accommodations, and offer predictable hours. Yet these positions are limited, and demand far outweighs supply. The larger issue remains: systemic reform is needed in student finance policy to reduce reliance on term-time employment.
Moving Forward: Academic Institutions Must Step Up
Universities and policymakers must recognize that students are not just learners—they are workers too. UK students working more due to cost of living in 2025 reflects deeper economic strains that require institutional adaptation. Enhancing financial literacy programs, reassessing maintenance loan thresholds, and expanding campus employment schemes could mitigate the toll on academic performance.
Parents, educators, and government bodies must collaborate to ensure that the promise of higher education doesn’t get lost in the struggle for basic survival.
FAQ
What is driving UK students to work more in 2025?
The main factor is the cost of living crisis, including rising rent, food, and utility prices. Student loans are no longer enough to cover essentials.
How many students are working during term-time in 2025?
68% of UK university students are employed during term-time as of July 2025.
What are the effects of working on academic performance?
According to the HEPI survey, 42% of students say their work has a negative impact on their academic success.
Are universities doing anything to help?
Some universities are offering more flexible learning models and campus-based job opportunities, but broader financial reform is still needed.
What types of jobs are students doing?
Common roles include hospitality, retail, delivery services, freelance gigs, and tutoring—jobs that offer flexibility and quick income.
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