Finding Part-Time Work at University: A Complete Student Guide

Revision Notes
Aug 2
26 min read

Updated: Aug 19

Finding part-time work at university can help you earn money, develop useful skills and gain experience for future job applications.

A student job may also help you:

Meet people.
Learn more about the local area.
Build confidence.
Develop a routine.
Explore a possible career.
Reduce the amount you need to take from savings.
Provide examples for future interviews.

However, a part-time job should fit around your degree rather than regularly preventing you from attending teaching, completing assessments or looking after your health.

UCAS advises that part-time work can provide money and valuable CV skills, but warns students not to accept so many hours that employment creates excessive pressure or reduces study time. It notes that many course providers recommend working fewer than 15 hours per week during term. This is general guidance rather than a legal limit, and your course may recommend fewer hours.

For international students, visa restrictions may create a separate legal maximum. A visa limit of 20 hours does not mean that working 20 hours is automatically sensible for every course or every student.

This guide explains where to find part-time jobs, how to produce a strong application and what to check before accepting work.

Should You Get a Part-Time Job at University?

Part-time work can be helpful, but it is not suitable for every student or every stage of a degree.

Before applying, consider:

Your weekly teaching hours.
Independent study requirements.
Placements.
Travel time.
Assessment deadlines.
Your health and energy.
Caring responsibilities.
Society commitments.
Visa restrictions.
How urgently you need the income.

Some students work throughout their degree.

Others work mainly:

During university holidays.
At weekends.
During quieter terms.
Through occasional campus shifts.
At events.
During the summer.

You do not need to accept regular weekly work simply because other students have jobs.

Equally, needing paid work does not make you less committed to your degree.

The aim is to find the most manageable arrangement for your circumstances.

Benefits of Part-Time Work

Earning Extra Money

A job can help with costs such as:

Food.
Travel.
Laundry.
Course materials.
Phone bills.
Social activities.
Emergency expenses.

Employment may reduce financial pressure, but do not assume it can safely cover any shortfall regardless of the number of hours required.

Compare:

Expected weekly pay.
Tax and National Insurance.
Travel costs.
Uniform or equipment costs.
Food bought during shifts.
Time away from studying.

A job paying slightly more per hour may not be the better option if it requires expensive travel or finishes after public transport stops.

Read Budgeting for Students before deciding how much income you need.

Developing Transferable Skills

Part-time jobs can build skills such as:

Communication.
Customer service.
Teamwork.
Time management.
Problem-solving.
Reliability.
Cash handling.
Digital systems.
Organisation.
Working under pressure.
Conflict management.

These skills can support later applications even when the job is not directly related to your degree.

A supermarket, café or reception role may provide strong examples of:

Handling a difficult situation.
Working in a team.
Prioritising several tasks.
Communicating with different people.
Meeting standards during busy periods.

The value of the experience depends on what you learn and how clearly you can explain it.

Gaining Career Experience

Some part-time work can help you explore a possible career.

Examples include:

Tutoring for students interested in teaching.
Care work for healthcare applicants.
Administrative work for students interested in business.
Social media work for marketing students.
Laboratory support for science students.
Legal administration for law students.
Student ambassador work for those interested in education or communications.

Do not reject unrelated work when you need income.

A job does not need the same title as your future career to develop useful experience.

Building Confidence

Employment can help you become more comfortable with:

Speaking to unfamiliar people.
Asking questions.
Handling responsibility.
Receiving feedback.
Solving practical problems.
Working within professional expectations.

Your first shifts may feel tiring or awkward.

Confidence usually develops through repeated experience rather than appearing before you begin.

Meeting People

A job can introduce you to people outside:

Your course.
Accommodation.
Existing friendship group.
University year.

This can be especially helpful for:

Commuting students.
Mature students.
International students.
Students who do not enjoy traditional university social events.

Work friendships may remain limited to the workplace, but regular contact can still reduce isolation and create a sense of belonging.

Possible Disadvantages of Part-Time Work

Employment can become a problem when it causes:

Missed lectures.
Repeated late assignments.
Poor sleep.
Constant tiredness.
Increased anxiety.
Reduced participation in university life.
Difficulty attending support appointments.
Little time for independent study.
Conflict with placements.
Unsafe travel late at night.

The impact may not be obvious immediately.

A job can feel manageable during the first two weeks of term but become difficult when several assessments arrive together.

Review the balance regularly.

Decide How Many Hours You Can Manage

Do not begin with the maximum number of hours an employer can offer.

Begin with the time you can realistically spare.

List your fixed commitments:

Lectures.
Seminars.
Laboratories.
Placements.
Travel.
Caring.
Medical appointments.
Essential study.
Sleep.

Then consider where work could fit.

A student with six scheduled teaching hours may still have a substantial independent workload.

A student with placements or long laboratory days may have very little predictable capacity during the week.

UCAS reports that many universities recommend no more than around 15 hours of employment per week during term, although individual course guidance varies.

You may need fewer hours during:

Examination periods.
Placement blocks.
Dissertation work.
Major project deadlines.
Periods of poor health.

Ask whether the employer can reduce or pause shifts during these times.

