Balancing books and bar shifts: The uni student’s guide to part-time jobs at M&B

Juggling lectures, essays, and a social life is already a full-time job, so where does a part-time job for uni students fit in? 

The truth is, with the right role, working alongside your degree doesn’t have to feel like a balancing act. In fact, it can be one of the best parts of your uni experience.

At M&B, our part-time uni jobs are designed to work around you. We are all about flexible hours, good vibes, and building skills that’ll look great on your CV while still leaving time for Netflix, naps, and nights out. 

Can I work a part-time job while in university?

Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? Absolutely, as long as you’ve got a bit of planning up your sleeve.

Working a part-time job while studying might sound like adding more to an already packed plate, but it can actually make life easier (and a bit more exciting). 

With M&B, shifts can be slotted in around your lectures, seminars, and study sessions, so you’re not trying to write an essay at 3am after a late shift.

Plus, the benefits go way beyond a healthier bank account. You’ll pick up skills like time management, teamwork, and people skills, the kind of stuff that makes employers sit up and take notice once you graduate. 

What’s the best part-time job for students?

If you ask ten students what the best part-time job for students is, you’ll probably get ten different answers, but we’re willing to bet hospitality will come up again and again. And for good reason.

At M&B, roles like bar staff, waiting team, kitchen crew, or hosting aren’t just “jobs”, they’re social, fast-paced, and come with the holy grail of student perks: flexible hours.

Need a few shifts in summer when you’re home from uni? Done. Want to scale back during exam season? No problem.

Plus, you’ll get 33% off when you’re dining or drinking out, whether it’s a catch-up over cocktails at O’Neill’s, a Sunday roast at Toby Carvery, a quick bite at Sizzling, or something more upmarket on the high street.

And there’s always the chance to move up quickly if you want to keep climbing the career ladder after uni, or even while you’re still studying.

Tips for managing work and study

Balancing uni life and a job doesn’t have to mean living in a constant whirlwind; a few smart habits can make all the difference. Here are some student-approved tips to keep your sanity (and your grades) intact:

• Plan your week ahead – pop shifts, lectures, and deadlines into one calendar so you can spot busy days before they sneak up on you.
  
  
• Be upfront with your manager – let them know about exam periods or big assignments so they can help lighten your schedule when you need it most.
  
  
• Use little pockets of time – revise flashcards on your commute, or brainstorm essay ideas during your break.
  
  
• Protect your downtime – rest is just as important as work and study. Make space for friends, hobbies, and doing absolutely nothing.
  
  
• Learn to say no – it’s tempting to take every extra shift, but your future self (and your degree) will thank you for setting limits.
  
  

With a bit of organisation and the right mindset, you’ll find that working while studying isn’t just doable, it can make your uni years even more rewarding. 

Ready to balance books and bar shifts in a part-time university job?

So, can you work a part-time job while in university? 100% yes, especially when it’s with a team that gets how student life works. The right role can boost your bank balance, sharpen your skills, and give you a break from the library without eating into your study time.

At M&B, our part-time jobs for uni students are built with flexibility, support, and fun at their core. You might be pouring pints, plating up Sunday roasts, or greeting guests with a smile; whatever the job, you’ll be learning as much as you’re earning.

Ready to find the best part-time job for students? Browse our latest part-time jobs today and see how you can earn, learn, and make your uni years unforgettable.