Part-Time Work UK: What Students Need to Know About Jobs, Hours, and Pay

When you’re studying in the UK, part-time work UK, paid employment that fits around your study schedule, often on campus or in local shops and cafes. Also known as student jobs, it’s not just about extra cash—it’s about gaining real experience, building confidence, and learning how to manage time under pressure. Whether you’re a home student or an international student on a visa, knowing your rights and limits makes all the difference.

Most students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. That’s not a suggestion—it’s a rule. Break it, and you risk your visa status. During holidays, you can work full-time, which is why many students pack in extra shifts during Christmas, Easter, or summer breaks. The current minimum wage UK, the legal lowest pay rate employers must offer workers aged 21 and over. Also known as National Living Wage, it’s £11.44 an hour as of April 2024. Under-21s get slightly less, but it’s still more than most part-time jobs abroad pay. And yes, your pay must go into a UK bank account—cash payments without records are a red flag.

Where you work matters too. On-campus jobs—like library assistant, student ambassador, or lab helper—are often the easiest to balance with lectures. They know your schedule, offer flexible hours, and sometimes even let you study while on break. Off-campus? Cafes, retail stores, and delivery gigs are common, but watch out for employers who ask you to work more than you’re allowed. They’re breaking the law, not helping you.

International students often worry about finding work. The truth? Universities in the UK have dedicated job boards just for students. Check your student portal, career service, or noticeboards. Many roles are posted weeks before term starts, so don’t wait until you’re broke to look. And if you’re studying a degree with a placement year, you’re already building a work history—those skills transfer to part-time roles too.

Don’t forget taxes. If you earn over £12,570 a year, you’ll pay income tax. But you’ll get a Personal Allowance, and if you work only during holidays, you might not hit that limit. National Insurance kicks in too, but you can claim it back if you leave the UK after your studies. Keep your payslips. They’re proof you’re playing by the rules.

And here’s what most guides don’t tell you: the best part-time jobs aren’t always the highest paying. A job that lets you study during slow hours, gives you good references, or connects you to your field (like tutoring for your major) is worth more than extra cash alone. You’re not just earning money—you’re building your future CV.

Below, you’ll find real guides from other students who’ve been there—how to find jobs that actually fit your schedule, how to handle tax forms without panic, what to do if your employer pushes you past your 20-hour limit, and how to turn a coffee shop job into a networking win. No fluff. Just what works.