Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Consider a Part-Time Job?
- Traditional Student-Friendly Jobs
- Digital and Remote Opportunities
- Gig Economy Options
- Seasonal and Event-Based Work
- Making the Right Choice
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
Part-Time Jobs: Introduction
At UK Study Connect, we understand that locating appropriate part-time jobs for students in the UK can be a significant challenge. Factors such as the escalating cost of living and the continuous rise in tuition fees have prompted many students to seek flexible job opportunities that can help alleviate their financial burdens while balancing their academic commitments.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the best part-time job options available to students in the UK for 2025. We will explore various sectors, including retail, hospitality, tutoring, and remote work, highlighting the specific roles that offer both flexibility and competitive wages.
Additionally, we will provide valuable tips on navigating the job market, creating practical applications, and securing interviews. We aim to equip students with the insights and resources they need to find rewarding part-time jobs that complement their studies and enhance their university experience.
According to recent statistics from UCAS, over 65% of university students now work part-time while studying. We’ve researched extensively to provide the most up-to-date information about student employment opportunities across the United Kingdom.
Why Consider Part-Time Jobs?
In the words of YouTuber and Blogger Ashika, it better explains why international UK students must consider taking up part-time jobs.
Financial Benefits
In the words of YouTuber and Blogger, Ashika, as captured in the video above, most international students realise how expensive the UK is, so they need those part-time jobs if they plan on going on a night out, buying clothes or accessories, or even taking a holiday.
Working part-time while studying offers numerous advantages beyond the noticeable financial gains. The National Union of Students reports that students with part-time jobs typically earn between £8,000 and £12,000 annually, significantly easing the burden of student loans and living expenses.
Skills Development
We’ve found that part-time work provides invaluable opportunities for:
- Professional skill development
- Time management expertise
- Customer service experience
- Networking opportunities
- CV enhancement
Work-Life Balance
Managing studies alongside part-time jobs helps develop crucial time management skills. The UK Government’s Higher Education Statistics Agency suggests that students working up to 15 hours per week often perform better academically than their non-working peers.
Here are some of the most effective strategies for managing student work-life balance in the UK.
Time Management Fundamentals
Weekly Planning
- Dedicate 30 minutes each Sunday to plan your week
- Use a digital calendar (like Google Calendar) or a physical planner
- Colour-code different activities:
- Classes (red)
- Work shifts (blue)
- Study time (green)
- Personal time (purple)
- Social activities (yellow)
Priority Matrix System
- Urgent & Important
- Assignment deadlines
- Exam preparation
- Work shifts
- Important but Not Urgent
- Regular study sessions
- Exercise
- Family time
- Rest
- Urgent but Not Important
- Some emails
- Certain meetings
- Administrative tasks
- Neither Urgent nor Important
- Excessive social media
- Non-essential activities
- Time-wasting habits
Academic Success Strategies
Study Optimisation
- Use the Pomodoro Technique
- 25 minutes of focused study
- 5-minute break
- Longer break after four cycles
- Create dedicated study blocks between classes and work
- Utilize commute time for light reading or revision
- Schedule harder subjects during peak mental performance hours
Work Integration
- Choose shifts that don’t conflict with major classes
- Request time off during exam periods (give 3-4 weeks notice)
- Use lunch breaks for quick revision sessions
- Keep study materials at work for slow periods
Health and Wellbeing
Physical Health
- Schedule non-negotiable sleep hours (aim for 7-8 hours)
- Meal prep on weekends to ensure proper nutrition
- Exercise at least 3 times per week
- Walk or cycle to work/university when possible
Mental Health
- Schedule “me time” daily (minimum 30 minutes)
- Practice stress-management techniques:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Regular breaks
- Set boundaries with work and study commitments
Traditional Student-Friendly Part-Time Jobs
Retail Positions
Major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and John Lewis offer excellent part-time opportunities for students. These positions typically provide:
- Flexible scheduling around lectures
- Competitive hourly rates (£10-£12 per hour)
- Staff discounts
- Career progression opportunities
Hospitality Part-Time Jobs
The hospitality sector is one of the largest employers of students in the UK, offering various job opportunities that accommodate flexible schedules. This industry encompasses hotel, restaurant, cafe, bar, and event management roles. Popular job options for students include waitstaff, baristas, bartenders, hotel receptionists, and event coordinators.
These roles provide students with valuable work experience and skills and allow them to earn income while balancing their studies. Furthermore, the hospitality sector is known for its dynamic environment, making it an appealing choice for students seeking employment and personal growth.