Set Your Availability Before Applying

Decide:

Which days you can work.
The earliest start time.
The latest safe finish time.
Whether you can work weekends.
Whether availability changes each term.
Whether you can work during holidays.
How much notice you need for shifts.
Whether you can accept occasional extra hours.

Be honest.

Do not promise complete availability to secure the job and then immediately discover that every required shift clashes with your timetable.

You can say:

“I am available on Wednesday afternoons, Fridays and weekends. My teaching timetable changes each term, but I can confirm updated availability in advance.”

Clear availability can make you more reliable, not less attractive.

What Types of Part-Time Jobs Are Available?

University Campus Jobs

Universities may employ students in:

Libraries.
Cafés.
Campus shops.
Reception.
Open days.
Events.
Administration.
Sports facilities.
IT support.
Telephone campaigns.
Research projects.
Student services.

Campus jobs can be useful because employers are familiar with:

University timetables.
Examination periods.
Student availability.
Term dates.

They may also involve shorter journeys and shifts between teaching sessions.

UCAS notes that universities commonly offer student jobs in campus shops, cafés, bars, events and student-support roles.

Campus work can be competitive, so apply early and use the university’s official employment portal.

Student Ambassador Work

Student ambassadors may help with:

Open days.
Campus tours.
School visits.
Applicant events.
Online question-and-answer sessions.
Telephone campaigns.
Widening participation.
Social media.
International recruitment.

These roles may offer flexible, occasional shifts rather than guaranteed weekly hours.

They can develop:

Public speaking.
Communication.
Event work.
Confidence.
Teamwork.
Knowledge of university systems.

Applications may open only once or twice a year, so check your university’s careers and student-employment pages regularly.

Students’ Union Jobs

Students’ unions may recruit for:

Bars.
Cafés.
Shops.
Events.
Reception.
Marketing.
Advice administration.
Venue support.
Elections.
Society services.

These roles may be advertised through the union website rather than the main university system.

The students’ union may also operate a job shop advertising vacancies with local employers.

Retail Work

Retail jobs may include:

Sales assistant.
Cashier.
Stock assistant.
Online-order assistant.
Customer-service assistant.
Seasonal employee.

Retail employers often recruit ahead of:

Christmas.
Summer.
New store openings.
Major sales periods.

Larger employers usually use online application forms.

Smaller businesses may advertise through:

Their window.
Social media.
Local job boards.
Direct enquiries.

Retail work can provide useful examples of customer service, teamwork and working under pressure.

Hospitality Work

Hospitality roles include:

Waiting staff.
Barista.
Bar staff.
Kitchen assistant.
Hotel staff.
Catering assistant.
Event staff.
Front-of-house staff.

Hospitality work may offer evening and weekend hours that fit around teaching.

However, check:

How late shifts finish.
Whether safe transport is available.
Whether hours are guaranteed.
Whether you are expected to work major holidays.
Whether breaks and tips are handled clearly.
Whether trial shifts are paid.

A role that ends at 02:00 may not be practical when the last bus leaves at 23:30.

Tutoring

Students may tutor:

School pupils.
GCSE students.
A-level students.
Younger university students, where permitted.
Language learners.
Music students.

Tutoring may be arranged through:

An established agency.
A university scheme.
A school.
A tutoring company.
Personal recommendations.

Consider:

Safeguarding requirements.
Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
Preparation time.
Travel.
Cancellation arrangements.
Payment methods.
Whether the work is employed or self-employed.

International students on a Student visa must be especially careful. Freelance tutoring may count as self-employment, which is generally prohibited under Student visa conditions.

Ask your university’s international student adviser before accepting work where the employment status is unclear.

Care and Support Work

Roles may include:

Care assistant.
Support worker.
Healthcare assistant.
Personal assistant.
Residential support staff.

These jobs can provide valuable experience, particularly for students interested in:

Healthcare.
Psychology.
Social work.
Education.
Public services.

However, they may involve:

Emotional demands.
Personal care.
Night shifts.
Medication procedures.
Safeguarding responsibilities.
Background checks.
Training.

Read the job description carefully and make sure you understand the responsibilities.

Do not apply purely because the job appears career relevant if the shifts or duties are unsuitable for you.

Administrative Work

Administrative jobs may involve:

Data entry.
Reception.
Filing.
Email.
Telephone work.
Appointment booking.
Spreadsheet use.
Customer queries.

These roles can develop useful digital, communication and organisational skills.

Some are available:

On campus.
Through temporary agencies.
During university holidays.
At local businesses.
Within charities.

Events and Seasonal Work

Event work can include:

Ticket checking.
Stewarding.
Catering.
Registration.
Customer support.
Promotional work.
Festival work.
Conference assistance.

Seasonal work may be available during:

Christmas.
Summer.
Graduation.
University open days.
Festivals.
Sports events.
Tourist seasons.

The National Careers Service recommends applying for seasonal work several months before the period in which you want to work, although vacancies may still appear closer to the date.

Seasonal work can suit students who prefer to earn more during holidays and work fewer hours during term.

