Ever wondered what it’s like to juggle lectures, assignments, and a part time job as a first-year public health student? I’m Shahjahan, and I’m here to share how I survive (and sometimes thrive!) in my first year at university. On SB Words, I dive into public health student life, education, Artificial intelligence innovation, and more. Today, I’m sharing my own experience on balancing studies and part time work to help others who might be facing similar challenges.
A Day in My Life as a Public Health Student
As a 1st year public health student, my days are a balancing act between academics, work, and personal life. A typical day for me starts with attending morning lectures and sitting through seminars on key public health issues, such as epidemiology, healthcare policies, and environmental health. After class, I spend a few hours in the library reviewing notes and preparing for upcoming assignments and exams or whatever I got from department.
But the most significant challenge I face is managing my part-time job. While my job isn't directly related to public health,( I work on different roles such as social media manager, video and post editor, copy writer , blogger and many others when I get free) these helps support my studies, and I try to schedule my shifts around my academic priorities. Usually, I work evenings or weekends, but there are times when I have to fit in a few hours between classes. Managing these two worlds can be tough, but it’s a reality many students like me face in balancing work and studies.
Challenges I Face as a First Year Public Health Student
Balancing a full course load with part time jobs isn't easy, especially when you're in a demanding program like public health. The biggest challenges for me have been time management, dealing with stress, and meeting multiple deadlines. Sometimes, the pressure to excel in both areas leaves me feeling overwhelmed. It's not just about studying for exams, but also about putting in the effort for class projects, keeping up with readings, and managing my work shifts, all while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
One particular challenge that stood out was at the end of my first semester. The final exams were approaching, and at the same time, I was organizing a seminar on HIV awareness. The workload was heavy, and I felt like I couldn’t manage everything at once. That’s when I realized I needed to make a plan.
How I Manage Part-Time Work and Studies
To keep myself on track, I’ve developed a few strategies that help me manage both my studies and part-time work commitments effectively:
1. Use a Planner:
I use a physical planner to organize my study schedule and work shifts. It’s a simple yet effective way for me to visualize everything I need to do. I never schedule work during the night before a major exam or assignment deadline.
2. Promodoro Technique for Time Management:
To stay productive during long study sessions, I use the Pomodoro technique studying for 50 minutes followed by a 10-minute break. This helps me maintain focus while managing the stress of multiple tasks.
3. Stay Energized for Work and Study: Since I’m always on the move, I keep snacks and water with me to stay energized throughout the day. It may sound small, but it really makes a difference during busy days when I’m bouncing between lectures and shifts at my part-time job.
4. Prioritize Self-Care:
Most importantly, I make time for myself. Whether it's a quick walk, listening to a podcast related to public health, or catching up with friends, taking breaks helps me recharge so I can keep up with both work and studies.
What I’ve Learned About Balancing Public Health Studies and Part-Time Work
During my first semester, I felt overwhelmed with final exams and organizing an HIV awareness seminar. It seemed impossible to handle both without burning out.
In my doubts, I turned to motivational podcasts about public health. Hearing professionals share their experiences gave me clarity and reminded me of my goals. With renewed energy, I balanced studying and seminar planning. To my surprise, I succeeded in both and achieved a 3.89 CGPA out of 4.
This taught me to take a step back, find inspiration, and believe in myself. If you're ever overwhelmed, remember to pause, refocus, and persevere. You can do more than you think!
Time Management Tips for Other Students Balancing Work and Studies
If you’re also juggling work and studies, here are a few tips that will found helpful;
1. Plan Ahead: Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your week. Include all your classes, study sessions, and work shifts to avoid any surprises.
2. Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks: Focus on one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The Pomodoro technique is a great way to stay productive without burning out.
3. Seek Inspiration and Guidance: Don’t hesitate to listen to podcasts or read stories from others in your field. Sometimes a little inspiration can give you the boost you need.
4. Ask for Help When Needed: If you're struggling, talk to your professors or peers. In public health, collaboration is key, and there's always support available.
Conclusion
Being a first-year public health student while working part-time is no easy feat, but it’s a challenge I’ve learned to manage. There will always be times when the pressure feels too much, but remembering why you’re doing this and having strategies in place to manage your time can make all the difference. I hope my experience helps you feel more confident in handling your own work-study balance.
Are you a student balancing work and studies? Share your tips in the comments.I’d love to hear what works for you! Follow SB Words for more insights on public health, education, and AI innovation.