Complete Guide to Finding Part-Time Work as a UK Student

Working part-time as a student in the UK isn’t just about making extra cash-it’s about gaining real skills, building confidence, and learning how to manage time between lectures and shifts. With tuition fees and rent rising, most students need to earn. But finding the right job that fits around your schedule? That’s the real challenge.

Know Your Legal Limits

If you’re on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4), you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. That’s not a suggestion-it’s a rule enforced by the Home Office. Break it, and you risk your visa status, future applications, or even being asked to leave the UK. During holidays, you can work full-time. Always check your visa conditions on the official UK government website. No exceptions.

International students can’t work as professional athletes, entertainers, or self-employed. You also can’t take a permanent full-time job. But almost everything else is fair game: retail, hospitality, tutoring, admin work, campus roles, and warehouse shifts during breaks.

Domestic students (UK and Irish citizens) don’t have the same restrictions, but you still need to pay tax if you earn over £12,570 a year. Your employer will handle PAYE, but keep track of your earnings. Many students end up overpaying tax because they don’t claim their personal allowance properly.

Where to Look: Beyond the Usual Suspects

Most students start with Indeed or LinkedIn. That’s fine. But you’re competing with hundreds of others. The real opportunities are hidden.

• University job boards-Every UK university has a dedicated careers portal. These jobs are often tailored for students: library assistants, lab technicians, peer mentors, or event staff. They know your schedule. They won’t ask you to work during your exam week.
• Departmental noticeboards-Check the physics department for a lab assistant role. The English department might need someone to help grade essays. These gigs pay £12-£18/hour and often come with flexible hours.
• Local cafes and bookshops-Small businesses in student towns (like Brighton, Manchester, or Edinburgh) hire regularly. Walk in with a CV. Ask for the manager. Say you’re a student and need flexible hours. Most will say yes.
• Student unions-They run shops, bars, and events. Many hire students for barista roles, ticket sales, or event setup. Pay is usually above minimum wage, and you’ll work alongside other students.
• Online tutoring platforms-If you’re good at maths, science, or languages, sign up with Tutorful, MyTutor, or Superprof. You set your rates. You pick your hours. One student in Glasgow made £800 a month tutoring A-level chemistry.

Don’t overlook Facebook groups. Search “[Your City] Student Jobs” or “[Your University] Part-Time Work.” People post last-minute shifts, weekend gigs, or even dog walking jobs. One student in Leeds found a £15/hour job cleaning university offices after hours-no one else applied because it was 10 PM to 2 AM.

Build a Student-Friendly CV

You don’t need years of experience. Employers know you’re a student. What they want to see is reliability and responsibility.

Here’s what works:

• Headline: “Reliable Student Seeking Part-Time Work - Available Evenings & Weekends”
• Education: List your university, course, and expected graduation date. That’s enough.
• Work experience: Even volunteering counts. “Volunteer at local food bank, served 30+ meals weekly” shows you show up.
• Skills: List soft skills: time management, communication, multitasking. Add hard skills if relevant: “Proficient in Excel,” “Certified in Food Hygiene Level 2.”
• Availability: Be specific. “Available Mon-Fri 5 PM-9 PM, Sat-Sun all day.” Employers love clarity.

Keep it to one page. No photos. No fancy fonts. Use Arial or Calibri. Save as PDF. Name it “YourName_CV_StudentJob.pdf.”

Time Management: The Real Skill You’ll Learn

You think you can handle 20 hours of work plus 30 hours of lectures and study? Most students crash in week three.

Here’s how to survive:

• Plan your week every Sunday-Block out lecture times, study sessions, and work shifts. Use Google Calendar. Set reminders.
• Protect your sleep-Pulling all-nighters to finish an essay after a 10-hour shift? That’s not dedication. That’s burnout. Aim for 6-7 hours minimum.
• Use downtime wisely-Review flashcards on the bus. Listen to lecture recordings while walking to your shift.
• Learn to say no-If you’re already working 18 hours and have a big assignment due, turn down that extra weekend shift. Your grades matter more than £50 extra.

Students who manage this well don’t just survive-they thrive. One student in Cardiff worked 16 hours a week at a campus café, tutored two students on weekends, and still graduated with first-class honours.

What Jobs Pay the Best?

Not all part-time jobs are equal. Here’s what’s actually worth your time in 2026:

University research assistant roles are often underused. Professors need help with surveys, interviews, or data coding. These jobs pay well, look great on your CV, and can lead to letters of recommendation for grad school.

Watch Out for These Pitfalls

Not every job is legit. Here’s what to avoid:

• “Pay to apply” schemes-If a company asks you to pay for training, a uniform, or a background check, walk away. That’s a scam.
• Unregistered employers-If they pay you in cash and don’t ask for your National Insurance number, they’re avoiding taxes. You could be liable later.
• Too many hours-Even if you’re allowed 20 hours, aim for 12-16. You need time to study, rest, and socialize.
• Ignoring your rights-You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage (£11.44/hour for 21+ in 2026). If you’re under 21, it’s lower. But you still get paid. No exceptions.

Also, don’t fall for the “I’ll pay you in experience” line. Experience doesn’t pay your rent.

What Happens After Graduation?

Many students wonder: “Will this job lead to something?”

It can. A student who worked as a research assistant ended up co-authoring a paper. Another who worked in campus IT got hired full-time by the university’s tech team. One who tutored part-time launched her own online tutoring business after graduation.

Don’t treat your part-time job as just a paycheck. Treat it like a stepping stone. Ask for feedback. Take on extra tasks. Build relationships with supervisors. These people can become your references, mentors, or even future employers.

Final Tip: Start Early

Don’t wait until your second term. Don’t wait until your bank account hits zero. Apply for jobs in your first week. Universities have job fairs in September. Sign up for their mailing lists. Talk to the careers advisor. The sooner you start, the more options you’ll have-and the less stress you’ll feel later.

Working while studying is hard. But it’s also one of the most valuable experiences you’ll have in university. You’ll learn more about responsibility, money, and yourself than you will in any lecture hall.