Remote Work

Remote student work may include:

Customer support.
Administration.
Research assistance.
Online tutoring.
Content moderation.
Digital marketing.
Transcription.
Data tasks.

Remote work can reduce travel time, but it is not automatically more flexible or legitimate.

Check:

Whether you are an employee or self-employed.
Expected working hours.
Equipment requirements.
Data-security rules.
Whether training is paid.
Whether the employer is genuine.
Whether the rate meets minimum-wage rules where those rules apply.

Be cautious about adverts offering unusually high pay for simple tasks completed entirely through messaging apps.

Internships and Placements

An internship is not always the same as an ordinary part-time job.

It may be:

Paid or unpaid.
Full time or part time.
Short term.
Completed during a holiday.
Connected to a particular career.
Part of your course.

UCAS describes internships as fixed periods of work experience that can last from a week to a year.

Before accepting an internship, check:

Pay.
Hours.
Learning opportunities.
Supervision.
Responsibilities.
Travel.
Whether it fits your visa.
Whether it affects your course.
Whether unpaid arrangements are lawful.

Do not assume that unpaid work is automatically acceptable because it is described as experience.

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs

Your University Careers Service

This should usually be your first stop.

A careers service may provide:

A student jobs portal.
Campus vacancies.
Local employer vacancies.
CV reviews.
Application support.
Interview practice.
Careers fairs.
Information about internships.
Advice for international students.

UCAS recommends contacting the university careers or employability team because it can connect students with suitable opportunities and support applications.

Useful vacancies may close quickly.

University Job Shops

Some universities operate a dedicated student job shop.

This may advertise:

Casual campus work.
Local part-time jobs.
Holiday work.
Tutoring.
Events.
Temporary assignments.

Use official university systems where possible because vacancies may have been checked before publication.

This does not remove the need to read the advert carefully.

Students’ Union

Check:

The students’ union website.
Its social media.
Venue recruitment.
Society newsletters.
Campus noticeboards.
Volunteer-to-paid opportunities.

Union jobs may be especially suitable for students because shifts often follow university activity.

Employer Websites

Large employers commonly advertise directly through their own recruitment websites.

Check businesses near:

Your accommodation.
Campus.
Public transport.
The town centre.
Retail parks.

Create job alerts where available.

Applying directly may reduce the risk of responding to a copied or fraudulent advert.

Job Websites

General job websites can help you search by:

Location.
Hours.
Pay.
Industry.
Contract type.
Remote working.

Use specific searches such as:

Part-time student jobs.
Weekend retail assistant.
Evening receptionist.
Campus casual work.
Christmas temporary staff.
Saturday customer service.

Do not apply automatically to every result.

Check that the job genuinely matches your location and availability.

Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies can help students find:

Temporary work.
Administrative work.
Hospitality shifts.
Warehouse work.
Event work.
Holiday employment.

The National Careers Service explains that agencies may provide access to vacancies that are not otherwise advertised and may specialise in particular sectors.

Before registering, check:

The agency’s reputation.
How payment works.
Whether work is guaranteed.
Cancellation rules.
Travel expectations.
Whether you are employed by the agency or the workplace.
Whether any requested fees are legitimate.

Be cautious about agencies asking you to pay upfront simply to access vacancies.

Local Employers

Smaller businesses may recruit through:

Window signs.
Social media.
Community pages.
Local newspapers.
Direct enquiries.
Word of mouth.

You can visit at a quiet time and ask politely whether the business accepts CVs.

Avoid arriving during the busiest part of a lunch or evening service and expecting a detailed recruitment conversation.

Friends, Coursemates and Flatmates

Ask people you know whether their employer is recruiting.

A recommendation may alert you to a vacancy, but you should still:

Complete the proper application.
Check the contract.
Confirm pay and hours.
Decide whether the role suits you.

Do not accept poor conditions simply because a friend helped you find the job.

When Should You Apply?

Student recruitment often increases:

Before the academic year.
During Freshers’ Week.
Before Christmas.
Before summer.
Ahead of major events.
At the start of each term.

Apply early for competitive campus roles.

However, vacancies appear throughout the year as employees leave or employers need extra support.

Create a simple weekly routine:

Check the careers portal.
Check selected employer sites.
Review saved alerts.
Submit a small number of tailored applications.
Record what you applied for.

Five careful applications are often more useful than fifty identical ones.

Keep a Job-Application Tracker

Record:

Employer	Role	Closing Date	Date Applied	Interview	Outcome
University library	Shelving assistant	10 September	5 September	14 September	Pending
Local café	Weekend assistant	Open	7 September	Not yet	Pending

Also save:

The job advert.
Your submitted CV.
Your application answers.
The contact details.
Interview information.

Job adverts may disappear after the closing date.

Keeping a copy helps you prepare if you are invited to interview.

Writing a Student CV

A student CV will usually include:

Name and contact information.
A short profile.
Education.
Employment.
Volunteering.
Relevant skills.
Achievements.
Interests where useful.

The National Careers Service advises including contact details, an introduction, education, work history and references. It also recommends tailoring the CV to the job advert rather than sending the same version everywhere.