- Barista positions at major coffee chains
- Restaurant waiting staff
- Bar work
- Hotel reception roles
- Food deliveries
According to UKHospitality, the hospitality sector is known for offering highly flexible working arrangements that are particularly beneficial for students. This flexibility allows students to balance their academic commitments with part-time jobs, making it an attractive option for those seeking valuable work experience while studying.
As a result, students can choose shifts that fit around their class schedules, providing them with the opportunity to earn income without compromising their education.
Campus Part-Time Jobs
University employment frequently presents the most practical option for part-time jobs, with students seeking work while balancing their academic responsibilities. These part-time jobs can often be located conveniently on campus and may offer flexible hours that align with class schedules.
To explore available opportunities, we strongly encourage you to regularly check your university’s job board. Various part-time positions, internships, and work-study options are typically posted there. This resource can help you gain valuable work experience while furthering your education.
- Library assistant positions (£10-£13 per hour)
- Student ambassador roles (£11-£15 per hour)
- Administrative support (£9-£12 per hour)
- Research assistant opportunities (£12-£18 per hour)
Digital and Remote Opportunities
Online Tutoring
The digital education sector has grown significantly and rapidly in recent years, responding to the evolving needs of students and educators alike. Various platforms, such as MyTutor and Tutorful, have emerged as valuable resources for part-time jobs, providing numerous opportunities for students to enhance their learning experience.
These platforms connect students with qualified tutors who offer personalized guidance and support in various subjects. Through one-on-one sessions, students can receive tailored instruction that addresses their learning styles and academic goals.
Furthermore, online tutoring’s flexibility allows students to schedule sessions conveniently and balance their education with other commitments.
Additionally, these platforms often incorporate innovative tools and resources that facilitate interactive learning, such as video conferencing, shared digital whiteboards, and access to a wealth of educational materials.
As a result, students gain academic assistance and the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. They offer students excellent opportunities for part-time jobs to:
- Set their own schedules
- Work from home
- Earn £15-£30 per hour
- Gain teaching experience
Virtual Assistant Work
The availability of remote, part-time jobs has grown substantially in recent years. This trend has been driven by technological advances and a shift in workplace culture, allowing employees to perform their tasks from various locations outside of a traditional office environment.
As a result, many companies are now embracing flexible work arrangements, leading to a broader array of job options for individuals seeking remote employment. Popular platforms include:
Average earnings range from £12-£20 per hour, with flexible hours and valuable business experience.
Why We Recommend Fiverr
At UK Study Connect, we strongly recommend Fiverr as an excellent student resource, primarily due to its user-friendly interface and low entry cost. Fiverr is a prominent freelance marketplace where individuals providing services, referred to as “sellers,” showcase their skills in various categories, with prices starting at just £5.
This affordability makes it an attractive option for students on a tight budget.
One of Fiverr’s standout features is its innovative gig-based system. Unlike traditional freelance platforms that require users to bid on projects, Fiverr allows sellers to create predefined service packages known as “gigs.” Each gig outlines the specific services, pricing, and any additional options.
This system gives sellers more control over their offerings, enabling them to tailor their services effectively to meet potential buyers’ needs.
Access Freelance Services
Fiverr offers students an excellent platform to access diverse freelance services tailored to their needs. The options are vast, from graphic design, which can enhance presentations and projects, to writing assistance for essays and reports.
Additionally, students can find programming support for coding assignments or app development and marketing expertise to promote student-led initiatives or events effectively.
This comprehensive approach not only simplifies the process of finding the right skills for specific projects but also helps students manage their budgets wisely. With services available at various prices, students can select options that best fit their financial situation without compromising quality.
Let’s consider scholarship support a unique use case for the Fiverr platform. After putting in tremendous effort to apply for admission to a university in the UK—crafting a compelling motivational statement and preparing various documents—you finally receive an offer for that highly coveted place.
However, you quickly realise that you can’t afford the tuition and living expenses in the UK. This is where Fiverr proves to be invaluable. The platform features highly experienced freelancers who can significantly change your life by helping you discover scholarship opportunities and guiding you in creating an outstanding scholarship application, among other services.
Therefore, if you are a prospective student searching for scholarship services, we have compiled a list of highly recommended options. Click on any of the options below to view more details. But before you click, please note that all the links below are affiliate links. We strongly advise against making hasty decisions. Before signing up for any gig, take the time to read reviews from previous customers first. Proceed only if you are satisfied with the quality of those reviews.
Here is another Fiverr gig where the freelancer promises to support you in improving your college application essay or personal statement. Interestingly, this gig appears much more pricey than the previous one above. You might be wondering why anyone would opt for this one. Well, your decision might not solely depend on the price. This is a top-rated freelancer. According to Fiverr, “Top Rated sellers are individually selected by Fiverr after meeting specific benchmarks for quality and service.”
