Nearly 36 percent of Turkish college students hold jobs to cover expenses

ISTANBUL

Almost 36 percent of college students in Turkey work jobs to cover their expenses despite the support they receive from government loans, credits and their families, a Young Worker’s Association survey has revealed.

The survey conducted with a thousand students studying in Istanbul, Ankara and the western province of Kocaeli, showed 72.2 percent of students came from families that were below the poverty line in Turkey.

To be exact, 37 percent of working students came from families who made 2,000 Turkish Liras or less per month and 35 percent came from families who made between 2,000-3,000 liras in the same period.

Around 53 percent of students had left home during their studies, online publisher BirGün reported on Jan. 17.

While one-fourth of students residing in dorms had jobs, 56 percent of students residing in lodges were employed.

Of all the students employed, 62 percent were working in the service industry, the report said.

Seven percent, on the other hand, worked in construction and workshops.

According to the report, 33 percent of female students and 42 percent of male students were found to be working.

The report also distinguished between the types of work students were paid for.

For example, 15 percent of students were paid from their daily jobs, such as taking inventory and bellhopping, and 14 percent worked part-time.

Nearly six percent, however, did not attend classes and only came to take exams in school, so they could provide for themselves.

While 21 percent of students who held jobs said they could not spare any time for themselves, students who did not work could spare personal time, according to the report.