Let's be real, going to school abroad in Europe is a wonderful experience, but there will be some financial challenges. Rent, school, food, and the occasional weekend getaway can add up fast. The better news is, you don't have to use all of your savings or depend solely on your loved ones. A lot of students work in addition to studying in an attempt to cover their expenses as well as to gain valuable work experience. Read on because we're going to break it all down for you, from what jobs you can do, to how many hours you can work, to how much money you can actually make! 

Is It Legal to Work and Study in Europe? 

Indeed, most countries in Europe allow international students to work while still attending classes, although the respective country will ascertain how many working hours are allowable. Students in most cases have the opportunity to work full-time during holidays and part-time within the academic term. Prior to searching for jobs, it would be advisable to check the particular employment limitations of your host country. 

Here's a brief overview of work-hour laws in popular European study destinations for Indian and Asian students: 

• Germany – Between 20 hours a week during semesters and full-time during holidays. 

• France – 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week). 

• Netherlands – 16 hours per week during semesters, full-time in summer. 

• Spain – 20 hours per week with employer approval. 

• Italy – 20 hours per week, full-time during breaks. 

• Ireland – During semesters, 20 hours a week; 40 hours during holidays. 

• United Kingdom – 20 hours a week during semesters, full-time during holidays. 

• Poland – 20 hours per week and full-time in summer. 

• Sweden – No specific limit, but work should not affect studies. 

• Finland – 30 hours a week during the semester, full-time during holidays. 

The most important takeaway? You may work, but do so only within the allowed hours so as not to incur any visa problems. 

What Jobs Can You Land as a Student? 

So now, let's discuss the deal—what sorts of jobs are you actually able to do during your studies? Well, there are lots on and off campus. 

Campus jobs are excellent opportunities to earn some cash without straying too far from your university. You might work as a library attendant, research helper, student ambassador, or assist in the cafeteria. These opportunities are perfect since they usually include flexible timings that fit around your class schedules. 

If you're interested in off-campus work, retail work is a good bet. You can be a sales assistant or a cashier in a store, or even get stockroom jobs. Hospitality work such as waitressing, bartending, or barista work are also very much in demand by students. If you want a little bit of flexibility, you can get into delivery work such as food delivery or courier. 

For those who possess specialized skills, freelancing can be a great means of making money. From graphic design to content writing, social media management, or tutoring, there are plenty of online websites where you can get hired. You can also make money by teaching English or providing tutoring services in your area of expertise. Babysitting and pet sitting are other laid-back opportunities if you like caring for kids or pets. 

How Much Money Can You Really Earn? 

This is the million-dollar question! Your wages will vary by job, locality, and firm, but for simplicity's sake, let us simplify. On average, Germany pays between €12 to €15 an hour. France typically pays between €10 to €13 an hour, and in the Netherlands from €10 up to €15. Italy and Spain pay the lowest, in the range of €7 up to €12 an hour. If you are studying in Ireland, you could possibly earn between €11 and €14 an hour.  

In Poland, student pay ranges from €6 to €10 per hour, while in Sweden and Finland, one can make from €10 to €18 hourly depending on work. In the UK, pay ranges from €10 to €15 hourly and is a robust choice for working part-time. 

If you crunch the numbers, working 20 hours a week at €12 an hour will get you roughly €960 per month. That's enough to pay for a decent portion of your rent and food! 

Handling Your Budget Like a Pro  

Making money is one thing, but controlling your spending is the ultimate game-saver. Budgeting is your best buddy here. Keeping track of your expenditure with apps such as Mint or YNAB is also a clever thing to do. Opt for the must-spends such as rent, food, and transport first before splurging on entertainment and shopping. 

Preparing meals at home rather than dining out will save you tons of money. And you can also eat together with your housemates to minimize expenses. On travel, also ensure that you use student fares. Student travel passes are often available in Europe, which cover a huge part of the travel cost. Moreover, don't overlook university benefits—most university campuses provide you with free or subsidized membership of gyms, libraries, and even cultural shows. 

Balancing Work and Study Without Burnout 

While studying along with working is a wonderful idea to earn some money and learn some experience, always keep something in mind - your academics must remain your number one priority. If you're not able to balance work with your assignments, it might be wise to scale down your working hours. 

Time management is important. Remember your classes, work shifts, and study time by keeping a close eye on your schedule using tools like Google Calendar. Working part-time on campus or freelancing are examples of occupations with changeable hours that may make it easier to balance work and school. 

Don't forget to take breaks too! Burnout due to overwork could hamper your productivity at school and work. Therefore, be sure to have time for socialization, relaxation, and self-care. 

Final Thoughts: Making Your Side Hustle an Asset 

Studying and working in Europe isn't merely a means to earn money—it's a chance to become experienced, new friends, and gain financial independence. Working on campus, a cafe, or freelancing, the list of options is endless when it comes to earning while being able to maintain your studies. With some careful planning and intelligent budgeting, you could live your student life without worrying about your finances all the time. 

So, are you up for hustling while studying in Europe? Share your views and experiences below in the comments or simply get in touch with us directly! And if this was useful to you, forward it to your friends planning to study abroad!