27 Feb 2026
Many students choose to work alongside their studies, often seeking flexible part-time roles that allow them to balance work and academic commitments. Industries such as hospitality, healthcare, retail, and administration often offer this flexibility. Alongside earning an income, part-time work helps students to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management, all of which are valuable when progressing into graduate roles. In this blog, we explore the industries students work in, the types of contracts that suit student life, and where and how to look for part-time roles.
Student Jobs and How to Find Them
What industries do students work in?
Students work across a wide range of industries. The right choice often depends on your timetable, experience, and what skills you want to build.
- Hospitality and catering
Hospitality is one of the most popular options for students. London is full of cafes, restaurants, hotels, and bars, making it easier to find work near campus or home. Shifts are often in the evenings or at weekends, which can fit well around lectures and study time. Roles such as waiting staff, bar staff, kitchen assistants, and baristas help build communication skills and confidence.
- Retail and sales
Retail roles such as shop assistants and cashiers are common in supermarkets, clothing shops, and speciality shops. These jobs often offer flexible shifts and are useful for developing customer service, teamwork, and time management skills. Many retailers also hire additional staff during busy periods such as Christmas and summer sales.
- Healthcare
There is ongoing demand for healthcare and support roles. Some students work as care assistants or support workers through agencies or as bank staff. These roles can offer flexible shifts in hospitals, care homes, or community settings. They are particularly useful for students interested in healthcare, social care, or related careers.
- Logistics and delivery
Warehousing and logistics roles can offer regular hours, sometimes with early-morningor evening shifts. Some students also work in delivery roles with companies such as Just Eat or Deliveroo. These roles are often self-employed, so it is important to understand how tax and National Insurance work before signing up.
- Administration
If you are organised and enjoy structured work, office-based roles may suit you. Common roles include receptionist, data entry assistant, or administrative support. These jobs can help you build professional communication skills and experience working in an office environment.
- Education and childcare
Support roles in schools, nurseries, or childcare settings can be flexible and rewarding. These roles are a good option if you enjoy working with children or are considering a career in education, psychology, or childcare.
Types of part-time contracts
When applying for student jobs, you may come across different contract types. Understanding these can help you choose what suits your situation.
- Permanent part-time contract
You work a regular set number of hours each week. This option suits students who want a stable income and can commit to a fixed schedule alongside their studies.
- Fixed-term contract
These contracts last for a set period, such as during busy seasons or to cover staff absence. They are useful if you want short-term work without a long commitment.
- Zero hours contract
There is no guaranteed number of hours, but you can often choose which shifts to accept. This can work well if your timetable changes or you want flexibility during exam periods.
- Agency contract
You register with an agency and are offered shifts across different locations or roles. Agency work can offer variety and flexibility, although hours may change week to week.
How do you find part-time work?
There are several ways to look for a student job. Using multiple approaches often works best.
- Online job websites
Use a range of job websites when searching for part-time work. General job sites such as Indeed and Monster advertise a wide variety of roles. Student-focused websites like Student Job UK, Save the Student, and E4S list flexible roles suitable for students. You can also use industry-specific websites, such as Retail Choice or Hospitality Jobs UK, to target roles in particular sectors.
- Agencies
Signing up with a recruitment agency can be a good option if you want flexible or short-termwork. Make sure you understand how shifts are offered and how you will be paid.
- Networking and word of mouth
Friends, family, and course mates can be a great source of opportunities. Let people know you are looking for work, as many jobs are filled through recommendations.
- In-person applications
Taking your CV to local shops, cafes, and restaurants can be an effective way to find work, particularly with independent businesses. Look out for venues advertising vacancies in their windows. Ask to speak with the manager, explain that you are looking for work, and be prepared to briefly introduce yourself and provide your availability.
What do employers look for?
To apply for part-time work, you will need a strong CV. Include any work experience you have, your degree, and any activities you are involved in at university. Highlight skills that are relevant to the role and industry. For example, if you are looking for a role in retail, highlight your customer service, communication, and adaptability skills. It can also help to have a few different versions of your CV for the industries you are applying to, and always make sure your CV is tailored specifically to each role.
Check out our downloadable resources to help you create a CV and prepare for interviews for part-time roles – https://republic.london/resources-to-support-your-career-journey/
Finding the Right Balance
Finding a healthy balance between part-time work and your studies is an important part of student life. The right role can help you earn an income, build confidence, and develop skills that support your future career, without adding pressure to your academic commitments. Taking time to consider your availability, contract type, and the experience you want to gain can make a real difference to how manageable work feels alongside your studies. Think about the skills you would like to develop and how a part-time role could help you build them.
If you are an international student, it is important to understand the working conditions associated with your visa and ensure you stay within permitted hours.
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