The new semester starts today. New books, new clothes, new friends for my Facebook account, and my grants and loans came in to pay for it all. Sadly, those same grants and loans only really cover the above, so I have to continue working in order to afford food, shelter, and all the other necessities of life (read: Coffee.)

With the cost of tuition constantly rising, I’m not the only person doing the full time school, full time job thing. At the Winter session graduation at ASU this past December the University president, Michael Crow, asked the (now former) students who had worked to help pay through college to stand and be recognized. Over 80% of the crowded floor rose to their feet to accept the applause from parents, friends, and co-workers.

So how does one find the balance between the work place and getting that degree? Here are some tips:

1. Work Part Time: If you can afford to only work part time and still cover all your bills it is highly suggested. Those extra hours can be put towards studying, meeting for group work, and doing the homework your professors assign. However, if you do have to work full time…
2. Find a Job that will Work With You: This may take some digging, and will probably require you to get up early, stay at the office late, or work some weekends, but finding a job that is willing to help work around your school schedule can give you the time you need to go to class as well as let you earn that rent.
3. Take night classes: As more and more people are working, these once havens for single moms and MBA seekers are becoming more and more popular with the younger crowds almost of a necessity. So there is no longer a need to fear being the youngest person in a night class. There will probably even be a few people younger than you (unless you’re the Freshman who forgot to sign up early for classes.)
4. Take Online Courses: I’ll admit that as much as I love the Internet, I am not a fan of online courses. I’m one of those who prefers to bounce ideas off my fellow students and the professor. That said, for many they’re a great way to get the credits you need, and do so on your own schedule.
5. Work for Yourself: Freelancing, if you have the skills (any skills,) can be a really lucrative way to make the money you need to pay your bills. If your a very skilled writer, coder, artist, mechanic, etc., etc., etc. you can promote that and bring in some extra income on the side.

So if you’re a full time student and a full time worker or are planning to become one, take these ideas into consideration to help pay for your classes, your rent, and even your Bud Light on the weekends.

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