Life in the diaspora: Students in the workforce – balancing studies and part-time jobs
By Mary Opii
For most Nigerian students in the UK, the dream is clear: earn a degree, broaden opportunities, and build a future that justifies the heavy sacrifices made back home. But along with that dream comes the harsh reality of survival. Rent, bills, transportation, and food quickly pile up, forcing many students to seek part-time jobs. Balancing studies with work is not an option for most, it is a necessity.
I recall a heartbreaking story of a Nigerian student in York. He was diligent in his studies and determined to make ends meet. To cover his expenses, he worked long night shifts at a local supermarket, often after full days of lectures. Exhaustion became his constant companion; he would sometimes doze off in class, barely able to keep up. Then, one fateful day, his body simply gave way. He slumped and never got up again. That tragedy shook many of us in the diaspora and served as a painful reminder of the dangers of overwork.
UK immigration law sets a strict limit: international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This is written clearly on student visas and is strictly enforced. During holiday breaks, students may work full-time, but while classes are in session, anything beyond the 20-hour cap can have dire consequences. Employers are also cautious, as they risk penalties if they encourage or allow students to exceed the limit.
READ ALSO: Life in the diaspora: How many hours can you work?
For Nigerian students, however, this restriction often feels unrealistic. Tuition fees are high, living costs continue to rise, and there is often the expectation to send money home. Many find themselves tempted to bend the rules, working extra hours under the table or taking multiple jobs that together exceed the legal limit. But in addition to the strain on one’s health and academics, such risks can also endanger a student’s visa status.
Students quickly learn that managing both study and work requires discipline. Some choose jobs with flexible schedules; weekend retail work, evening shifts in hospitality, or on-campus roles that allow them to balance academic timetables. Others take on demanding night shifts that leave them too tired for classes the next morning. While the extra income may ease financial burdens, the toll on health and education is often significant.
It is not uncommon to find Nigerian students trading stories about how to survive; budget meals, shared accommodations, or strategies for squeezing every possible hour into work without falling foul of the law. While some succeed in striking the right balance, others buckle under the pressure, their academic performance slipping as survival takes centre stage.
The painful truth is that no job is worth a life. While the need to earn is pressing, prioritising health and education is critical. The system in the UK is structured to ensure students are, first and foremost, learners. Work is secondary, meant only to supplement, not to overshadow, the academic journey.
The tragedy of students who overwork themselves to the point of collapse serves as a warning. Nigerian students in the UK must embrace the discipline of balance, knowing that while money is important, their studies and well-being are the real foundation of success abroad.
