Working Part Time While Studying Full Time?

Family, Education, Health and Pets
1
Hello everyone. I am considering returning to university to get a jump start on a career change. While getting my bachelors in the US I worked part time during my full time studies with no problem. From what I have heard, universtiy in Switzerland is structured a bit different than in the US. I already have quite a bit of money saved since I will be financing my studies myself, but I don't want to burden my boyfriend with financing our livelihood all on his own for 2+ years.

For those of you who are studying/have studied in Switzerland, is it reasonable to hold a part time job at the same time? Are classes mandatory, or is it feasible to skip a classes and self study as well? How are your classes distributed during the week? Any free days where one could work?

Thanks!

2
Can be done, but studies will not take just two years if you don't want to go crazy.

If you have a thesis at the end of it, that will be the trickiest part to be honest. Again though, that also can be done, has been proven time and time again.

The thing is that the swiss unis do not accept excuses, and as far as they are concerned a student is a student first and foremost and they're supposed to budget their resources with studying as the first priority.

Of course you will bump into professors, assistants that are understanding, but it's very easy when you're working to lose track of uni deadlines (especially admin ones).

In any case, it all comes down to how organised you can be and if you are going to be working part time, it's really manageable. Full time work, and full time post-grad can be tough (ask me how I know), and you would need at least one semester without uni compromises to make sure that you will get the head start you will need.

3

Students are allowed to work a maximum of 15 hours a week during their course. Normally not for the first six months iirc as you’re expected to be concentrating on studying and not on working, but it may depend on nationality, university and canton.

4
The program I am most strongly considering at the moment is a 3 year Bachelor's, and since I would be doing it as a second Bachelor's, the admissions department confirmed that I would start in the second year. Master's may be considered later, but it's hard to think that I will spend another 4 or so years in school, especially after having experienced the nice income of the working life.

Since I am considering a couple different programs in different cantons, maybe I'll have to ask the universities directly. I definitely don't plan on working a job that is too involved as my studies are my main priority. I'm already planning to do the first semester without any other commitments and see how the course load is before I commit to a part time job.

5
This is only in relation to the residence permit.

If the current residence permit is for employment, there are no restrictions. IF the current residence permit is for studying then the holder is allowed for <15h/week, and up to 100% (so full employment) during a leave of absence and the downtimes of university (e.g. summer weeks).

6
I haven't studied in Switzerland... But in the UK I worked 80% whilst studying 100% and in 3rd year it nearly killed me. And I only managed it, because I had a job, which had quiet times where I could do my Uni work whilst I was at work.

If I were you I'd get a job for weekends and holidays.. Leaving term time week days for uni & study. My uni had a habit of changing lecture days and times at the last moment which then clashed with my work shifts!