10 Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK

Want to work while you study in the UK? Already there and trying to find a part-time job? Many international students get a part-time job to help cover their living expenses. By taking up a job in the UK, not only will you be able to manage your funds better and gain work experience, but you will also gain invaluable experience by meeting new people. You’ll also be exposed to the culture of a British workplace and acquire new abilities and language skills that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

But what sort of jobs do students usually take? And how much can you earn per hour? Take a look at ten part-time jobs for international students in the UK:

• Server Do you enjoy interacting with and speaking to lots of different people? Working as a server could be the job for you. Whether you work in a restaurant on-campus or a traditional British pub off-campus, serving jobs are almost always plentiful across the UK. If English is your second language, you’ll also get to practice your speaking and listening skills in a fast-paced environment – a big plus.On top of your wage, you might get tips. But don’t expect a huge amount – tipping isn’t as customary in the UK as in other places, like North America. Current average wage of a server

• Teaching Assistant Working as a teaching assistant is a great part-time job in the UK for students. You get the opportunity to help with lectures, give feedback to students, and gain professional experience in your industry or field of study.Occasionally, opportunities arise for undergraduates to help teach lower-level classes as teaching assistants, although usually, these jobs are given to graduate or postgraduate students.Current average wage of a teaching assistant

• Tutor If you’re looking for a job that makes an impact, tutoring could be a great fit. Depending on where you work, you might tutor children, teenagers, other university students, or people with special education needs (SEN). Sometimes, workplaces will require you to have a degree in the subject you’re tutoring, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re an undergraduate student.Tutoring is very well-paid for a part-time job – so even if you only work a few hours a week, you’ll still bring home a good amount of money.Current average wage of a tutor

• Dog Walker Feeling stressed at university and looking for a way to unwind? Suppose you prefer the company of animals. You could try dog walking. In fact, just being around a dog can lower levels of cortisol - the stress hormone.Walking a dog can also decrease loneliness, and of course, help you get your exercise in for the day. It’s also a great way to interact with a dog without having your own pet dog.Current average wage of a dog walker

• Retail Worker There are usually lots of retail positions available across the UK – especially in the months of November and December when customers rush to the stores during the busy holiday season.You may want to work in a bookstore, pet store, clothing store, technology store – or any store that interests you. You’ll get to practice your customer service skills on the sales floor. Depending on where you work, you might also earn commission on the items you sell, on top of benefits like employee discounts.Current average wage of a retail worker

• Translator Speaking a second language can make you an attractive candidate in the UK job market – and it can also bring some opportunities of its own! For example, being a translator is one of the many great part-time jobs in the UK for international students. This job will keep your language skills sharp, whether you’re translating articles, research, marketing text, or company websites.Even more, translating is a skill you can carry with you for the rest of your career; even if you’re not a linguist by trade, translating could be a great side job down the road.Current average wage of a translator

• Research Assistant If you’re a graduate or doctoral student, you could have the chance to work as a research assistant at your university. As a research assistant, you’ll likely be paid a salary instead of by the hour, and while many of these jobs are full-time, one-year positions, there are some part-time posts out there.Being a research assistant is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge investigations, be mentored by thought leaders in your industry, and get published.Current average wage of a research assistant

• Hotel Receptionist Perhaps you are interested in meeting people from around the world. If so, you might consider a job in the hotel industry.As a hotel receptionist, you can practice your customer service and language skills. And large hotel chains often provide great company benefits, such as discounted stays in cities around the world. It’s a perfect job for students who like to travel on a budget.Current average wage of a hotel receptionist

• Barista Working as a barista could be a great job if you love coffee and early mornings. Plus, you’ll learn how to make a range of delicious drinks. You’ll also become a coffee expert, which you can impress friends and family with.Current average wage of a barista

• Prep Cook As a prep cook, you’ll cook meals, take instructions from the head chef, and practice food hygiene in the kitchen.Being one means you learn how to make various dishes and cuisines, and practice your new recipes at home to impress your friends and roommates. The skills you learn as a prep cook – cutting, sautéing, baking, frying, broiling, and everything in between – are things you can take with you for life.Current average wage of a prep cook

How Many Hours Can I Work?

Full-time students can work 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during university breaks. Students who study full-time below a degree level can only work 10 hours a week. All this information will be outlined on your visa once it’s approved; make sure to read over the conditions of your student visa carefully.

It’s important to remember that as an international student, you can’t be self-employed – even if it’s just for a few hours a week. You need to have a formal contract from your employer. Some universities also have working restrictions, so make sure to check those out before applying for a job.

Where Should I Look for Work?

Finding a job in the UK takes hard work and dedication, but there are plenty of resources to help you get there. We recommend visiting the career center at your university, which can help you with resume and job interview tips. They should also have a job board available to search through for jobs. There are also many job portals online like StudentJob, Indeed, and Save the Student – which all feature hundreds of jobs for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students alike.

Learn more about the Graduate route – how it works, who is eligible, and how to apply – on our blog.

Want even more tips for studying in the UK? Our blog features a range of articles for international students in the UK – on topics like how to apply for permanent residence, scholarships for international students, and more.