The Impact of COVID-19 on Undergraduate University Students with Part-Time Jobs

Miguel F. Bernard Bravo, The University of Western Ontario

Abstract

This study explored how the pandemic and the shift to online learning impacted university students’ experiences of learning and working, and how students’ capital and other resources impacted their university experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighteen undergraduate students who had paid employment in the last 12 months were recruited. In interviews participants were asked about their experiences with work, schooling and balancing the two with the pressures of the pandemic. Students cited financial concerns, as well as challenges with difficulties with online learning, motivation, and isolation. Importantly, this study found that students experiences differed in accordance with their capital and resources. Those with family capital and support, had an easier time balancing working and learning during the pandemic than others. No one was untouched by the pandemic but the resources at students’ disposal heavily impacted what challenges they faced and the severity of those challenges.