Balancing University and Work Life: My Journey as an International Student

The Reality of Moving Abroad

In the first few months, I felt overwhelmed. Being away from family, adjusting to a new culture, and trying to settle into university life all at once was not easy. One of the hardest parts was finding a part-time job. Living in London, where the cost of student accommodation alone can be around £1000 per month, meant I needed to find work quickly to support myself.

Many students, including myself, don’t initially know where to look or what to do. It wasn’t until I started speaking to others and doing my own research that I discovered helpful tools like the Job Today app. It’s simple, fast, and helped me land my first job within days.

Support Makes All the Difference

What kept me going during tough times was the support I received from people around me. My personal tutor and course leader at the University of Portsmouth London were incredibly understanding when I spoke about my mental wellbeing. Their reassurance made me feel less alone.

One of my close friends gave me the advice I now live by: “Be patient, stay calm, and trust the process.” And that’s exactly what I did. I stayed focused, kept applying, and eventually got a job I’m proud to be working in.

· Time Management

Planning ahead and sticking to a routine is key. I started using a digital calendar (Google Calendar is my go-to) to map out my entire week, including class timings, shifts at work, study hours, meal breaks, and even downtime. Seeing everything visually helped me avoid last-minute stress and gave me a better sense of control over my time. I also make small to-do lists each day on my dairy to stay on track and feel accomplished as I tick things off.

· Communication

One important lesson I learned early on was how valuable open communication is especially with your employer. I was honest about my university commitments from day one, and thankfully, my employer was understanding and offered flexible shifts when needed. Most

managers appreciate reliability and transparency, so don’t hesitate to have that conversation. It creates a mutual understanding that you’re a student first and helps avoid burnout.

· Self-Care

This was something I initially ignored, but I’ve come to realise that rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. When I pushed myself too hard, it affected both my work performance and academic focus. Now, I make time for things that refresh my mind, like listening to music, cooking, or going on long walks. I love exploring new cafes around London it’s my way of discovering the city and reconnecting with myself. Taking small breaks and spending time with friends also helps ease homesickness and boost my mental wellbeing.

· University Support Services

Never underestimate the power of university resources. At the University of Portsmouth London, I reached out to my personal tutor when I was feeling overwhelmed and she was genuinely supportive. Whether you’re struggling with mental health, academic pressure, or just need advice about future career paths, there’s always someone ready to help. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own, but the support is there, you just have to ask.