Is it worth going to university?

With reports that some students resort to sex work to make ends meet, Lizzie Fletcher wonders if a degree is worth the cost.

By Lizzie Fletcher

It’s a strange time being a student. For many, it’s their first experience of living away from home, and with that newfound freedom comes unforeseen problems.

While it’s great not having to answer to anyone or live by your parents’ rules, there’s the small matter of having to manage your own money.

    The debt actually gets wiped after 30 years.  

A recent BBC article told the story of a man who engaged in sex work to make ends meet during his university studies.

He isn’t the only person to go to such lengths. Save The Student’s Student Money Survey reveals that around 4pc of students have engaged in some sort of adult work. This may not sound like an especially high number, but it could represent as many as 70,000 people. 

Now, some people undertake this sort of work through choice and enjoy it. But it is an unfortunate truth that many fall into it simply because they see no other way to make the money they need to keep afloat.

The money issues don’t cease once you’ve graduated, either. It’s no secret that student debt is on the rise. The average debt among those graduating in 2018 was £36,000, and many become caught in a debt trap.

Student loan repayments do not begin until earnings exceed £25,000 a year, which means many graduates don’t start paying immediately. Trouble is, interest starts accruing the minute you graduate, so your debt increases even while you’re unable to begin paying it off.

And even though the average graduate salary is around £23,000, not everyone scores a job worth that much. The best-paid jobs are much coveted and extremely competitive. Which means many recent grads find themselves in minimum-wage roles with no hope of repaying their debts. Small wonder so many feel overwhelmed.

All of which begs the question: is a university education worth it? Not everyone thinks so, with many school leavers turning to alternatives such as apprenticeship schemes. These offer the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time, meaning your bank balance actually grows rather than pushing into the red.

Even so, statistics show that graduates still have higher employment rates than non-graduates. They also earn more money over the course of their career.

It’s worth bearing in mind that a student loan is a very different type of debt to a typical bank loan. The bailiffs won’t be knocking on your door if you aren’t making payments, and the debt actually gets wiped after 30 years.

And besides, going to university is about a lot more than gaining a degree or enhancing your employment prospects. The experience of living away from home for the first time and having to make decisions for yourself is invaluable.

Stories of students turning to sex work as a last resort are undeniably uncomfortable to read. But take the right approach to your finances and your lifestyle and going to university is a decision you’re unlikely to regret.

    Not only will you be paid for your time  

Making ends meet: five great ways to earn money while studying

1. Take part in market research: from focus groups to telephone interviews, get paid for giving your honest opinions on brands you use.

2. Sell your old stuff: from books to clothes, we’ve all got things we don’t need or use anymore. Textbooks are especially good for this. You earn money while helping other students save theirs. Perfect.

3. Freelance writing: the great thing about freelancing is that you can choose the hours you want to work. If you have a knack with words and can write to a brief, this can be a nice little earner.

4. Ticket selling/promotions: sell your fellow students tickets to local club nights. Not only will you be paid for your time, you’ll often be offered free entry to the events you promote.

5. Tutoring: offer your services as a tutor to GCSE or A level students. This can be a lucrative activity that makes good use of your developing knowledge and intellectual skills.

 

Published 30 October 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Banish interview nerves: a four-step plan

You may also enjoy: Top tips for note-taking success

You can look at our open vacancies here.

Jobs currently available

New job
Accounts Assistant (1 year contract)
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC8
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business in Braintree, looking to add an Accounts Assistant to their team.

You will be responsible for maintaining all records required for the accurate operation of the sales and purchase ledgers, including the daily entry and reconciliation of cash.

Duties include:

  • Entering daily cash from multiple bank accounts and reconciling on a daily basis.
  • Processing daily sales invoices in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Dealing with the despatch team to reconcile any discrepancies.
  • Processing of Purchase Ledger Invoices, ensuring they are accurate, matched to the delivery notes, and as per the terms agreed.
  • Ensuring the invoices are coded correctly and in line with company policy.
  • Reconciling all supplier statements and agreeing the Creditors Report monthly, correcting any discrepancies with suppliers, and in line with company policy.
  • Raising and processing monthly payment runs for Purchase Ledger invoices, both in domestic and foreign currencies.
  • Working closely with Customer Service and Warehouse departments to ensure excellent communication is adhered to at all times and a high level of
  • Customer Service is given at all times.
  • Assisting the Accounts Manager and CFO with any other tasks to ensure the smooth running of the accounts department within the company.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm.

Please note the company can offer full or part-time hours!

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Engineer (South)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: South
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913747
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, at the forefront of their sector, looking to add a Field Service Engineer to their team - covering a patch in the South - you can be based anywhere in the South of the UK.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the Installation, Commissioning, service, repair, breakdown, and maintenance of the company’s range of capital equipment in a variety of environments, located in the South of the UK.

Duties include:

  • Duties include installing, commissioning, maintaining, and fault‐finding a wide range of both manufactured and third‐party equipment.
  • Providing user training to end clients when required.
  • Providing feedback to customers on any issues identified during commissioning, maintenance, or fault‐finding visits.

