By Uhozabe Mperekeza Charline
At the East African University Rwanda (EAUR), many students are now combining their studies with work. They do this to support themselves financially, gain experience, and become independent.
This situation is becoming more common because some students cannot fully depend on their families for financial support. As a result, they look for part-time jobs, freelance work, or small business opportunities while still continuing their education.
However, balancing work and studies is not easy. It requires discipline, time management, and strong determination. A typical day for a working student is very busy. In the morning, they attend lectures and classes. In the afternoon or evening, they go to work.
After work, they still need time to study, do assignments, and prepare for exams. This kind of lifestyle can be very tiring. Many students say they feel stressed and exhausted because they have very little rest time. Sometimes, they also struggle to attend all classes or revise properly.
Gakwaya Cynthia, a working student at EAUR, highlighted the difficulties that come with the arrangement. “Working students miss classes, struggle with assignments, face financial pressure, deal with unsupportive employers, and miss opportunities for experience,” she said.
Even with these challenges, some students say that working while studying also has benefits. They learn how to manage money, communicate with different people, and become more responsible. It also helps them prepare for life after university.
King Mahirwe, a third-year Mass Communication and Journalism student, noted that working students lack time for practical learning and internships, which affects their skills and creativity. He expressed a wish for more flexible learning opportunities to help students gain both academic and professional experience.
Lecturers at EAUR also notice differences among students who work. Some students perform well because they manage their time properly and stay focused. Others face difficulties in class because they miss lectures or do not have enough time to prepare.
Andrew Nyanyuki Onsongo, a lecturer at EAUR, explained that success depends on how well students balance their work and academic responsibilities, adding that good planning and discipline are very important.
“Supporting working students needs cooperation from universities, lecturers, students, and employers,” he said. “Lecturers should provide materials early and be flexible, students should manage their time well, and employers should offer support during exams. With teamwork, students can balance work and studies successfully.”
At the institutional level, EAUR leadership understands that many students are working while studying and recognises this as part of modern student life. The university encourages students to communicate with lecturers when they face difficulties, and promotes good time management and academic support to help students succeed in both areas.
Albert Fils Nzayurugo, Head of Department for Mass Communication at EAUR, said working students deserve respect, as many work out of genuine financial need.
“They face challenges such as lack of time, fatigue, missed classes, and stress, which can affect their studies,” he said. “Some students become more disciplined, while others struggle academically. My advice is to manage your time well, seek support, and always prioritise your education while balancing work and studies.”
Studying and working at the same time is a challenging experience for many students. It requires hard work, discipline, and careful planning. While it can be stressful and tiring, it also helps students become independent and gain important life skills. Students who succeed in both areas are those who manage their time well and stay focused on their studies despite the pressures of work.