Your CV should normally be:

Clear.
Accurate.
Easy to read.
Relevant.
Free from spelling errors.
Tailored to the role.

Do not include unnecessary personal details such as:

Date of birth.
Marital status.
Nationality.
A photograph, unless there is a genuine role-specific reason.

The National Careers Service specifically advises that age, date of birth, marital status and nationality do not need to be included.

What If You Have No Work Experience?

You probably have more evidence than you think.

You may have developed skills through:

School or college projects.
University assignments.
Volunteering.
Societies.
Sport.
Caring responsibilities.
Fundraising.
Informal work.
Duke of Edinburgh activities.
Helping with a family business.
Online projects.
Work experience.
Student representation.

Instead of saying:

I have no experience.

Identify examples of:

Meeting a deadline.
Working with other people.
Solving a problem.
Communicating clearly.
Organising an event.
Handling responsibility.
Helping a customer or member of the public.
Learning a new system.

The National Careers Service advises first-time applicants to use examples from projects, volunteering and activities to demonstrate relevant skills.

Tailor Your CV

Read the job advert and highlight:

Essential skills.
Duties.
Experience.
Working hours.
Personal qualities.

Then make relevant evidence easy to find.

For a café role, emphasise:

Customer service.
Teamwork.
Reliability.
Working quickly.
Handling money.
Food-safety awareness.

For an administrative role, emphasise:

Organisation.
Accuracy.
Email.
Spreadsheets.
Telephone communication.
Confidentiality.

You are not changing the truth.

You are selecting the parts of your experience most relevant to this employer.

Use Strong CV Language

Begin points with clear verbs, such as:

Organised.
Supported.
Managed.
Created.
Assisted.
Communicated.
Resolved.
Coordinated.
Processed.
Improved.

Instead of:

Was responsible for helping at open evenings.

Try:

Welcomed visitors at school open evenings, answered questions and directed families to subject departments.

Specific examples are stronger than broad claims.

Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter explains:

Which job you are applying for.
Why you want it.
Why you are suitable.
When you are available.

The National Careers Service describes a cover letter as a short introduction to the employer, usually around three to five paragraphs.

A basic structure is:

State the role.
Explain why it interests you.
Give evidence of relevant skills.
Confirm availability.
End professionally.

Avoid sending a letter that could apply to any business.

Mention something specific about:

The role.
Employer.
Customers.
Required skills.
Working pattern.

Completing Application Forms

Read the full form before beginning.

Prepare:

Employment dates.
Education details.
Referee information.
Qualification names.
Availability.
Evidence of skills.
Right-to-work documents where requested at the appropriate stage.

The National Careers Service recommends gathering details of jobs, work experience, training, qualifications and relevant documents before starting an application.

Draft longer answers in a separate document so that:

You can proofread.
You keep a copy.
The form does not time out.
You can check the word count.

Answer every part of the question.

Use the STAR Method

STAR stands for:

Situation: What was happening?
Task: What did you need to achieve?
Action: What did you do?
Result: What happened?

For example:

During a busy school fundraising event, I was responsible for the refreshments table. When the queue became long, I reorganised the table, divided tasks between volunteers and created a separate payment point. This reduced waiting times and helped the team serve more than 150 visitors.

The National Careers Service recommends STAR for showing evidence in applications and interviews.

Keep the example focused on your actions rather than describing what the entire group did.

Asking for References

A referee might be:

A previous employer.
A teacher.
A tutor.
A volunteering supervisor.
A recognised community leader.

Ask before giving someone’s details.

Tell them:

Which job you applied for.
What the employer may ask.
Why you believe they are suitable.
The likely deadline.

The National Careers Service advises against placing another person’s contact information on a CV without agreement. You can normally write “references available on request”.

Do not use a family member unless the employer specifically allows it.

Preparing for an Interview

Before the interview:

Read the advert again.
Research the employer.
Review your application.
Prepare examples.
Plan your journey.
Check the format.
Choose suitable clothing.
Prepare questions.
Confirm availability.

Common questions include:

Why do you want this job?
What experience do you have?
When can you work?
How would you handle a difficult customer?
Tell us about a time you worked in a team.
How will you balance work and university?
What would you do if you could not attend a shift?
Why should we choose you?

Use specific examples.

Do not answer every question with:

“I’m a student, so I work hard.”

Show what you have done that supports the claim.

Be Honest About Availability

Employers need to know when you can work.

Explain:

Your term-time availability.
Examination periods.
Holiday availability.
Any visa limit.
Safe travel restrictions.

Do not hide a Student visa work limit.

The employer needs accurate information, and you remain responsible for complying with your immigration conditions.

Questions to Ask at an Interview

You could ask:

What would a typical shift involve?
How far in advance are rotas published?
Are the hours guaranteed?
Is additional work available during holidays?
How flexible are shifts during examinations?
Is training paid?
What uniform is required?
Who would supervise me?
When do you expect the successful person to begin?

Avoid asking only questions already answered clearly in the advert.

However, you are entitled to understand the practical conditions before accepting work.

