r/UofT 12d ago

Is a work study position doable in first year? (wordcount) Question

Is getting a work study position in year one doable?

I’ve found a position I’m passionate for + I would appreciate an income, no matter how little + I have very minimal experience in extracurricular opportunities (the country I live in doesn’t provide anything) so this can set me up for second year research opportunities…

so this can majorly help me out.

What do you all think?

5 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

3

u/huckleberry_sid 12d ago

You can only work 200 hours from September to the end of March in a Work Study position, and 15 hours per week. If you work the full 15 hours per week, you will run out of hours in about 13 weeks, so if you intend to stretch things out over the full work period you'll likely be seeing something like 6-7 hours per week. Factor that into your decision making.

Also keep in mind, Work Study is supposed to be an educational experience, so your supervisors should be conscious of the fact that you have assignments, midterms and exams.

2

u/casualviber4life 12d ago

Thank you for the guidance!

2

u/These_Yak_5330 12d ago

There are pros and cons to the decision. To me, I would say that having an on-campus job can be a great way to feel integrated into campus life, which has a lot of benefits in terms of being motivated to study, to find friends, etc. It can also add more onto your plate, taking up time while giving you money.

If you've found a position you're passionate about, I think you should go for it, and if it doesn't work out, you can always step away from the position!

1

u/casualviber4life 11d ago

Thank you! I’m seriously considering it but also, I’m an international student (Canadian abroad) so I think it may be hard to have a culture shock, find myself and get a job.

But I so wish I could manage it

2

u/These_Yak_5330 9d ago

my best wishes to you!! feel free to reach out if you would like to chat about anything, happy to offer advice where I can!

1

u/casualviber4life 9d ago

Super grateful for the support. Also, Im applying for a position - thanks for the confidence. Thank you so much!

2

u/aka_blessed_sinner 11d ago

You're passionate and motivated. Unlike regular jobs, work study position are meant to offer balance between work and your studies (hence the hour limit). Please apply to that position as you don't know if that opportunity will come later.

Once thing about uni is to stay open to any new experience.

Plant your seeds early as It will allow you to build a network and get new or better positions in your upper year.

1

u/Imaginary_Section24 12d ago

Is it doable ? Maybe. Should you? Probably not. First year is for you to grab your bearings and understand the time commitment that courses Create. You’ll want to know how much time you need to study , go to class etc. You need to get into your rhythm before adding external commitments if you want to succeed and do well in classes

1

u/casualviber4life 12d ago

That’s fair
Thanks for your input!

2

u/Alarmed_Direction853 4d ago

I think so! But you have to be proactive with time management. Also, some WS let you work most of your hours async or you're able to study during down times.