To be considered for this exciting role, you must be able to demonstrate a background working in a field service or technical support role, gained within a capital equipment environment. You should be qualified to a minimum of level 3 or above in electrical installation/engineering/maintenance or another relevant technical discipline with 3 years’ experience. Alternatively, a gold card electrician would be considered along with 2391 testing and inspection.

Applicants are welcome from a wide range of equipment backgrounds.

You must have impeccable customer service skills and a confident and professional manner in customer-facing environments.

Key requirements include:

  • Previous experience of performing in a technical field service team
  • Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills
  • Ability to present information in a structured and balanced way
  • Good working knowledge of Word and Excel
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Positive ‘can‐do’ attitude
  • Problem solver ‐ ability to engineer solutions on the job
  • Ability to work and manage in a high‐pressure environment
  • Work autonomously, taking initiative to resolve customer issues
  • Willing to travel and work unsociable hours when needed
  • Some overnight stays are required

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class organisation.

You will be joining a national team of Field Service personnel who take great pride in their work and who aim to build upon long-term relationships with customers.

You will be continually challenged as you are exposed to new technologies. You will receive constant support and guidance from senior management, and your technical knowledge will be furthered through training courses.

For those with the desire, there are opportunities to progress your career within the department and into the wider company.

In return, you will receive ongoing, industry-recognised product training as new products are introduced. You will also enjoy a generous remuneration package, including a competitive salary, company healthcare, a contributory pension scheme, a phone, and a laptop, as well as excellent opportunities for career progression within a market-leading organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operator
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Witham, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB30
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Production Operator for a company based in Witham, Essex.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 6.00am to 2.30pm, with occasional 12-hour shifts required to cover holidays and peak periods.

Role will involve:

  • Carrying out the safe and efficient operation of equipment to prepare products
  • Undertaking dispatch checks and reporting any discrepancies to the Team Leader
  • Completing all necessary record-keeping on the computer
  • Operating filling equipment
  • Movement/sampling of the product to the final store as instructed
  • General cleanliness of production areas, conveying equipment, coolers, etc.
  • Maintaining high levels of cleanliness in all work areas, ensuring correct procedures are followed and documented, where applicable

Skills/Abilities include:

  • Able to determine colour differences by eye
  • Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative
  • Computer literate
  • Quality awareness
  • Adaptable and flexible
  • Good people skills
  • Literate and numerate
  • Team player

Experience in production line operations in the food and beverage sector and knowledge of HACCP would be advantageous.

Excellent company benefits include:

  • Automatic entry into pension scheme after 3 months 4% employee, 6% employer contributions, going up to a maximum of 8% company contribution
  • You automatically qualify for Death in Service benefit which is 4 x basic annual salary
  • Health Cash Back Plan
  • Gym subsidy and cycle to work scheme
  • Benefits hub with access to discounts from various retailers
  • Loyalty awards scheme

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician (Leeds/Bradford)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB29
About the role

A global leader in vehicle washing technology is expanding and seeking a Field Service Technician to support its customers across the Leeds and Bradford region.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

The role involves the service and installation of car and commercial valet equipment. You will handle all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, including equipment servicing and repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels to standard requirements and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • An Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Traveling and staying out overnight as and when required
  • Taking on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Ability to work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • A valid, clean UK driving license
  • Good people skills, presentable, and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

The benefits:

  • Company vehicle available
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913744
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing Sudbury based organisation that is seeking a Sales Manager to join their established team.

This role is designed for a sales hunter — someone who thrives on opening doors, building pipelines, and closing deals.

As a Regional Sales Manager, you will have full ownership of the defined UK & Ireland territory, with clear revenue targets and the autonomy to deliver results your way. You will be responsible for driving new business, expanding existing accounts, and converting technical opportunities into profitable, long-term contracts.

You will spend the majority of your time in the field with customers, influencing decision-makers, developing specifications, and progressing opportunities through to close. Success in this role is measured by pipeline quality, deal conversion, and revenue delivery.

This is not an account-management role. It is a growth-focused position with visibility, influence, and upside.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Build and maintain a high-quality, target-aligned sales pipeline
  • Consistently deliver and exceed revenue and margin targets
  • Identify and convert new business opportunities across your territory
  • Drive specifications and influence key stakeholders early in the sales cycle
  • Lead negotiations and close commercially robust deals
  • Grow existing accounts through cross-selling and repeat business
  • Maintain accurate forecasting and CRM reporting
  • Operate as the commercial face of the group within your region

Role requirements include:

  • Proven sales hunter mentality with a track record of winning new business
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience selling on the road
  • Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness
  • Confidence operating independently with full territory accountability
  • Ability to articulate technical solutions in a clear, compelling way (training provided)
  • Highly motivated, resilient, and driven by performance and results

This role is a step-change opportunity for ambitious sales professionals ready to move beyond junior or supported sales positions into full commercial ownership.

You will be rewarded with:

  • Increased territory scope and revenue responsibility
  • Progression into Senior Sales, Key Account, or Commercial Leadership roles
  • Exposure to international markets, group-level strategy, and cross-brand opportunities
  • Recognition, autonomy, and influence based on performance — not tenure
  • If you want a role where results matter, effort is rewarded, and your career trajectory is directly linked to your performance, this is the opportunity to prove it!

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more