The UK is one of the most famous study-abroad destinations worldwide where students wish to study. Universities in the UK have the finest academic parameters and standards in the world. Apart from this, the UK is the top destination for studying abroad, but it also ranks fifth among the most expensive study abroad destinations, and here comes the need for part-time work. Just like in other countries, there are a few guidelines that international students must follow while studying abroad and working a part-time job, as well as some benefits of part-time jobs in the UK. Let us have a look at some of the benefits, guidelines, types, and various important information regarding part-time jobs in the UK:

Eligibility criteria of international students for part-time jobs in the UK

If you want to work part-time in the UK, the first step is to own a Tier 4 Visa. Tier 4 visas allow international students to opt for part-time jobs, subject to UK student part-time hours. A few crucial eligibility criteria are:

• Students must be 16 years of age or older.
• Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program or course at a university.
• Students must have a Tier 4 visa to work in the UK.

For their safety, students must cross-check the restrictions and rules set by their particular university or academic institution to avoid any trouble.

Types of part-time jobs for international students in the UK

Various types of part-time jobs are available for international students in the UK. But the catch here is, as discussed above, firstly you have to check your Tier 4 visa status. After which, an international student can apply for the various types of part-time jobs in the UK, such as:

• On-campus part-time jobs

These jobs are on the university campus, where students are employed and do their respective jobs for which they have applied. As the name suggests, these jobs are offered by the university itself, and due to limited offerings, multiple students do not get opportunities to get on-campus jobs. A few on-campus jobs are in the library, computer labs, reception, gyms, and cafeteria.

And here enters the other option for students, i.e.:

• Off-campus part-time jobs

When students cannot find employment on campus, they tend to move out and look for other opportunities outside the campus, i.e., off-campus. Compared to on-campus jobs, these jobs are easy to find. These jobs are mostly a little far from campus. But the student must get permission from the university before starting their work. Some job roles include office boy, receptionist, waiter or waitress, contact center maintenance, and data entry.

• Online part-time jobs

This category was recently added to the list of types of part-time jobs. These are some of the best part-time jobs as they don’t require traveling and expenses can be managed easily, whereas these part-time jobs are suitable for those students who have enrolled themselves in a completely different yet complex course. Online jobs for international students are not that hectic, as they require only a laptop and a good internet connection.

A few online part-time jobs include data entry, marketing research, tutoring, and writing.

How to find part-time jobs in the UK

If you are looking for a part-time job in the UK, it is quite easy for you to find a part-time job with decent pay. You can find part-time jobs in any field, which may include on-campus, off-campus, and online part-time jobs.

Before finding a particular part-time job, you must get a national insurance number first and a driving license. After a while, you can work as a receptionist, waiter/waitress, or contact center maintenance receptionist in gyms and cafeterias.

Here are some sources that will help you find a part-time job in the UK, but before using these sources, make sure you prepare an updated CV for yourself, that covers all your educational qualifications, skills, experience, and expertise, which will help you find a part-time job easily. Sources:

• You can check for part-time jobs in local newspapers. They mention part-time job offerings in your locality.
• You can also search for part-time jobs online or on mobile applications, which will be more compatible with your qualifications and interests. You can use filters to find a part-time job related to your course, location, and requirements.
• You can get assistance from your university’s career center, whose primary focus is dedicated to help students in finding part-time jobs in or near universities.
• Use your networking and connections, you can ask for these jobs from your friends and other students who are already doing them.

Here’s a tip for you: always remember that you have to strike a work-life balance while studying in the UK or any other country. It is known that the UK is comparatively among the most expensive study-abroad countries. International students have to work part-time to manage their expenses. Still, on the other hand, you have to make sure that you do not accumulate too much yourself in part-time work and do not accept those jobs that are far from your accommodation and require a lot of time because your primary goal is to study and complete your course first.

How part-time jobs are beneficial for international students

When a student studies abroad in a different country with different cultures and people, managing expenses is at the top of the list. All these hindrances are tackled within the first year of their academic lives. Part-time jobs play an important role in overcoming these hindrances and benefit international students in multiple ways, such as:

• Financial Independence

Every student is aware of the cost of living for an international student in the UK, and it is also among the costliest study-abroad destinations. While studying in an expensive country, the first thing a student wishes to overcome, is financial independence. That is why students work part-time and utilize their money to cover their expenses, which include transportation, accommodation, grocery bills, and all the other expenses.

• Work experience

While working part-time, a student adds weight to their CV or resume. That further helps the student acquire their dream job. Meanwhile, working part-time in a different country provides international students with an opportunity and direct exposure to the actual market.

• Skill enhancement

While working part-time in different fields, an international student gets accustomed to the local culture and people, which increases their communication skills and understanding of their beliefs. Working part-time simultaneously also allows international students to interact with country residents.

• Builds connections

When international students work part-time off-campus, they interact with people from different regions, fields, and expertise. All these people from various fields of interest are an asset to international students, as they help and guide them to a better way of living in a particular country. Here we are talking about the

Guidelines for Part-time Jobs in the UK for International Students

Every country has its own set of rules and regulations implemented by the government of that particular country that has to be followed by every citizen living in the country, and the same goes for the education system. Every international student has to follow these rules:

• When international students enroll in a full-time degree program, they are allowed to work 20 hours per week. They have to follow, as there’s an adverse effect on their visas if they exceed the given duration.
• An international student with a Tier 4 visa is not eligible to do freelance or contract-based work.
• Without a post-study work visa, an international student cannot join any organization as a full-time employee.
• During vacation and session breaks, students can work full-time (i.e., 40 hours per week) but only during breaks.
• While enrolled in a foundation course or language program, an international student cannot work more than 10 hours per week.
• While on a Tier 4 visa, you cannot run a business or show yourself as self-employed.