Part-Time Jobs In the UK For International Students

The UK is a viable and one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education among international students. An all-time high was witnessed in 2023 when the number of international students in the UK increased to 559,825, which is a 23.7% surge from 2022.

Some of the key features that attract students of various ethnicities, cultures, and languages are its supreme quality of education, high chances of lucrative placements after study, and opportunities to work part-time while studying.

Part-time jobs in the UK for international students are one of the key elements that entice students as they have the prospect to earn extra, gain skills and experience, enhance their career profiles, and supplement their education and lifestyle.

Here is a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about part-time jobs for international students in the UK.

Read on!

Benefits of Working Part-Time While Studying in the UK

It is extremely beneficial for international students to work in part-time jobs, provided they can manage their work-study time and are physically and mentally fit to take the pressure:

Learn about the Industry and Acquire Experience

Part-time jobs help students understand the professional grounds and learn about the industry and market trends. It helps students acquire the skills, expertise, knowledge, and experience that they need to have a strong career.

Moreover, it helps them strengthen your profile so that they stand out when appearing for a formal job interview.

Acquire Financial Independence

The primary objectives to earn from part-time jobs are to be financially independent, lead a good lifestyle, supplement educational requirements, and earn some pocket money to have a good time at weekends.

Part-time jobs in the UK for international students salary can range from £100-£400 per week, depending on the kind and industry of the job and the time and skills students invest.

Socialize

Getting part-time jobs in the UK for international students is one of the best ways for international students to keep themselves busy. Working in a professional environment helps them meet people, connect with them, enhance their network, and make friends.

Learn about the Culture and Language

It is one of the best ways to learn about the culture, heritage, habits, choices of local people, and language of the country. Even if you are new, a formal working environment teaches a lot about the place you live in.

Understanding UK Visa Regulations and Work Permissions

International students should be fully aware of the work permissions and visa regulations before applying for a part-time job in the UK:

Work Permissions for part-time jobs in the UK for international students:

Students cannot work for more than 4 hours per day with weekends off (Maximum 20 hours per week)
For language center students, it remains a maximum of 10 hours per week during the course term.
During holidays, students can go for full-time work.
Students pursuing part-time courses are not allowed to work part-time.
Minimum wages can change according to job type, role, sector, and number of hours invested. Some employers may offer a high hourly wage.
Students are not allowed to do any contract work or enter into self-employment.

Visa Regulations for part-time jobs for international students in the UK

International students opting for a part-time job should have a valid visa that has been issued for a full-time course.
They need a National Insurance number (NI) to track tax and National Insurance contributions before they apply for a part-time job.
Check visas for specific restrictions, which may stop international students from working in specific occupations.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK

Here is an overview of a few part-job options and the hourly wage that international students can expect in the UK:

Job	Salary
Teaching Assistant	£11.65 per hour
Customer Service Representative	£11.13 per hour
Babysitter	£13 per hour
Dog Walker	£12.50 per hour
Library Assistant	£12 per hour
Retail Assistant	£9.88/hour
Receptionist	£8.97/hour
Tutoring	Tutoring

Given below are some part-time jobs in the UK for international students:

Hospitality Sector
The hospitality and catering industry offers various job opportunities to international students in hotels, restaurants, catering jobs, cafes, and bars.

Retail Sector
Retail jobs are easily available in department stores, shops, and supermarkets as cashiers and stock assistants; however, these jobs come with flexible hours and free weekends.

Customer Service
Students can take up call-center jobs, email customer care options, or other support roles that are in the customer service industry. These jobs offer a good pay package; however, these can come with a certain amount of stress or pressure.

Service Industry
Students can start with tutoring, dog-walking, babysitting, or office administration kind of jobs, which can get them good pocket money. International students can also try freelancing, like content writing, graphic designing, or web development, as a part-time job.

Job Search Strategies and Resources

Given below are some strategies that students can use to search for the right part-time jobs:

On-Campus Jobs and Off-Campus Jobs

Students can check for job availability on social media platforms, university career centers, libraries, online and offline job boards, networking events, computer labs, counseling sections, receptions, fitness cells, restaurants, and other areas.