What to Check Before Accepting a Job

Confirm:

Hourly pay.
Guaranteed or expected hours.
Shift times.
Location.
Contract type.
Pay dates.
Holiday arrangements.
Breaks.
Training.
Probation.
Notice requirements.
Uniform.
Travel.
Visa compliance.
Who employs you.

Ask for the important information in writing.

Do not rely entirely on a rushed conversation at the end of an interview.

National Minimum Wage Rates for 2026

From 1 April 2026, the statutory minimum hourly rates are:

Age or Category	Minimum Hourly Rate
Age 21 and over	£12.71
Age 18 to 20	£10.85
Under 18 and above compulsory school age	£8.00
Apprentice rate where eligible	£8.00

The minimum wage normally changes each April, so check the current rate when applying or reviewing your pay.

Some employers pay more than the legal minimum.

Do not confuse the statutory National Living Wage with voluntary living-wage rates promoted by other organisations.

Check How Pay Is Calculated

Ask whether you are paid for:

Training.
Meetings.
Opening and closing tasks.
Travel between work locations.
Trial shifts.
Required preparation.
Time spent completing mandatory online tasks.

Minimum-wage calculations can be affected by deductions or unpaid working time.

Keep your own record of:

Shifts.
Start and finish times.
Breaks.
Pay.
Deductions.

Compare this with your payslip.

Zero-Hours Contracts

A zero-hours or casual contract usually does not guarantee a fixed amount of work.

The employer may offer shifts when needed, and the worker may not be required to accept every shift, depending on the agreement.

This can provide flexibility.

It can also mean:

Unpredictable income.
Last-minute shifts.
No guaranteed hours.
Difficulty planning study.
Fewer shifts during quiet periods.

Workers on zero-hours contracts are still entitled to the National Minimum Wage and statutory paid holiday.

Read the contract and ask:

How are shifts offered?
Can you decline them?
How much notice is given?
What happens when a shift is cancelled?
Is any work guaranteed?
How is holiday pay handled?

Part-Time Worker Rights

Part-time workers should not normally be treated less favourably than comparable full-time workers simply because they work part time.

GOV.UK states that this protection can cover:

Pay rates.
Holiday.
Training.
Pension opportunities.
Career development.

Some benefits may be calculated in proportion to the hours worked.

Your exact rights also depend on your employment status, contract and circumstances.

Seek advice from:

Your employer.
A trade union.
The students’ union.
Acas.
An employment adviser.

Holiday Pay

Almost all people legally classed as workers are entitled to paid annual leave.

This includes many:

Part-time workers.
Agency workers.
Irregular-hours workers.
Part-year workers.

The statutory entitlement is generally 5.6 weeks per year, adjusted according to the working pattern. Irregular-hours workers accrue leave based on the hours worked.

Check your payslip and contract to understand:

How holiday is accrued.
How you request leave.
Whether rolled-up holiday pay is used lawfully.
What happens to unused entitlement when you leave.

Being a student does not remove your holiday rights.

Payslips

Keep each payslip.

Check:

Hours.
Hourly rate.
Gross pay.
Tax.
National Insurance.
Pension deductions.
Other deductions.
Net pay.
Tax code.

Raise mistakes promptly.

Save:

Contracts.
Rotas.
Timesheets.
Payslips.
Relevant emails.

These records are useful when pay or hours are disputed.

Tax and National Insurance

Students pay tax under the same general system as other workers.

GOV.UK currently states that a student may need to pay:

Income Tax when average earnings exceed £1,048 per month.
National Insurance when earnings exceed £242 per week.

Employers usually deduct these through PAYE.

The amount deducted depends on:

Total income.
Pay period.
Tax code.
Whether you have more than one job.
The current tax year.

You may pay tax temporarily even when your total annual income remains below your Personal Allowance.

If you stop work or believe you paid too much, use HMRC’s official tax-checking and refund process.

Having More Than One Job

Multiple jobs can make tax codes and schedules more complicated.

Before accepting another role, consider:

Total weekly hours.
Travel between jobs.
Tax codes.
Visa limits.
Rest.
University commitments.

International students must count work across all jobs towards the weekly visa limit.

Working ten hours for one employer and twelve for another is not a way to remain below a 20-hour restriction.

International Students and Part-Time Work

Never rely on a friend’s visa rules.

Your right to work depends on:

Your immigration status.
Course level.
Whether you study full time or part time.
Your sponsor.
Whether the university is in term or vacation.
The conditions shown on your immigration record.

For students on an eligible Student visa studying a full-time degree-level course with a qualifying higher education sponsor, the usual limit is 20 hours per week during term and full-time work during official vacations.

Eligible students on courses below degree level may be limited to 10 hours during term.

Some students are not permitted to work at all.

Your university defines its official term and vacation dates.

A reading week, dissertation period or gap between teaching sessions may still count as term time.

Ask the university’s international student team before increasing hours.

Work That Student Visa Holders Cannot Normally Do

Student visa holders who are allowed to work generally cannot:

Be self-employed.
Engage in business activity.
Work as a professional sportsperson or professional sports coach.
Work as an entertainer.
Fill a full-time permanent vacancy, except in limited situations connected with switching immigration routes or permitted sabbatical roles.

These restrictions are set out in current Home Office sponsor guidance.

