Already worrying about work in the summer...anyone else?

eklynne

I am already worrying about finding a job to see me over the 5 month summer break, anyone else?
Been applying like mad for all sorts of jobs to no avail, probably to the detriment of my course work
I get my last student loan payment in May and as a student won't be entitled to benefits over the summer and it's really really worrying me. How am I going to get through from May til September if I don't get a job?
Anyone in the same boat?

Oldernotwiser

Five months! Bloody hell!

MrsManda

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Five months! Bloody hell!

The uni summer break is always really long. My second term/last term of teaching ends at the end of March, then four weeks Easter break (more like four weeks of solid revision ) then term starts again. Officially the end of the year for me is the 12th June but as the end of April to the 12th June is the exam period (with occassional revision classes), the chances are I'll finish a few weeks before the june deadline and won't go back to the end of September - though that generally works out as 4 months break.
I don't know about any other courses/uni's but ours expects us to arrange summer placements to boost our knowledge, making it even harder to fit a job around it (unless ur lucky enough to be able to combine the two).

Oldernotwiser

The summer break always has been long, but used to be early/mid June to late September with only a fortnight at Easter.

Indie_Kid

ONW - for first years we finish in April. For second years (not sure about thirds?) it's June, due to exams.

I have to agree - the break is too long.

The_One_Who

I don't think the break is too long, especially from the point of view of university staff who can use the time to do their research. From a student's point of view, if you are lucky enough to get on a summer placement you will usually be there for at least 12 weeks.

Summer jobs will be hard to come by, since everyone will be wanting one. You might need to increase your search area, lower your job expectations (take a menial minimum wage one if you can get it), or maybe look into seasonal work that can provide board too.

atypical

The_One_Who wrote: »

From a student's point of view, if you are lucky enough to get on a summer placement you will usually be there for at least 12 weeks.

I think the majority of summer placements are 6-9 weeks long. I haven't come across one for 12 weeks...

The_One_Who

atypical wrote: »

I think the majority of summer placements are 6-9 weeks long. I haven't come across one for 12 weeks...

Oh, the ones I looked at were all three months. Either way, they can last a while, and some students are needing to do their dissertations during the summer too.

eklynne

My last official teaching day is in the 3rd week of April, then the exam diet lasts until 30th May, my last exam will be mid-May, then I return at the very end of September, with official teaching starting first week of October. Effectively my year consists of 2 12 week semesters, with the last two weeks of each semester being lectures only.
I have been applying for everything, including min wage cleaning jobs but I am getting nowhere. I have been living very frugally since January and have managed to save £80 to £90 from January and February's instalments and I am waiting on my travel expenses coming through.
Does anyone know if students can apply for anything at all from the social security system over the summer? Surely people can't be left with nothing to live on?

Indie_Kid

eklynne wrote: »

Does anyone know if students can apply for anything at all from the social security system over the summer? Surely people can't be left with nothing to live on?

It depends, are you disabled or a parent? There is something about being your final year too.

The last loan installment is bigger and therefore, should last you over the summer.

The_One_Who

Your loan is meant to last you through the summer too, although with the Scottish system it doesn't really work out that way anymore.