As a student, there are lots of different costs to account for, from accommodation and groceries, to transport and day-to-day expenses (including that daily coffee). Most UK students receive a maintenance loan from Student Finance; however, for some students, a maintenance loan might not be enough to cover everything. Over the years, many students have turned to part-time work to boost their finances.
In the UK, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week with an average wage of between £11-£13 an hour.
Important Information to have before applying for work
Before you start your job search, there are a few things you need to have:
CV/ Resume
This is a document that provides a professional background summary of who you are, your skills, experience and relevant accomplishments. A tip for enhancing your CV would be to use keywords from the job description in your personal profile to enhance visibility and impress potential employers. As many students don’t have a lot of professional experience, it is recommended to use relevant experience you have from past academic achievements or personal hobbies. Examples such as having a hobby in graphic design or being the president of a club or society you founded are a great way to showcase your skills, despite not having any direct professional experience.
Cover Letter
A cover letter offers a great chance to personalise your job application to the specific company you have applied for. This document should highlight your skills, and how they align with the company’s job requirements. This is a chance to express your enthusiasm for the job you are applying to, in addition to showcasing your knowledge of the company and its values. Many companies request that candidates include a cover letter in their application, but even if a cover letter is optional, we would still recommend adding it to your application.
Valid Passport
If you are an international student, you will need a valid passport and/or an appropriate visa to work legally in the UK. So before applying, ensure your passport is valid.
National Insurance Number
Having a NI number is another essential for working in the UK; this is a unique identifier used for taxation and social security purposes.
Student-friendly jobs
We’ve curated a list of student-friendly part-time roles that you could look into.
Student Ambassador
Most universities usually offer part-time work for students to work as subject ambassadors, tour guides or as content creators representing the university. Some other roles you can get at university are in administration, cafes and shops. The pay varies across different universities, but the average is between £10-£15 an hour.
Private Tutor
Joining a learning centre offers a flexible timetable, where you teach subjects such as Maths and English to students from primary school to sixth form. It’s a great way to earn money and reinforce your knowledge. Students have the chance to earn between £15-£25 an hour.
Retail/Supermarket Assistant
This is a great way to gain work experience that sharpens your communication, customer service and teamwork. Some of the popular companies to work at include: Uniqlo, Primark, TK Max, John Lewis, Zara and the Apple Store, due to their flexibility, perks and discounts, with students being able to earn between £10-£15 an hour.
Barista
Working as a barista might mean early morning shifts, but it is often quite flexible is a practical way to sharpen your multitasking, time management and people skills, plus there is potential to earn tips. Some of the popular employers include; Starbucks, Costa Coffee and independent cafes where you can earn between £12-£13 an hour. The Thirsty Scholar also offers part-time work for students.
Hospitality
This job is incredibly flexible and great for outgoing students; most companies allow you to manage your own hours, so you choose when you work. The highest paying areas would be agency work and event catering as well as hotel bars, fine dining restaurants, hotel bars and central London restaurants. The pay in this sector is between £9-£15 an hour.
Delivery Jobs
If you are a student who has a motorcycle, bike or a car, this is a great way to incorporate them into your work. This job offers flexibility and weekly earnings with the top delivery companies being: Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Amazon Flex, with students being able to earn between £11-£18.
Administrative/Office jobs
These types of jobs are ideal for students who prefer remote work and help to build communication, admin and Excel skills in a professional setting. Some of the most popular roles consist of reception, customer service and data entry work. With students earning between £12-£20 an hour.
Platforms to find student part-time work:
Alternatively, you can also apply directly on the company’s website, this would be the most recommended route for students.
Balancing Work and University
As a student, your main priority should be university and your assignments, so if you find that your part-time work is starting to hinder that, it’s best to either work fewer hours or find another job that works better with your timetable.
Please remember to prioritise rest as well. University, in addition to having a job, can be stressful, so when you do find time to rest, please use that time well.