This can affect activities such as:

Freelance tutoring.
Freelance design.
Selling services independently.
Gig-economy work structured as self-employment.
Running an online business.
Monetised freelance content.
Working as a company director.

Do not assume that work completed online or paid through an app falls outside immigration rules.

Ask a qualified university immigration adviser when unsure.

Unpaid Work and Visa Hours

Unpaid employment and internships may still count towards the weekly working limit.

UCAS advises international students that unpaid work can count towards the permitted 10 or 20 hours during term.

Volunteering can be treated differently from voluntary work, but the distinction is technical.

Check with your international student adviser before accepting:

An unpaid internship.
Regular charity work with contractual duties.
A role providing payment in kind.
Work described as volunteering but involving fixed obligations.

Breaking work conditions can have serious immigration consequences.

International Students Should Keep Records

Keep:

Your contract.
Payslips.
Rotas.
Timesheets.
Term dates.
Employer details.

Record all work completed in each seven-day period according to the rules that apply to your visa.

Do not assume that employers will monitor your combined hours across several jobs.

You are responsible for complying with your conditions.

Balancing Work and Study

Create a weekly plan containing:

Teaching.
Independent study.
Travel.
Work shifts.
Meals.
Sleep.
Household tasks.
Rest.

Read Time Management at University for a detailed planning system.

A job is becoming difficult to manage when you regularly:

Miss compulsory teaching.
Arrive too tired to concentrate.
Submit work late.
Study through the night.
Cancel every social or wellbeing activity.
Stop attending appointments.
Feel unable to reduce shifts.
Work more than your visa permits.

Speak to your employer before the situation becomes a crisis.

Tell Your Employer About Academic Commitments

A reasonable student employer should understand that your availability changes around:

Examinations.
Placements.
Reading weeks.
Term dates.
Major assessments.
Timetable changes.

Provide important dates early.

Do not wait until the rota is published to mention an examination you have known about for two months.

At the same time, employers need reliable notice.

Good communication works in both directions.

Protect Essential Study Time

Create non-negotiable study periods.

For example:

Wednesday morning for laboratory preparation.
Thursday afternoon for assignment work.
Sunday morning for weekly planning.

Do not tell your employer you are available at all times you are not physically inside a lecture.

Independent study is still part of your degree.

Use Holidays Strategically

University vacations may allow you to:

Work additional hours.
Take seasonal employment.
Save for the next term.
Gain career experience.
Work near your family home.

However, check whether your vacation also includes:

Assessments.
Dissertation work.
Placements.
Resits.
Reading.
Revision.

Postgraduate students and some professional courses may not have the same vacation periods as undergraduate students.

International students must use the official term dates for their specific course.

What If Your Timetable Changes?

University timetables may change between terms or years.

Tell the employer as soon as possible.

Ask about:

Moving shifts.
Reducing hours.
Swapping with colleagues.
Changing your regular availability.
Taking a temporary break.

Do not assume that a shift agreed during the first term can be ignored when the second-term timetable arrives.

When to Reduce Your Hours

Consider reducing work when:

Your grades fall significantly.
You miss teaching.
Your mental health worsens.
You are constantly exhausted.
You cannot complete essential study.
Travel feels unsafe.
Placement begins.
Your visa limit changes.
The job regularly demands unagreed availability.

Reducing hours is not failure.

It is an adjustment based on new information.

When to Leave a Job

It may be time to leave when:

The work is unsafe.
Pay is repeatedly incorrect.
The employer ignores legal rights.
Harassment or discrimination occurs.
The role differs significantly from the advert.
You are pressured to break visa rules.
Shifts make the degree unmanageable.
The job seriously affects your health.
You receive no promised training or pay.
You are asked to participate in dishonest activity.

Check your notice period and contract.

Where the situation is unsafe or unlawful, seek advice from:

The students’ union.
Acas.
A trade union.
University careers.
International student advisers.
Police or emergency services where appropriate.

Recognising Job Scams

Job scams may aim to steal:

Money.
Passport details.
Bank details.
National Insurance information.
Proof of address.
Login details.

Warning signs include:

Poorly written adverts.
Missing job details.
Unrealistically high pay.
Suspicious email addresses.
An immediate offer without an interview.
Requests for upfront money.
Pressure to provide documents through an unverified channel.
Requests to receive or transfer money.
Communication only through messaging apps.
A company that cannot be verified.

GOV.UK guidance highlights unrealistic salaries, suspicious contacts, offers without interviews and requests for money as major warning signs.

Never Pay Simply to Get a Job

Be very cautious when asked to pay for:

Recruitment access.
Mandatory equipment bought from the recruiter.
A guaranteed interview.
Training before an offer.
A background check through an unfamiliar link.
Visa services arranged by the supposed employer.

Some legitimate jobs involve genuine costs, but verify them independently.

The Disclosure and Barring Service has warned about scams involving fake DBS-check payments.

Contact the employer through verified public details rather than replying through the message you received.

Protect Your Identity

Only provide sensitive information when:

You know who the employer is.
The role has been verified.
The information is genuinely required.
The request is made through a secure process.
You have reached an appropriate recruitment stage.

