Natwest: Part-time work norm for UK students

The majority of this year's influx of students will be working while studying for their degrees, new research has shown.

Which university students apply to is also affected by the varying living costs from city-to-city, it was found.

A yearly poll conducted by NatWest showed that of 750,000 students polled, 42% will take on part-time jobs over the next term.

Head of Student Financing for the bank, Mark Worthington, said that the current credit crunch may also play a part in the decisions of undergraduates.

He commented: 'Students are increasingly aware of the wider economic climate and this is filtering down into their decisions when they are choosing their university and when deciding whether to take a part-time job during term time.'

This time last year, a Halifax poll found that working students could earn up to £6,000 per year with the average part-time weekly wage being £112.20.