Are you currently studying in the UK and considering taking up part-time work? Many international students find part-time jobs to be a great way to manage their living expenses while gaining work experience. Balancing work with studies might seem challenging, but it offers a fantastic opportunity to improve your financial situation, expand your skill set, and immerse yourself in British culture.

Part-Time Jobs in the UK

Taking on a part-time job in the UK allows you to interact with diverse people, enhance your English language skills, and adapt to a professional environment. The experience you gain will not only help you manage your finances but also contribute to your personal and professional growth. Let’s explore some of the most common part-time jobs for international students in the UK.

1. Waiter/Waitress

If you enjoy socialising and meeting new people, working as a waiter or waitress might be ideal for you. Opportunities are abundant, whether it’s in a campus cafeteria or a cosy pub in town. If English isn’t your first language, this job provides an excellent opportunity to practice in a lively setting. While tips might be a nice bonus, don’t expect them to be as generous as in other countries like the United States.  

Average pay: £12.27 per hour

2. Classroom Assistant  

Working as a classroom assistant is a wonderful way to gain professional experience while earning money. You’ll help with lectures, support students, and possibly teach, especially if you’re a postgraduate student. These roles are generally more common for graduate students, but undergraduates may occasionally find opportunities as well.  

Average pay: £11.78 per hour

3. Private Tutor  

If you have a strong understanding of a subject, tutoring can be a highly rewarding job. Whether you’re helping schoolchildren, fellow university students, or individuals with special needs, you’ll be making a significant impact. Keep in mind that some tutoring roles may require specific qualifications, particularly for certain subjects.  

Average pay: £25 per hour

4. Dog Walker  

University life can be stressful, and if you’re an animal lover, dog walking could be the perfect stress-relief job. Spending time with dogs has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.  

Average pay: £13.50 per hour

5. Retail Assistant  

Retail jobs are plentiful in the UK, especially during the busy holiday season. Whether you’re interested in working at a clothing store, a bookshop, or an electronics outlet, you’ll gain valuable customer service experience. Some positions might even offer commission on sales or employee discounts.  

Average pay: £11.63 per hour

6. Translator  

Being bilingual or multilingual can open doors to various job opportunities, including translating. Whether you’re translating documents, websites, or marketing materials, this job can help you maintain your language skills while earning extra income. Translation is also a skill that can be useful in many future career paths.  

Average pay: £14.29 per hour

7. Research Assistant  

For those pursuing graduate or doctoral studies, working as a research assistant can be an invaluable experience. This role often involves working closely with experienced professionals and contributing to significant research projects. While most of these positions are full-time, there are part-time options available.  

Average pay: £15.10 per hour

8. Hotel Receptionist  

If you enjoy meeting people from around the globe, a job as a hotel receptionist might be perfect for you. This role allows you to practice customer service skills and, depending on the hotel, you might even receive discounts on accommodations around the world.  

Average pay: £11.48 per hour

9. Barista  

For those who love coffee and early mornings, becoming a barista can be a fun and fulfilling job. You’ll learn to make a variety of coffee drinks and become knowledgeable about coffee, something that might impress your friends and family.  

Average pay: £11.28 per hour

10. Prep Cook  

As a prep cook, you’ll assist in the kitchen by preparing ingredients and following the head chef’s instructions. This job is an excellent way to learn new culinary skills and try out new recipes in your own time. The techniques you pick up as a prep cook are skills that will serve you well beyond your time at university.  

Average pay: £11.73 per hour

How many hours can you work?  

In the UK, full-time students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays. However, if you’re studying below degree level, you’re limited to working 10 hours per week. 

Be sure to check your visa conditions, as they will detail your work restrictions. Additionally, some universities have their own rules about student employment, so it’s essential to review those before starting any job.

Where can you find part-time work?  

Securing a job in the UK requires effort and perseverance, but there are many resources available to help you. Your university’s career centre can offer guidance on crafting a CV and preparing for interviews, and they often have job boards for students. 

Online job portals such as StudentJob, Indeed, and Save the Student are also excellent places to search for part-time opportunities suitable for students at all levels of study.

Ultimately, working part-time while studying in the UK can greatly enhance your university experience. Not only will you earn money, but you’ll also gain valuable skills, meet new people, and become more integrated into British society.