Do not send a complete identity package to an unverified person advertising on social media.

Fraudsters may use documents for identity theft even when no money is requested initially.

Safe Trial Shifts

A legitimate employer may ask you to demonstrate your skills.

Before attending, ask:

How long will the trial last?
Will it be paid?
What tasks will you complete?
Who will supervise you?
Is the business expecting productive work?
What happens afterwards?

Be cautious about repeated unpaid trials or a full shift of ordinary work presented as an assessment.

Speak to the students’ union or Acas when unsure about whether payment should apply.

Health and Safety at Work

Your employer should explain:

Fire exits.
First aid.
Workplace risks.
Protective equipment.
Emergency procedures.
Safe use of equipment.
How to report an accident.

UCAS advises that employers are responsible for workplace health and safety and should provide information about risks and relevant protective equipment.

Do not use equipment you have not been trained to operate.

Report unsafe conditions.

Harassment and Discrimination

You should not have to tolerate:

Sexual harassment.
Racist behaviour.
Homophobic or transphobic abuse.
Disability discrimination.
Religious discrimination.
Threats.
Bullying.
Retaliation for raising concerns.

Record:

What happened.
Dates.
Witnesses.
Messages.
The person you reported it to.

Seek support through:

A manager.
Human resources.
A trade union.
The students’ union.
Acas.
University wellbeing.
Police where a crime or immediate danger is involved.

Needing the income does not mean you must accept harmful treatment.

Turning a Student Job Into Career Evidence

Keep a record of:

Responsibilities.
Training.
Compliments.
Targets.
Problems solved.
New systems learned.
Additional responsibilities.
Measurable achievements.

For example:

Instead of:

Worked in a café.

You might later write:

Served customers during high-volume weekend shifts, processed payments accurately and trained two new team members in ordering and hygiene procedures.

Review the skills every few months.

This makes future applications easier.

Ask for More Responsibility Carefully

Once you are established, you might volunteer to:

Train a new colleague.
Help at an event.
Manage stock.
Support social media.
Complete opening or closing tasks.
Take on administrative work.

Do this only when:

You have time.
The responsibility is appropriate.
Training is provided.
Additional duties are recognised.
It will not damage your degree.

Development is useful.

Quietly completing the work of three employees for the same pay is not necessarily development.

Common Part-Time Job Mistakes

Applying Without Checking the Hours

The role may clash with compulsory teaching.

Sending the Same CV Everywhere

Tailoring helps employers find relevant evidence.

Assuming You Have No Experience

Use examples from education, volunteering and activities.

Promising Unlimited Availability

Set boundaries before the job begins.

Focusing Only on Hourly Pay

Include travel, unpaid time and shift reliability.

Working Too Many Hours

Your degree and health still require time.

Ignoring Your Contract

Understand pay, notice, hours and holiday.

Not Checking Payslips

Keep your own record of hours.

Accepting Unsafe Travel

Consider how you will get home after late shifts.

Missing Visa Restrictions

The rules apply across all work.

Paying an Unverified Recruiter

Check the company independently.

Staying Silent About Academic Pressure

Speak to your employer and university early.

Finding Part-Time Work Checklist

Before Applying

Review your weekly timetable.
Estimate independent-study time.
Decide how many hours you can manage.
Check your visa conditions.
Set safe travel limits.
Prepare a basic CV.
Ask suitable referees.
Register with the university careers service.
Create a job-search email folder.
Decide which roles suit you.

Finding Vacancies

Check the university careers portal.
Check campus vacancies.
Visit the students’ union job shop.
Create employer alerts.
Review reputable job websites.
Check local employers.
Consider recruitment agencies.
Ask friends about vacancies.
Apply early for seasonal work.
Record every application.

Before Submitting

Read the full advert.
Check pay.
Check hours.
Check location.
Research the employer.
Tailor the CV.
Follow the instructions.
Proofread.
Save a copy.
Submit before the deadline.

Before an Interview

Review the advert.
Read your application.
Prepare STAR examples.
Confirm availability.
Plan travel.
Check the interview format.
Prepare questions.
Bring requested documents.
Check the employer is genuine.

Before Accepting

Confirm pay.
Confirm hours.
Read the contract.
Check the finish time and transport.
Ask about rotas.
Ask about holiday.
Check training arrangements.
Confirm the employer.
Review visa compliance.
Decide whether the job fits your degree.

After Starting

Keep the contract.
Record hours.
Check payslips.
Learn safety procedures.
Communicate timetable changes.
Protect study time.
Review your wellbeing.
Keep evidence of achievements.
Ask questions when pay or duties are unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Students Find Part-Time Jobs?

Start with:

The university careers service.
Campus vacancies.
The students’ union.
Employer websites.
Reputable job boards.
Recruitment agencies.
Local employers.

UCAS recommends using your university’s careers or employability team because it can help identify suitable opportunities and improve applications.

When Should I Start Applying?

You can apply before arriving or after receiving your university timetable.

Campus and Christmas roles may recruit early in the autumn. Seasonal summer recruitment often begins several months before summer.