How to Apply?
Students need to follow the given steps to find a good part-time job that can be well-managed along with regular studies:

Step 1 – Analyze their interest, scope, expectations, caliber, and availability.
Step 2 - Update their resume and cover letter and upload it on online job portals.
Step 3 – Check online communities, job portals, and social media channels to find part-time employment in London
Step 4 – Visit the career guidance cell in your university or external recruitment agencies.

You can trust resources and applications like Affiniks’s services that aid in job searches for part-time jobs in the UK for international students.

Balancing Work and Studies

Here are some tips that will help international students maintain a healthy work-study-life balance when considering part-time jobs in the UK for international students:

Time management
Opt for a part-time job that doesn’t consume your study time. They need to divide their day into a well-managed schedule, giving an appropriate number of hours to their study time and working hours.

Prioritization
Studying full-time and working part-time in the UK may lead to several obligations. Thus, students need to prioritize well, stay organized, and manage deadlines, exam dates, financial obligations, and daily schedules accordingly.

Employee Rights
While students are building their skills and experience by working part-time, they should be well-acquainted with the law of fair wages, employee rights, and leave benefits.

Employer Perspectives on Hiring International Student Workers

For Employers, hiring international student workers is a win-win situation, as:

Students from various cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities bring the business a more exclusive and specialized skill set.
It enhances overall productivity and brings in strong networking, cultural sensitivity, and a display of intangible skills.
International Graduates also mean the best long-term employees for employers.
Hiring under the normal route can be quite expensive for employers, who otherwise can find the best talent using the cost-effective graduate route.
These young workers are easy to train, and they contribute towards bringing new ideas and strategies to boost the business.

Overcoming Challenges and Cultural Differences

International students can face several challenges like homesickness, language and culture barriers, adapting to a foreign workplace, etc. Here are some ways students can thrive in a new society and adapt to the work culture in the UK:

Get Over the Culture Shock
Cultural shock can disorient international students and push them into isolation and depression. To overcome this challenge, they must attend societies, clubs, and weekend parties in the UK to associate themselves with their culture and be a part of one of the groups.

Fluency in English can Eliminate Language Barriers
For many, English may not be the first language. To fit in well with university peers and to comfortably work part-time in the UK society, international students can get support from various online classes, communities, or support groups to gain fluency in the language.

Keep in Touch with Family
Homesickness can dissuade students from focusing on their studies. Always keep in touch with family and close friends through video calls and keep them posted about your well-being and initiatives.

Take Help from Academic Support Groups Academic Differences
International students may feel isolated when struggling to keep up with the academic pace of studies in the UK. This can hamper their morale and enthusiasm. They must contact the academic support groups, where a special team is assigned to take care of such concerns that international students go through. These groups can also protect them from discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment.

Tax and Financial Considerations
International students fulfill the same obligations and pay the same National Insurance contributions as UK residents when working either part-time or full-time in London. The personal allowance threshold is £12,570 per year, so according to their National Insurance class, students must make appropriate National Insurance contributions.

How to Obtain a National Insurance Number and Fulfill Tax Obligations?

If students work in the UK, whether part-time or full-time, they need a National Insurance Number, so that they can fulfill their tax obligations. Here are the steps:

Step 1 -Apply online and prove identity
Step 2 - Apply by submitting documents like a passport from any country, a biometric residence permit (BRP), or a national identity card from an EU country or Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland
Step 3 - After applying, students will receive a reference number in their email.
Step 4 – After the verification is done, it can take up to 4 weeks to get the National Insurance number.

Conclusion

While studying, students have the chance to supplement their finances, make room for entertainment and recreation, and build their careers. From education to service to freelancing to hospitality, there are abundant opportunities for students to work part-time in the UK.

With Affiniks’s services, students can make informed decisions and learn everything about part-time jobs in the UK for international students. Their experts guide and assist international students in completing their overseas studies. So head over to their site and explore different opportunities today!