For students in the UK, weekend jobs offer a great way to earn money while keeping the weekdays free for studies. Whether you’re looking to cover living expenses, save for something special, or gain work experience, there are plenty of weekend job options available that can fit into a busy academic schedule.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best types of weekend jobs for students, where to find these opportunities, and how to balance weekend work with your studies.
Why Weekend Jobs are Ideal for Students
Weekend jobs are particularly well-suited for students for several reasons:
- Flexibility: Weekend jobs often offer flexible hours that can accommodate your study schedule.
- Extra Income: Working over the weekend can help you earn extra cash without interfering with your academic responsibilities during the week.
- Skill Development: Gaining work experience during the weekend can boost your CV and help develop valuable skills, such as teamwork, customer service, and time management.
- Stress Management: Keeping your weekdays focused on studies and working only on weekends can help maintain a healthy balance between academic and personal life.
Popular Weekend Job Options for Students in the UK
1. Retail Jobs
Retail jobs are among the most popular weekend opportunities for students. Many stores need extra help on Saturdays and Sundays, especially in busy areas or during holiday shopping periods. Roles include working as a sales assistant, cashier, or stock assistant in supermarkets, clothing stores, or specialty shops.
- Average Pay: £8-£10 per hour
- Pros:
- Flexible weekend shifts
- Employee discounts
- Opportunities to develop customer service skills
2. Hospitality Jobs
Restaurants, cafes, and bars are always in need of extra hands during the weekends, particularly in busy city centers and tourist areas. As a waiter, barista, bartender, or kitchen assistant, you can find work during the evenings or daytime on weekends. These roles are perfect for students looking for short shifts that can be easily balanced with academic work.
- Average Pay: £7-£9 per hour (plus tips)
- Pros:
- Evening and weekend work available
- Sociable and fast-paced environment
- Potential for tips on top of hourly wages
3. Delivery Driver or Rider
The rise of food delivery apps such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat has created many weekend job opportunities for students who own a bike, scooter, or car. Delivery drivers and riders can choose when to work, making it a highly flexible option. Weekend shifts are especially busy, meaning more opportunities to earn tips.
- Average Pay: £9-£12 per hour (plus tips)
- Pros:
- Choose your own working hours
- Ideal for those who prefer active, outdoor work
- Additional earnings from tips and bonuses during peak times
4. Event Staff
Working at events is a fun and flexible weekend job option for students. Concerts, sports events, festivals, and conferences often require extra staff to help with ticketing, crowd control, catering, or serving drinks. These roles are typically offered on a temporary or casual basis, with most events happening over the weekend.
- Average Pay: £8-£11 per hour
- Pros:
- Opportunity to work at exciting events
- Flexible, short-term engagements
- Sociable and varied tasks
5. Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject, offering tutoring services can be a rewarding and flexible weekend job. You can tutor other students or younger pupils in subjects like Maths, English, or Science. With the rise of online tutoring platforms, you can even teach from the comfort of your home, making it easier to fit tutoring sessions into your weekend schedule.
- Average Pay: £15-£25 per hour
- Pros:
- High pay rates
- Flexible schedule, including weekend sessions
- Opportunity to improve your own knowledge while teaching others
6. Freelancing
For students with specific skills like writing, graphic design, social media management, or web development, freelancing is an excellent weekend job option. Freelancers can take on projects at their own pace and choose deadlines that fit around their studies. Many companies or individuals hire freelancers for short-term tasks, which can be completed over the weekend.
- Average Pay: £10-£30 per hour (depending on the skill)
- Pros:
- Complete tasks from home
- Flexibility to work only on weekends
- Build a portfolio of work for future career prospects
7. Babysitting or Pet Sitting
Babysitting or pet sitting is another great option for students looking for flexible weekend work. Many parents and pet owners require weekend help, allowing students to earn money in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. You can find babysitting or pet-sitting gigs through local networks, online platforms, or simply by word of mouth.
- Average Pay: £8-£12 per hour
- Pros:
- Flexible, informal work arrangements
- Enjoyable if you like working with children or animals
- Easy to find opportunities through local connections
8. Customer Service Jobs
Customer service roles, particularly in call centers, are often available over the weekend. These jobs involve assisting customers via phone, email, or chat with inquiries or complaints. Many businesses, especially in retail and utilities, require extra weekend help to handle customer requests.
- Average Pay: £9-£11 per hour
- Pros:
- Shift-based, allowing you to pick weekend hours
- Develop communication and problem-solving skills
- Many companies offer remote customer service roles
9. Cleaning Jobs
Cleaning roles in offices, hotels, or even private homes often need to be filled on the weekend. These jobs offer flexibility as they usually involve working early mornings or evenings, leaving plenty of time for studying or other commitments.
- Average Pay: £8-£10 per hour
- Pros:
- Early or late shifts available
- No prior experience required
- Independent, quiet work environment
Where to Find Weekend Student Jobs in the UK
1. Indeed
Indeed is one of the largest job search engines, with plenty of weekend job listings across the UK. Use search filters to find part-time and weekend-specific roles in your area.
- Website: Indeed.co.uk
2. StudentJob UK
StudentJob UK specializes in part-time and temporary positions for students, with a large number of weekend job listings across various industries, from retail to hospitality.
- Website: StudentJob.co.uk
3. Reed
Reed is another major job board that lists weekend job vacancies in sectors like retail, customer service, and hospitality. It’s easy to search for flexible, weekend-specific roles using their search filters.
- Website: Reed.co.uk
4. Gumtree Jobs
Gumtree is a popular platform for finding local weekend jobs, especially in retail, hospitality, and event staffing. It’s also useful for finding gigs and one-off opportunities.
- Website: Gumtree.com
5. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit allows you to offer services like house cleaning, furniture assembly, moving assistance, and more. This platform is ideal for students looking for flexible weekend work on a task-by-task basis.
- Website: TaskRabbit.co.uk
Tips for Balancing Weekend Work and Studies
Working weekends while being a full-time student requires careful time management. Here are a few tips to help you balance both effectively:
- Prioritize Your Schedule: Ensure your study time remains a top priority. Use a planner to block out study sessions and weekend work shifts so you can stay organized.
- Be Selective About Hours: Choose jobs that offer flexibility. If your studies become more demanding during exam periods, communicate with your employer about reducing hours temporarily.
- Take Time to Rest: It’s important to have some downtime during the weekend. Avoid overcommitting to too many shifts and leave some time to relax and recharge.
- Maximize Productivity During the Week: Get ahead on assignments and revision during the week to reduce stress and free up time for work over the weekend.
Conclusion
Weekend jobs are an excellent way for students in the UK to earn money while keeping their studies on track. With a wide range of opportunities available in retail, hospitality, freelancing, and more, students can find roles that offer the flexibility needed to balance work and academics. By exploring job boards, university resources, and gig economy platforms, students can easily find weekend work that fits their schedule and helps them achieve financial independence.