First, look at the number of customers the seller has served. Over 1,100 orders have been completed so far. That’s massive!
Secondly, look at reviews. The freelancer has over 400 five-star reviews. That’s encouraging!
Investing £136 in the basic gig or £382 in the premium gig might initially seem like a considerable expense. However, given that she has completed over 1,000 services and received hundreds of positive reviews, it presents a valuable opportunity. This investment could be worthwhile, especially since it involves a life-changing decision. Therefore, it explains why this is a top-rated gig.
“Top Rated sellers are individually selected by Fiverr after meeting specific benchmarks for quality and service.”
Overall, Fiverr is a valuable resource that empowers students to complete tasks while efficiently acquiring professional-level support.
Getting Started on Fiverr As a Freelance
Well, we may have strayed digressed a bit, but let’s refocus. This article discusses how international students in the UK can find part-time jobs. Fortunately, Fiverr isn’t just a platform for students to hire services from sellers. It also allows students with specific skills to offer their services as freelancers. How cool is that?
Based on your skills, you can create a part-time job on Fiverr by offering guitar lessons, logo design, eBook cover design, and social media services, among many other options. Here is how you can become a Fiverr freelancer:
- Create a professional profile
- Choose your service category
- Create your first ‘gig’ with clear descriptions and pricing
- Set up your payment information
- Complete your tax information
We recommend beginning with competitive pricing to attract initial customers and build a strong base of reviews. This approach will help you establish credibility in the marketplace. You can gradually increase your rates by accumulating positive feedback and gaining more experience.
This strategy allows you to enhance your reputation while ensuring that your pricing reflects the value of your services over time.
Ready to get started? Click here (affiliate link) to start your exciting Fiverr Freelance journey!
Become a Fiverr Affiliate
At UK Study Connect, we’ve discovered that Fiverr’s affiliate programme offers an excellent opportunity for international students to earn passive income while studying. This option is desirable as it doesn’t count towards your 20-hour term-time work restriction.
What is Fiverr Affiliate Marketing?
Fiverr affiliate marketing involves promoting Fiverr’s services and earning commissions when people purchase through your unique referral links. We recommend this opportunity because:
- It’s not considered employment under visa restrictions
- Can be managed around your study schedule
- Requires minimal initial investment
- Builds valuable digital marketing skills
Earning Potential
The commission structure is attractive:
- First-time buyers: $15-$50 per conversion
- Existing buyers: $5-$25 per conversion
- CPA rates up to $150 for Fiverr Business referrals
- Additional bonuses for high-performing affiliates
How to Get Started
1. Sign Up Process
- Visit the Fiverr Affiliates website
- Complete the application form
- Provide your payment details
- Wait for approval (typically 24-48 hours)
2. Choose Your Promotion Methods
- Personal blog or website
- Social media channels
- YouTube content
- Email marketing
Ready to get started? Well, you use our Fiverr affiliate link here to sign up (if you use our link to sign up, it means when you start earning affiliate commission, we also earn our own commission for referring to you!).
Alternatively, you can scan this QR code on your mobile device to get started.
Fiverr vs Fiverr Pro: Understanding the Difference
Fiverr Pro is a premium tier of the Fiverr platform that offers a curated selection of high-quality freelancers. We highly recommend aiming for this level as a long-term goal for students seeking opportunities for part-time jobs.
This designation signifies a higher standard of service and professionalism, setting it apart from the regular offerings on the platform. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Fiverr Pro and standard Fiverr services:
Traditional Fiverr:
- Open to all freelancers
- No verification required
- Suitable for beginners
- Lower average pricing
- Unlimited gig creation
- Perfect for building initial experience
Fiverr Pro:
- Exclusive membership
- Rigorous vetting process
- Higher earning potential (typically 3-5x higher rates)
- Access to enterprise clients
- Priority customer support
- Enhanced visibility in search results
- Professional badge on profile
Fiverr Pro Categories
We’ve identified the most relevant Fiverr Pro categories for students:
- Writing & Translation
- Academic Writing
- Content Writing
- Technical Writing
- Translation Services
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- SEO
- Email Marketing
- Content Strategy
- Programming & Tech
- Web Development
- Mobile App Development
- WordPress Development
- Software Testing
- Graphics & Design
- Logo Design
- UI/UX Design
- Illustration
- Brand Style Guides
- Video & Animation
- Video Editing
- Animation
- Video Production
- Motion Graphics
How to Apply for Fiverr Pro
To get started, please click the link in the banner below. This is an affiliate link, meaning that it will direct you to the registration page while also supporting our efforts at UK Study Connect.
Once you click the link, you’ll be taken to a secure page where you can complete your registration. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you join us!
