Working/ Volunteering Term Time or Summer?

Psychobot

This week I enrol for my BSc Psychology with Neuroscience course at the University of Westminster and I'm thinking of working and volunteering at some point during the year.

I'm a little confused as to whether it would be better to work during the year and then volunteer during the summer or vice versa. Could anyone offer me any advice?

I like the idea of earning money throughout the year because it means a constant income filtering through. I could however wait to work in the summer.

I definitely want to volunteer, but I'm scared of taking on too much if I volunteer & work during term time.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

guardianangel

Psychobot wrote: »

This week I enrol for my BSc Psychology with Neuroscience course at the University of Westminster and I'm thinking of working and volunteering at some point during the year.

I'm a little confused as to whether it would be better to work during the year and then volunteer during the summer or vice versa. Could anyone offer me any advice?

I like the idea of earning money throughout the year because it means a constant income filtering through. I could however wait to work in the summer.

I definitely want to volunteer, but I'm scared of taking on too much if I volunteer & work during term time.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

I worked as a Student Support Worker on campus. Basically in my final year I couldn't work long hours because of my timetable snd coursework. I supported other students in writing their notes, typing them, reading to them etc. The money was great and I ended up supporting those who were on my modules (I can officially say I got paid to go to class!). I wish I found the job sooner, and as I was living on campus it was easy access if they needed someone last minute. I really enjoyed it and I think it's something worth doing if you can. Check it out, I'm sure every uni has one of these departments, it's just trying to find them. Good luck and have fun at uni - I miss those days

The_One_Who

I think it would depend on how much you need the money. If you do need money then I would suggest working full time during the summer because you'll end up with more at the end of the summer than if you worked part time during the year.

What kind of volunteer work would be wanting to do? Something related to your degree? If so, it would probably be easier to find positions during the summer and your university might be able to help you find a place to do it.

Really, it just depends on how much you need the money. I wouldn't do both the volunteering and working during term because you have to go to uni and have a life too!

NickiM

guardianangel wrote: »

I worked as a Student Support Worker on campus. Basically in my final year I couldn't work long hours because of my timetable snd coursework. I supported other students in writing their notes, typing them, reading to them etc. The money was great and I ended up supporting those who were on my modules (I can officially say I got paid to go to class!). I wish I found the job sooner, and as I was living on campus it was easy access if they needed someone last minute. I really enjoyed it and I think it's something worth doing if you can. Check it out, I'm sure every uni has one of these departments, it's just trying to find them. Good luck and have fun at uni - I miss those days

That sounds like a good idea

I'm going to Durham in September, and I probably won't work in term time (or if I do, it'll be a small hours job in college or something). I'm trying to send out my CV and a cover letter for Xmas work before I go away.

Savvy_Sue

Wherever and whenever you want to volunteer, just be aware that in some organisations you can't just walk into volunteering immediately: if it's with children or a vulnerable client group or you need training then you may have to apply, be interviewed, wait for a CRB check to be carried out, provide references, and do some initial training.

So, if you want to volunteer in the summer, you need to apply by Easter. As with jobhunting you can't just think about it one week, and walk into the job of your dreams the week after!

Durham used to have a student volunteer action group. Wish I could remember what it was called now but it's been a few years!

guardianangel

And a CRB now cost £36 and takes around 3-4 weeks.

lj0405

I'm a full time student and have been accepted to work for a voluntary organisation. As it is a registered charity the CRB charge is not applicable.

lj0405.