10 Part-time Jobs in the UK for International Students

The UK is a home to some of the world’s best educational institutes such as the University of Oxford, Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge. The quality of education students receive is unparalleled and on top of that, the whole learning process is enhanced by the multicultural setting. Furthermore, a broad range of courses in several disciplines are available which makes it easy for students to plan their studies in accordance with their long-term goals. The system pushes students to acquire thorough knowledge regardless of which field they are pursuing, focus on their individuality and work on their analytical thinking. Courses in the UK are also known to be shorter which helps students graduate earlier and start earning.

The UK offers plenty of opportunities for part-time employment, internships, and post-study employment, assisting students in acquiring real-world experience and developing important career connections. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Should Students Do Part-Time Jobs?

There are several benefits of taking up a part-time job as an international student in the UK. There are many monetary benefits. The cost of studying in the UK is quite steep. Thus, students can manage living expenses such as rent, groceries and other minor costs by working part-time. Second, part-time work facilitates the development of crucial talents that employers value, like scheduling, entrepreneurial knowledge, determination, teamwork, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, etc. Thirdly, once someone starts making money, they learn how to make sensible financial decisions. Fourthly, it gives them job experience. If they are employed in a position linked to their discipline, it will assist them in finding employment in a variety of settings post-graduation. Lastly, there are countless opportunities to network.

Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students

The eligibility criteria to work part-time in the UK for international students depends on several factors such as the university, visa type, degree etc. Mentioned below are the basic requirements:

• University Consent: First-year students at certain colleges may need to get permission before starting a part-time job.
  
• National Insurance Number: A National Insurance Number is also required in order to work in the UK.
  
• Work Restrictions: If one holds a student visa, they have a weekly work limit of 20 hours during the academic year and a full-time work limit during the summer. For certain universities or lower-level courses, this may be 10 hours per week. Verifying this information is crucial.
  
•  Visa Type: In order to be able to work in the UK, students must possess the appropriate visa. A student visa, formerly known as a Tier 4 visa, allows for part-time employment.
  
• Eligibility to Work in the UK: To confirm if someone is legally allowed to work in the UK, their employer must do a "Right to Work" check.
  
•  Work Type: While students can do most jobs with a student visa, they cannot be self-employed or have started a business.

How Much Do Part-Time Jobs in UK Pay?

In the UK, finding part-time employment is rather simple. In pubs, restaurants, shops, university unions, and so on, students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. Additionally, almost all jobs pay more than the minimum wage of around 5 pounds per hour.

What Kinds of Jobs Can International Students Do in the UK?

1. Retail Employee: Many students have part-time jobs at shops, marketplaces, and department stores. These positions frequently provide flexible hours, which is crucial for students who need to balance employment and school.
   
2. Server or barman: Working in a restaurant, coffee shop or a bar might also provide students with free or subsidized meals. Even though it might be a hectic job, it's an excellent opportunity to meet a range of individuals.
   
3. Tutor: Those with knowledge of specific disciplines, providing tutoring services can be a method to earn money and aid others in enhancing their academic achievement.
   
4. Delivery Driver: There are many options for students to work part-time as delivery drivers thanks to the popularity of food delivery apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. All they need is a smartphone and a vehicle.
   
5. Freelance job: Students can also apply for freelance work on Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr if they have expertise in fields like writing, marketing, coding, or graphic design.
   
6. Administrative Assistant: Assistants are frequently employed on a part-time basis by various enterprises. These positions often entail duties like data entry, phone answering, and filing.
   
7. Library Assistant: Many academic libraries at universities employ students to help with events, communicate with library patrons, and stack books.
   
8. Teaching Assistant: Universities often require help with teaching duties, especially for big undergraduate courses. This can entail carrying out duties like marking papers, hosting office hours, or directing discussion groups.
   
9. Research Assistant: Students can work as research assistants for professors in their department if the topic they are studying delves into research. Depending on the field, this can entail data collecting, literature studies or lab work.
   
10. Customer Service Agents: Telecommunications, banking and retail sectors hire people on a part-time basis to deal with consumer queries and collect data.

For overseas students studying in the UK, part-time work can be a highly useful source of revenue and experience. These opportunities provide them with the chance to learn more about the work culture, develop their language abilities, strengthen their resumes and be financially independent. Finally, while doing a part-time job has numerous advantages, it's crucial to strike a balance between it and one’s academic responsibilities.