For students in the UK, working part-time during university can be an excellent way to gain experience, develop new skills, and earn extra income to help cover living expenses. Whether you’re looking for a weekend job, seasonal work, or a flexible part-time role that fits around your studies, there are plenty of student job vacancies available across various industries.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best job options for students, the top platforms to find student job vacancies, and tips to secure a position that suits your schedule.
Popular Job Options for Students in the UK
Students in the UK can find work in a variety of industries, from retail and hospitality to office-based roles. Below are some of the most common types of jobs available to students:
1. Retail Jobs
Retail jobs are a popular option for students as they offer flexible hours and are often available in local shops, supermarkets, and high street stores. Retail work typically involves tasks such as customer service, stocking shelves, and operating tills.
- Average Pay: £8-£10 per hour
- Typical Employers: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Primark, Marks & Spencer
2. Hospitality Jobs
Working in hospitality is ideal for students who need evening or weekend work. Jobs in cafes, restaurants, and bars are readily available, and these positions often require minimal experience. Roles can range from waiting tables to bartending or working as a kitchen assistant.
- Average Pay: £7-£9 per hour (plus tips)
- Typical Employers: Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Wetherspoons, Nando’s
3. On-Campus Jobs
Many universities offer on-campus job opportunities that are perfect for students. These roles can include working in the library, student union, administrative offices, or as a student ambassador, helping with open days or tours for prospective students.
- Average Pay: £9-£12 per hour
- Typical Employers: University departments, campus facilities
4. Tutoring
Students who excel in certain subjects can offer tutoring services to other students or younger pupils. This can be done privately or through online platforms. Tutoring offers flexible hours and is especially rewarding for students pursuing teaching careers.
- Average Pay: £15-£25 per hour
- Typical Platforms: MyTutor, Tutorful, Superprof
5. Freelance and Remote Jobs
With the rise of remote working, students can now take on freelance jobs such as content writing, graphic design, social media management, and more. Freelancing allows you to work from home or anywhere, providing flexibility that’s perfect for students with busy schedules.
- Average Pay: £10-£30 per hour (depending on the skill)
- Typical Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour
6. Customer Service Jobs
Many companies offer part-time customer service roles, especially in call centers or online chat support. These jobs involve helping customers with inquiries, resolving issues, or processing orders, and are often available with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Average Pay: £9-£11 per hour
- Typical Employers: BT, Sky, EE, Vodafone
7. Event Staffing
Event work is a great way for students to earn extra income during weekends or holidays. You can find roles such as ticketing, ushering, or serving food and drinks at concerts, festivals, sports matches, and conferences. Event staffing is often seasonal and highly flexible.
- Average Pay: £8-£11 per hour
- Typical Employers: Eventbrite, hospitality staffing agencies, local venues
8. Delivery Driver or Rider
With the increasing demand for food delivery services, students with bikes, scooters, or cars can take up roles as delivery drivers or riders for companies like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. These jobs allow you to choose your own hours, providing flexibility to work around your studies.
- Average Pay: £9-£12 per hour (plus tips)
- Typical Employers: Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat
Top Platforms to Find Student Job Vacancies in the UK
When searching for student job vacancies, it’s essential to use reliable platforms that offer a range of opportunities. Here are some of the best platforms to find student jobs:
1. Indeed
Indeed is one of the largest job search engines in the world, with thousands of part-time and flexible job listings across the UK. You can search for student-specific roles, filter by location, and set up job alerts to stay updated with new listings.
- Website: Indeed.co.uk
2. StudentJob UK
StudentJob UK specializes in part-time, holiday, and internship opportunities for students. The platform offers listings from various sectors, including retail, hospitality, marketing, and administrative jobs.
- Website: StudentJob.co.uk
3. Totaljobs
Totaljobs is another popular job board that offers a wide range of part-time and temporary positions suitable for students. The site also features a section for graduate roles and internships, making it a useful resource for students nearing the end of their studies.
- Website: Totaljobs.com
4. Gumtree Jobs
Gumtree offers local job listings, including part-time, temporary, and casual work. You can find jobs across various sectors such as hospitality, retail, and manual labor. The platform is also great for finding local gigs and one-off jobs.
- Website: Gumtree.com
5. RateMyPlacement
RateMyPlacement is a platform focused on internships, placements, and part-time work for students. It’s an excellent resource for finding work experience and placement opportunities with leading companies across various industries.
- Website: RateMyPlacement.co.uk
6. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that also doubles as a job search engine. Many companies post job vacancies on LinkedIn, including part-time and internship roles for students. Building a strong LinkedIn profile can also help you connect with potential employers.
- Website: LinkedIn.com
7. University Career Portals
Most universities in the UK have dedicated career portals that list job vacancies specifically for students. These can include on-campus jobs, internships, and part-time roles with local businesses. Check with your university’s career service to find out how to access their job listings.
Tips for Securing a Student Job in the UK
Finding a job that fits your student schedule requires preparation and strategy. Here are some tips to help you secure the right student job:
1. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
When applying for student jobs, make sure your CV is tailored to the specific role. Highlight relevant skills, experience, and any previous part-time work. If you’re applying for a retail or hospitality job, focus on customer service skills; for freelance or remote work, showcase technical or creative abilities.
2. Be Flexible with Your Availability
Employers often look for candidates who can work during peak times, such as weekends or evenings. Being flexible with your availability can increase your chances of landing a job. Make sure to highlight your ability to work during non-academic hours.
3. Network and Ask Around
Don’t underestimate the power of networking when looking for a job. Speak to friends, classmates, or university staff to see if they know of any job openings. Many student jobs are found through word of mouth, so it’s worth asking around.
4. Prepare for Interviews
If you get called for an interview, make sure to prepare in advance. Research the company and role, practice common interview questions, and be ready to explain why you’d be a good fit for the job. For roles like retail or hospitality, employers are looking for friendly, reliable, and customer-oriented candidates.
5. Apply Early for Seasonal Jobs
If you’re looking for a seasonal job (e.g., Christmas temp work or summer jobs), make sure to apply early. Many companies start hiring seasonal workers months in advance, so getting your application in early will improve your chances of securing a position.
Conclusion
Finding a student job in the UK can be a great way to earn extra income while developing valuable skills. With a wide range of opportunities available across various industries, students can find flexible roles that fit around their studies. By using job search platforms, networking, and tailoring your applications, you can secure a part-time or temporary job that helps you balance work and study effectively.