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Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide




Picking the right part-time job can significantly enhance your experience as an international student in the UK. While the wrong choice might lead to fines or even expulsion from your university, the right job can offer valuable learning opportunities along with a paycheck. Let's explore how you can find the right part-time job as an international student in the UK.


Introduction

Hi everyone, welcome back! Today, we’re discussing how international students in the UK can secure part-time jobs. Unlike in India or many other countries, it's common for students in the UK to work part-time to manage the high cost of living. However, there are numerous dos and don’ts you need to be aware of.


We'll break down:

  • Jobs international students can and cannot do in the UK

  • The average pay you can expect to earn

  • Websites to find these jobs

  • The pros and cons of each role

  • Current job openings

Regulations Around Working in the UK

International students in the UK can work part-time, but they must adhere to specific restrictions regarding the type and amount of work they can do. These regulations exist because, historically, some students worked long hours, neglected their studies, and failed their courses, prompting the Home Office to step in.


Working Hours

  • During term time: Up to 20 hours per week

  • During holidays and vacation periods: Full-time (up to 40 hours per week)

Permitted Jobs

Students can work in most types of part-time jobs that comply with these working hours restrictions. However, some jobs are off-limits.


Prohibited Jobs

  • Self-Employment: This includes freelance work or running your own business. Monetizing a YouTube or Instagram channel or offering services like gardening independently is not allowed.

  • Professional Sports or Coaching: Working as a professional sportsperson or coach is prohibited.

  • Entertainer: Jobs as an entertainer, such as busking, are generally not allowed.

  • Permanent Full-Time Jobs: Students cannot take up permanent full-time positions.

  • Doctor or Dentist in Training: Unless enrolled in a recognized foundation program, students cannot work in these roles.

Work Placements and Internships

Work placements that are part of your course and assessed as part of your studies are permitted. These must be no more than one-third of the total course duration for degree-level studies. Internships and part-time work relevant to your field of study are also allowed, provided they adhere to the working hours restrictions.


Ensuring Compliance

To ensure you're following the rules:

  • Check Visa Conditions: Always review the specific conditions attached to your visa.

  • Consult University Services: Universities often have career services and international student advisers who can provide guidance.

  • Employer Awareness: Ensure your employer knows about your visa restrictions. They must comply with UK immigration law and may ask to see your visa to confirm your eligibility to work.


Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students





Hospitality Jobs

  • Roles: Barista, waiter/waitress, kitchen assistant, bartender

  • Average Pay: £8 - £10 per hour, plus tips in some cases

  • Finding Jobs: Visit cafes, restaurants, and bars to inquire about openings. Use job portals like Caterer.com and local hospitality job boards.

  • Pros: Gain customer service experience, straightforward work, no work carried home

  • Cons: Low earnings, may not relate to your course



Retail Jobs

  • Roles: Sales assistant, cashier, stock clerk

  • Average Pay: £8 - £10 per hour

  • Finding Jobs: Look on job portals like Indeed, StudentJob, and company websites. Check local stores and shopping centers for hiring notices.

  • Pros: Experience in retail and customer service, no work carried home

  • Cons: Low earnings, may not relate to your course



On-Campus Jobs

  • Roles: Library assistant, administrative assistant, student ambassador, research assistant

  • Average Pay: £9 - £11 per hour

  • Finding Jobs: Check your university's career services website and bulletin boards. Contact campus departments directly for openings.

  • Pros: Convenient location, higher pay, minimal background work

  • Cons: More competition for these jobs, may not be relevant to your course


Translator

  • Roles: Interpretation moderator, interpreter, localization translator

  • Average Pay: £12 - £25 per hour

  • Finding Jobs: Use Indeed, Reed, Glassdoor, and specialized sites like ProZ.com and TranslatorsCafe.

  • Pros: Exposure to corporate gigs, good pay

  • Cons: May not be related to your field of study



Receptionist

  • Roles: Answering calls, greeting customers, scheduling appointments, administrative tasks

  • Average Pay: £9 - £12 per hour

  • Finding Jobs: Use Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Reed, student boards, and community boards.

  • Pros: Experience in customer service, improved communication skills

  • Cons: May not be related to your course


Customer Service Representative

  • Roles: Handling customer inquiries, resolving issues

  • Average Pay: £9 - £12 per hour

  • Finding Jobs: Use Indeed, Reed, TotalJobs, and university job portals.

  • Pros: Customer service experience, improved communication skills

  • Cons: Dealing with unhappy customers




Tutoring

  • Roles: Subject tutor, language tutor, peer mentor

  • Average Pay: £15 - £30 per hour

  • Finding Jobs: Advertise your services on university boards, online platforms like Tutorful, and through social media.

  • Pros: Decent earnings, helpful in certain fields

  • Cons: No real-world experience



Internships

  • Roles: Internships related to your field of study (e.g., marketing, finance, engineering)

  • Average Pay: £15 - £20 per hour for paid internships

  • Finding Jobs: Use university career services, LinkedIn, Indeed, and specialized internship portals like RateMyPlacement.

  • Pros: Relevant work experience, first-hand understanding of your field, higher pay

  • Cons: High competition, work might extend beyond work hours


Best Job Sites for Students

To start your job search, check out these websites for part-time jobs in the UK:

That's a wrap! We hope this guide helps you navigate the part-time job market in the UK as an international student. If you have any questions, drop them below. For information on the best universities to study at in the UK, watch this!

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