Lazy Students? It isn't as easy as it looks.

THE ANSWER to being skint is to obviously get yourself out there and find a job. But the truth be told, its so much harder than it seems.

Harder than expected...

Parents, the elderly, or members of the general public would happily voice their opinion on the life of a student. Stereotypically, students are lazy 'bums'. Even on Facebook, a group has been created called:

'University is like being on the doll, but your parents are still proud of you.'

As a student myself, I am also looking for additional hours to fund my lifestyle. I go out clubbing, not excessively, but I also have things like a car to pay for and my mobile phone bill.

Since the easter break has arrived, I've been applying for jobs left right and centre. Whenever there is a vacancy, I am emailing away, handing in my CV and speaking to people who could become my potential boss. But the same old scenario seems to occur, they don't want university students.

The reason is actually more reasonable and believable than anything. It's because of the commitment we have with our studies, after all, we are working up a hefty debt for this degree and want to take advantage of everything available. Not only this, but lectures and seminars change and this can interrupt shifts or working patterns.

Of course for students this is bad news, and makes getting employed a lot harder. But this isn't a solid ground to base it on, some employers want the flexibility in a student and some employers only want people during specific parts of the season. 

For example, Dover Ferries want students throughout the summer holidays - and the summer only. So its convenient for students as they get four months off from June - October. The job description is in the local newspaper (Folkestone). Of course, if you don't live next to a port or near the coast then theres always small businesses.

Small businesses seem to employ more students and allow flexibility in working times. Big companies such as Sainsbury's, Tescos, Boots, Debenhams, Topshop and other leading brands are less likely to take on students because they need a sustainable worker - someone who is reliable and doesn't have any other commitments. Small cafe's or bars usually rely on workers, but allow for students to change shifts without hassle or a cause of disruption.

There also seems to be an underlying issue that stops students from finding a job. Many students live far away from home, and when it comes to end of term, they want to go home because they miss family and friends, or even general home comforts.

Having a job in your university town or city can hold you back from going home, or make your break shorter due to commitments. It can be hard to balance both work with education because it seems as the weeks fly by, you're shifting back and forth because of university and work.

Share your experiences. 

Do you have a job? How do you juggle uni with working hours? Post below.