While the argument that university years are for studying is a valid one, it is not the whole picture. For myself and many other students, there are lots of reasons for taking on part-time work.
Financial issues is perhaps the most pressing reason to work, but a part-time job is also an opportunity to gain experience in your chosen field, put study into practice, gain relevant skills and make networks that will help you get a job after uni.
With university fees currently at £9000 and hefty living costs on top, life as a student is expensive I need to work.
I work 18.5 hours each week at The University of Worcester, where I am a student, earning around £375 per month. I use this money to pay for the living costs not covered by my loan.
Some people argue that part-time work can have a negative impact on your studies, but I've found that by being organised you can manage both. It helps that my job is at the university where I am studying – they are extremely flexible and say that students should always prioritise their studies.
Christina Weaver, working with children and families student, works 17.5 hours per week in a school.
She says: "It is tough finding the right balance but the experience is a fundamental element of my course. Experience is the key that students are using to distinguish themselves from other applicants."
Most employers ask for experience alongside a degree, and working while at uni puts you in a much better position when it comes to finding a graduate job.
Emily Coppen, a first-year marketing, advertising and PR students works at Waitrose. She argues that working "allows you to practice for the 'real world' where you may have numerous commitments".
What is the point of studying a subject just in theory? After all, will you not be putting theory into practice after university with a job? Part-time work is a good way for students to develop practical skills.
Alina Tatar, a third-year illustration student, works 15-20 hours every week. She says: "Working allows me to develop skills for future employment."
For students, part-time employment is a good way to make relationships in the workplace that you might not have the chance to develop otherwise.
Olivia Bullough, a first-year business information technology student says: "Part-time employment is a good way to make contacts to secure full-time employment upon graduation"
Why else do you go to university? Personally, I went to uni to improve my chance of getting a job.
Alexa-Jane Moore, University of Worcester