How Students Can Find Part-Time Jobs in the UK

Fortunately, international students in the UK can work part-time to earn extra money and support themselves during their studies. Part-time jobs can help ease some financial stress, teach students valuable skills such as time management, and help them to improve their CVs. Whether you need to supplement your income or want some work experience, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about part-time jobs for international students in the UK.

Eligibility and Regulations

If you’re an international student in the UK, you must first do when thinking about getting a part-time job to check if you’re allowed to get one. The restrictions you must look at include those set by the government and those set by your university.

If your college or university is on the official UKVI sponsor list, you’re eligible to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semester. However, this depends on the course you’re studying, and your university can limit how many hours you’re allowed to work. One of the ways you can check whether you’re eligible to work part-time in the UK is by looking at your residence permit paperwork.

Number of Hours

If you’re a full-time student at a degree level or above, you can work for 20 hours per week. However, full-time students below degree level are usually only allowed to work for a maximum of 10 hours per week. If you’re unsure about the number of hours you’re allowed to work or whether you’re allowed to work in the UK, we recommend clarifying this before applying for jobs. During semester breaks, full-time international students are usually allowed to work for 40 hours a week.

Type of Work

In addition to the number of hours you can work, international students are also forbidden from doing certain types of jobs. They cannot be self-employed, freelance, or initiate business activities. They also can’t hold any full-time positions or work as sportspeople, sports coaches, or entertainers. Additionally, international students cannot work as dentists or doctors in training.

Documentation

It’s essential to have all the correct documentation in place before you start applying for part-time jobs as an international student in the UK. In addition to making sure that you have a valid student visa issued for full-time degree-level studies, you must also make sure that you have applied for a National Insurance number. Find out more about applying for a National Insurance number here.

Types of Part-Time Jobs for Students in the UK

There are two main types of part-time jobs available for international students in the UK – on-campus and off-campus jobs.

On-Campus Jobs

On-campus part-time jobs are great for students because, as the name suggests, they’re on-campus. Because of the convenience of the location, these jobs save students time commuting.

Some on-campus jobs include libraries, research labs, computer labs, bookstores, gyms, and reception areas. However, it should be noted that these jobs are highly competitive and can be difficult to get. Keep an eye out for any job openings by paying close attention to your email and notice boards around the campus.

Off-Campus Jobs

Students can also opt for off-campus jobs after obtaining university permission, but these don’t offer the same convenience of location. That being said, there are many jobs to choose from, including jobs in service and hospitality, retail, and education. So, what are the best part-time jobs for students? The following are some of the most common part-time jobs you can get.

Bar Work

Students can find bar work at hotels, bars, and pubs. These jobs require being over 18 and involve serving snacks, meals, and drinks to patrons, taking payments, and clearing tables and glasses. They’re great jobs for those who are outgoing and have good communication skills.

Events and Hospitality

There are plenty of part-time jobs available for students in hospitality. These provide flexible working hours and don’t require prior qualifications. Additionally, hospitality jobs like waiting and catering also include tips, and event jobs like festivals teach students valuable interpersonal skills.

Teaching and Tutoring

Teaching and tutoring are great ways to use your education and can be done both online and in person. They’re also great jobs to add to your resume and showcase your expertise in a certain subject.

Retail

Retail work is demanding but readily available for all. Students can work at supermarkets, drugstores, and clothing stores.

Temp Work

There are several opportunities in temp work across many different fields, including sales, admin, and customer service. These roles involve greeting clients, answering the phone, selling items, and data entry. Those considering temp jobs should remember that these roles often come up last-minute and require a flexible schedule.

How to Look For Part-Time Jobs in the UK

If you have all the documentation you need and are ready to start work, it’s time to start looking for part-time jobs in the UK. There are many places you can turn to, including your social circle and the internet.

Networking and Social Circle

Sometimes, networking or just having a large social circle can help you find a part-time job. Ask around if anyone else knows about any suitable vacancies or if their workplace is currently hiring.

University Career Centre

Many students don’t utilise a resource already available to them – their university’s career centre or job shop. Whether a part-time job on campus or an internship, the career centre can help you get one. Universities have pre-existing relationships with employers and can find suitable vacancies.

Job Boards and the Internet

One of the best places to look for part-time jobs for students is on online job boards and job portals. Since international students can’t work full-time jobs, narrow down your search by filtering part-time jobs. If you don’t have luck on mainstream job boards, we suggest student-only job boards since they provide more suitable opportunities.

In addition to job boards, you can use the internet in general. Many jobs are now advertised on social media, and using Facebook and LinkedIn regularly can help you find a job or get noticed by recruiters.

Speculative Applications

Speculative applications are great for jobs in retail and the service industry. Whether through phone, via email, or in person, reach out to businesses in your locale and politely ask whether they’re looking for any part-time employees.

Balancing work and university life can be challenging, but part-time work has many advantages that make the challenge worth it. Good luck! To know further information please contact with us.