To enhance your chances of being accepted as a Pro member, we suggest following these helpful steps:
- Build Your Portfolio
- Create a professional portfolio website
- Showcase your best work
- Include case studies and client testimonials
- Highlight relevant certifications
- Prepare Your Application
- Submit a detailed professional background
- Provide work samples
- Include client references
- List relevant qualifications and certificates
- Pass the Vetting Process
- Professional assessment review
- Skills verification
- Video interview (in some cases)
- Sample project completion (category-dependent)
- Create Pro Gigs
- Develop premium service packages
- Set professional-level pricing
- Write detailed descriptions
- Include portfolio samples
Tips for Success on Fiverr
Drawing from our extensive experience assisting students who have selected Fiverr as their primary platform for finding part-time jobs, we strongly recommend the following strategies:
- Starting Strong
- Create detailed gig descriptions
- Use high-quality portfolio images
- Set competitive initial prices
- Respond promptly to inquiries
- Building Reputation
- Deliver work on time
- Communicate professionally
- Go above and beyond expectations
- Ask satisfied clients for reviews
- Growing Your Business
- Gradually increase prices
- Offer package upgrades
- Create multiple gigs
- Cross-promote services
- Time Management
- Set realistic deadlines
- Use the Fiverr app for mobile management
- Schedule your availability
- Balance work with studies
Gig Economy Options
Delivery Services
Food and package delivery services offer remarkable flexibility, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking part-time jobs in the UK. These roles allow workers to set their own schedules, meet personal commitments, and earn an income.
With a growing demand for convenient delivery options, these services have become a significant source of job opportunities, appealing to a diverse range of people looking to balance work with other aspects of their lives.
Typical earnings range from £10-£15 per hour, with potential for higher earnings during peak times.
Ride-sharing
Ride-sharing platforms present an excellent opportunity for students who own a vehicle, allowing them to earn money on their own schedule. These services not only offer flexibility for part-time jobs but also enable students to make the most of their available time, whether it’s between classes or during weekends.
By becoming a driver, students can engage with different communities, meet new people, and develop valuable skills while supplementing their income. Requirements include:
- Valid UK driving licence
- Vehicle insurance
- Clean driving record
- Age requirements (typically 21+)
Seasonal and Event-Based Part-Time Jobs
Festival and Event Staff
The events industry in the UK is thriving and presents a wide range of seasonal opportunities for part-time jobs throughout the year. From summer festivals and autumn fairs to winter celebrations and spring exhibitions, there is always something happening.
This vibrant sector not only brings communities together but also offers various avenues for businesses, entertainers, and vendors to showcase their talents and products and create part-time jobs.
Whether it’s hosting large outdoor events or intimate gatherings, the UK’s events landscape is rich with possibilities for engagement and enjoyment as follow:
- Music festivals
- Sporting events
- Christmas markets
- Corporate events
Event Academy provides excellent resources for finding event work.
Holiday Season Part-Time Jobs
During holiday peak seasons, there are greater opportunities for part-time jobs to maximise your earnings, as demand for services or products typically surges, leading to increased income potential. Here are some of the most common part-time jobs associated with holiday peak seasons:
- Christmas retail (October-January)
- Summer tourism (June-September)
- Back-to-university periods (September-October)
- Easter holidays
Making the Right Choice
Legal Considerations for Part-time Jobs
We always advise students to be aware of:
- Maximum working hours (20 hours per week for international students)
- National Minimum Wage requirements
- Tax obligations
- National Insurance contributions
For detailed information, visit GOV.UK Student Jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Part-time jobs can provide valuable work experience and additional income
- Digital opportunities offer increasing flexibility
- Campus part-time jobs often give the best work-study balance
- Consider seasonal part-time jobs for higher earning potential
- Always check legal requirements and restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many hours should a student work part-time?
A: We recommend 12-15 hours per week during term time to maintain academic performance.
Q: What is the minimum wage for student workers?
A: As of 2025, the National Minimum Wage varies by age. Visit GOV.UK Minimum Wage for current rates.
Q: Can international students work in the UK?
A: Yes, but typically, you are limited to 20 hours per week during term time. Check your visa conditions.
Q: Do students need to pay taxes?
A: Students who earn above the personal allowance threshold may need to pay tax. Visit HMRC for details.
Q: How can students find part-time jobs?
A: We recommend:
- University job boards
- Online job sites
- Local business websites
- Social media platforms
- Recruitment agencies
Suppose you’re looking for valuable information and advice about student employment opportunities. In that case, we encourage you to join our Facebook group, where you can connect with peers and access a wealth of resources.
Also, contact our dedicated student support team at UK Study Connect for personalised assistance and guidance tailored to your needs.
We are here to help you navigate your job search and maximise your student experience!