Part-Time Jobs In London For International Students

Updated 27 July 2023

There are part-time employment opportunities in various industries in London, including hospitality, retail, office administration and customer service. If you are looking for part-time jobs to work alongside your studies, many options are available with flexible working hours and decent pay. Knowing more about the part-time job rules and processes in this city can help you secure employment. In this article, we discuss the rules for part-time jobs in London for international students, explain how to find one, list various part-time jobs you can consider and provide some tips to navigate part-time jobs in London.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

How To Find Part-Time Jobs In London For International Students?

Finding part-time jobs in London for international students can be challenging. Here are several strategies that students can use to increase their chances of finding a suitable part-time job:

1. Consider your availability and interests

Considering your availability and interests before beginning your search can help you find a more suitable job. Think about the hours you can work, the type of work you enjoy and your skills when searching for a job. This can help you refine your job search and find your desired position.

2. Update your resume and cover letter

Prepare a general resume and cover letter based on your skills, and interests. Keep your resume legible and well-organised. Use standard fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica and bullet points, and clear headings to make the information easy to navigate. Before preparing, research the types of resumes employers prefer in London. You can tailor your resume and cover letter later as per the company, and job requirements.

3. Use online job portals

Online job portals can be an excellent resource for finding part-time employment in London. Many job boards allow users to set up alerts for new job postings, permitting students to search for jobs based on their skills and experience. Such portals also allow you to use filters to narrow the search to get more relevant results. You can also find a part-time job in London by using the find a job search function on the UK government's website.

4. Leverage social media

Students can also use social media to find part-time employment in London. You can use platforms to connect with prospective employers and learn about new job openings. Employers also use social media to post job openings, so you can follow relevant companies and job boards to get information.

5. Network

Networking is helpful in finding a part-time job in London. Participating in industry events, joining student clubs or societies, and volunteering are all excellent ways for students to meet new people, and establish connections. Students can increase their chances of finding suitable part-time work by establishing a network.

6. Visit recruitment agencies

Visiting recruitment agencies can make it easier for students to find part-time jobs. These agencies have good contacts and are experts at matching candidates with job openings. They can help students easily find part-time jobs corresponding to their skills and experience.

7. Apply for student jobs

Universities and colleges in London often offer students part-time employment opportunities. These positions may involve working in a library, assisting with administrative duties or helping with research projects. These jobs are often flexible and can be a great way for students to gain experience, and earn extra money.

Rules For Working Part-Time In London

Here are some rules for international students looking to work part-time alongside their studies:

Work hours: International students in London have permission to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer break. This allows them to work while attending classes.
Types of work: International students have permission to work any part-time job unless it is in a field that requires a licence or certification, such as medicine or law. For instance, they can work in retail, hospitality, design, tech or administration.
Minimum wage: Students get the national minimum wage for their age group. Minimum wages are subject to change, and some employers may offer a higher hourly wage.
National Insurance number: A National Insurance (NI) number, a unique number used to track tax and National Insurance contributions, is necessary to work in London. You can get an NI number by submitting an online application to the government.
Student visa restrictions: When working part-time, ensure that you maintain the conditions of your student visa. General student visa holders have permission to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation. Some students may have additional restrictions on their visas, such as not having permission to work or only working in specific occupations.
Tax and National Insurance contributions: International students are also subject to the same tax and National Insurance contributions as UK residents when working in London. This means they also pay income tax on earnings above the personal allowance threshold, which is currently £12,570 per year and National Insurance contributions based on their National Insurance class.

Part-Time Job Options In London For International Students

Here is a list of part-time jobs you can pursue in London:

1. Hospitality and catering

The hospitality and catering industry is one of the largest employers in London, offering international students various part-time job opportunities. Employment is available in restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels. Servers, bartenders, kitchen assistants and hotel receptionists are some hospitality, and catering jobs available for international students in London.

2. Retail

Generally, retail jobs are available in shops, supermarkets and department stores. Popular retail positions in London for international students include sales assistants, cashiers and stockroom assistants. A major benefit of retail work is that many stores offer flexible hours, allowing you to work evenings and weekends, making it compatible with your studies.

3. Customer service

Many businesses in London offer part-time jobs in customer service, such as call centre jobs, customer service representatives and support roles. These roles allow you to improve your communication, patience and problem-solving skills. These positions are especially valuable for students studying marketing, communications or other customer-facing disciplines.

4. Tutoring

Tutoring is a great option for international students who excel in a specific ability or subject area. Usually, tutoring jobs offer flexible hours and sometimes remote options. Tutors can work with children or adults and help in various subjects, including language acquisition, mathematics and science.

5. Office administration

Office administration roles in London offer a variety of opportunities to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with opportunities to grow and develop professionally. Data entry, receptionist jobs, calendar management roles and administrative support are examples of possible roles in this field. These positions can provide valuable office experience, which can be especially beneficial for students studying business-related subjects.

6. Freelancing

International students searching for part-time jobs in London also have the option of freelancing. Writing, graphic design and web development are popular freelance options. Freelancing provides the flexibility to work from home, making it an attractive option for students who want to balance work and school.

7. Delivery and driving

Delivery and driving opportunities are for individuals who enjoy driving, and have good time management, communication and independence. Typical duties in delivery and driving jobs include delivering food, or packages and driving taxis or private hire vehicles. Having a valid driving licence and becoming familiar with driving in London's traffic is necessary for these roles.

Tips For Working Part-Time In London

Here are some tips to help you navigate part-time jobs in London:

Be aware of your rights as an employee. Awareness of your rights is important if you work part-time in London to ensure you get fair wages and receive benefits such as sick pay, and holiday pay. You can find additional information about workers' rights on the UK government website.
Prepare for the cost of living. The cost of living in London is high, and preparing for the costs associated with living, and working in the city can help you manage your finances properly. Before moving, ensure you have a budget and sufficient income to cover your expenses.
Build your skills and experience. Part-time work in London can be a great way to gain experience in a specific field. Find opportunities to acquire new skills, accept additional responsibilities and build relationships with other professionals.
Stay organised. In London, working part-time entails balancing several obligations. Stay organised and be aware of your obligations, due dates and schedule.