Top 5 Best Part-Time Jobs For University Students
The best part-time jobs to consider to earn extra cash when studying at university and living independently.
Summer can be a relaxing time for students as exam season ends and the warmer weather rolls in. However, the stress that university brings is never far away as students look for new accommodation and a part-time job. Part-time summer jobs might stick around longer than the hot weather this year as inflation continues to rise. So, if you’re a new or returning student and are worried about money, here are the top 5 best part-time jobs for university students.
The cost-of-living crisis has had negative impacts on generations around the globe. According to the House of Lords Library, 30% of the UK’s children are living in poverty. This is nearly double the number in the US, with 16% of children living in poverty, according to the Kids Count Data Centre.
Students have also been facing this crisis head-on. They have been backed into a corner with the crisis and the inflated city prices.
The cost of rent and utilities has skyrocketed since the pandemic. According to ONS’ February 2023 Student Cost of Living Insights Study, 58% of students claimed their student loans did not cover the essentials.
Students have had no choice but to find part-time work alongside studying full-time, adding to student stress. This stress can be managed by finding the right job for you and your ever-changing study schedule. So, let’s get into it.
1. Supermarket Assistant
Big supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and more all have good reputations for paying above minimum wage. Aldi comes in with the highest pay per hour of £12.40.
Part-time supermarket positions offer different contract hours that make it possible to fit in alongside your studies. Supermarkets offer flexibility due to the number of hours they are open and the number of staff they employ per store. This can be useful as study schedules can change at the last minute.
For students with mobility issues, supermarkets may also be a great part-time job as they offer seated positions at checkouts. This does not apply to all supermarkets, as Aldi and Lidl do not offer this.
An added and useful benefit of part-time supermarket positions is the discount that stores such as Morrisons, Tesco, and Aldi offer. A 5–10% staff discount helps bring down the cost of essentials such as food and hygiene products that students are currently struggling to afford.
2. Cleaner
Although cleaning companies are not well known for paying above minimum wage, a benefit they do have is flexibility. A part-time cleaning job would involve early morning, evening, and weekend work, which would fit in with many student schedules.
This part-time job normally lets people choose the hours that are best suited to them, which is exactly what a university student needs. Whether you’re cleaning messy offices or helping someone keep their home fresh and tidy, this job can be rewarding.
After socializing, working, and studying, most students don’t have a lot of spare time, and if you don’t have the time to fit the gym into your schedule, this part-time job will still keep you active.
3. Receptionist
A part-time receptionist job may be a great part-time job for those who would like a less active job but are still able to greet and help customers. Flexibility and pay may vary depending on what company you decide to work with, but most companies will offer part-time and full-time positions.
The job may also come with some stressful situations, depending on how busy the company you are working for is, but if you are great at organizing and time management, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Ryan Miller, a Glasgow Caledonian student who has maintained his receptionist job throughout his studies, said:
“My job is very flexible, and I am very fortunate to have understanding colleagues and managers who will help me cover shifts if opportunities from university arise. The job is very supportive, which makes a great difference.”
Ryan Miller
4. Bar Staff
Part-time bar work can be a great way to get out there and meet new people if you are new to a big city. In most cases, they don’t require a great deal of experience if you are looking for your first job. This part-time job offers flexibility as it involves mainly evening and weekend shifts, which fit into most university schedules.
Accommodating high numbers of customers can be stressful at times. However, if you are a people person and have good time management skills, this may be the job for you.
Pay may vary depending on which company the job is with.
5. Restaurant Staff
Like most of the other jobs mentioned, part-time restaurant work is great for flexibility. The majority of the shifts will be on evenings and weekends, which is reliable work for those who study during the week.
An added benefit of working in a larger or chain restaurant is that workers receive a meal for free or at a heavily discounted price on shift. This means fewer meals that have to be bought throughout the week, saving money on the student budget. Busier restaurants will also offer overtime and the ability to pick up shifts on busier nights like weekends and holidays.
This part-time job would involve late nights, and pay can vary between the minimum wage for your age bracket and more depending on the company you work with.
If you are a new student, make sure to prepare your CV over the summer before arriving in your new city. Returning students can find assistance from student services on how to create a CV.
Having a part-time job can add to the university experience and allow students to socialize with people outside of their university bubble. This is important when living away from home.
Learning to balance work and studying can be hard. If you find yourself struggling, reach out to your on-campus student services. Also, don’t be afraid to talk with managers at your job to discover how you can be supported in your role.