How Many Hours Should a University Student Work?

There is no single number for every student.

UCAS reports that many course providers recommend fewer than 15 hours per week during term. Your course, health, travel and workload may mean fewer hours are appropriate.

Is 20 Hours a Week Too Much for a Student?

It may be.

Twenty hours is a visa maximum for some international students, not a general academic recommendation.

Consider total study time, travel, sleep and health before accepting this workload.

What Are Good Part-Time Jobs for Students?

Common options include:

Campus work.
Retail.
Hospitality.
Tutoring.
Administration.
Care work.
Event work.
Student ambassador work.
Seasonal employment.

The best job fits your timetable, travel and needs.

Are On-Campus Jobs Better?

They can offer convenient locations and greater understanding of university schedules.

However, they may be competitive or provide only occasional hours.

Can I Get a Job With No Experience?

Yes.

Use examples from:

School.
University.
Volunteering.
Societies.
Sport.
Projects.
Caring responsibilities.

The National Careers Service recommends highlighting transferable skills from these activities.

How Long Should a Student CV Be?

A concise CV is usually best for an early-career applicant.

Focus on relevant education, experience, skills and achievements rather than filling space with unrelated detail.

Should I Include a Photograph on My CV?

Usually not for ordinary UK jobs.

Follow the employer’s instructions where the role has a specific requirement.

Should I Include My Age?

No.

The National Careers Service advises leaving out age, date of birth, marital status and nationality.

Do I Need a Cover Letter?

Include one when requested or when applying with a CV and there is an opportunity to provide it.

Use it to explain why you want the job and why your experience matches the role.

What Is the Minimum Wage for Students?

Students are entitled to the age-appropriate minimum wage like other workers.

From 1 April 2026, the minimum rates are £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over, £10.85 for those aged 18 to 20, and £8.00 for eligible younger workers and apprentices.

Do Students Pay Tax?

Yes, when their income meets the relevant thresholds.

GOV.UK currently states that students may pay Income Tax above average earnings of £1,048 per month and National Insurance above £242 per week.

What If I Paid Too Much Tax?

Use HMRC’s official tax checker and refund process.

This can happen when you stop work partway through a tax year or an incorrect tax code is used.

Do Part-Time Workers Get Holiday Pay?

Almost all workers are entitled to statutory paid leave.

For regular part-time workers, the entitlement is normally 5.6 weeks adjusted to their working pattern. Irregular-hours workers accrue entitlement according to hours worked.

Do Zero-Hours Workers Have Rights?

Yes.

Zero-hours workers are entitled to rights including the National Minimum Wage and paid annual leave, although the contract may not guarantee work.

Can an International Student Work Part Time?

It depends on the visa and course.

Some eligible degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term, while others may have a 10-hour limit or no permission to work.

Can International Students Work Full Time During Holidays?

Some eligible Student visa holders can work full time during official university vacations.

Check the conditions of your visa and the term dates for your specific course.

Can International Students Freelance?

Student visa holders are generally prohibited from self-employment and business activity.

This may include freelance tutoring, design, delivery or online services. Seek immigration advice before accepting work with unclear employment status.

Does Unpaid Work Count Towards Visa Hours?

It can.

UCAS warns that unpaid work and internships may count towards the 10 or 20-hour term-time limit.

Can I Have Two Jobs?

Yes, where your contracts, schedule and immigration status allow it.

Consider the total hours, tax and effect on studying. International students must count hours

across all employers.

Should I Tell an Employer I Am a Student?

Yes.

Explain your timetable and availability clearly. This helps the employer understand examination periods and changing term schedules.

What Is a Job Scam?

A job scam is a false employment opportunity designed to obtain money, identity documents or financial details.

Warning signs include unrealistic pay, immediate offers, suspicious contacts and requests for upfront payments.

Should I Pay for a DBS Check?

Some legitimate roles require a DBS check, and payment arrangements vary.

However, fake DBS-check requests are used in recruitment scams. Verify the employer and process independently before paying.

What If My Job Is Affecting My Grades?

Speak to your employer about reducing or changing shifts.

Also speak to your tutor or university support team. Review whether the job remains financially and academically sustainable.

Can I Leave a Part-Time Job?

Yes, but check your notice period and contract.

Seek advice where the employer is unsafe, withholding pay or pressuring you to break the law or your visa conditions.

Final Advice for Finding Part-Time Work

A good student job should do at least one of three things:

Provide useful income.
Develop valuable experience.
Fit sensibly into your university life.

The best-paid or most impressive-looking job is not always the best student job.

Look for work that offers:

Legal pay.
Clear expectations.
Safe travel.
Manageable hours.
Reasonable flexibility.
Genuine experience.
Respectful treatment.

Begin with your university careers service, prepare a clear CV and apply selectively.

Before accepting a role, check the contract, pay, hours, travel and any visa restrictions.

Once you start:

Record your shifts.
Check your payslips.
Communicate timetable changes.
Protect your study time.
Notice the skills you develop.
Ask for advice when something feels wrong.

A part-time job can become a valuable part of university life.

It should not require you to sacrifice the degree, health or safety it was supposed to help support.