Many students work part-time whilst at university. Depending on your course, you may be able to work a regular part time job and for others, you may need something more flexible.

You’ll get so much more than money from a part time job. Future employers value part-time work on your CV, which includes valuing part-time work in a sector not related to where you want to work as a graduate. 

A job alongside your studies can help you develop & demonstrate skills such as:

  • Motivation and drive
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Organisational skills

King’s Careers & Employability are here to support you at every stage of your career, including finding part-time work and providing advice and guidance.  


In this article:



What can I do?

 

Types of work

 

Where can I look for work?

 

Jobs on campus

 

 

Jobs outside King’s

 

How do I look for work?

 

Be proactive

 

 

Research

 

 

Top tips from employers

 

 

Get support

 

Can I work while on a student visa?
If you’re studying at King’s on a Tier 4/Student Visa, there are limitations on the kinds of work you can do and the number of hours per week. For example, you can’t be self-employed on this type of visa.

 

Guidance & support

 

What money & earnings can I expect?

 

How much can I expect to earn?

 

 

Will I be taxed on any part-time work?

 

 

Look out for scams!

 

How can I balance working with studying?
Working part-time can be a great way to fund your way through university  and give you a number of useful skills to put on your CV. However, it’s important that this work doesn’t interfere with your studies.

Generally, we recommended that you do no more than 15 hours of part-time work per week, in addition to your studies.

One of the major skills required to manage a job alongside your studies is organisation and time management.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Be realistic about how much time you can offer towards a job. You need to consider course contact time, time for assignments and private study as well as time to rest and switch off.
  • Don’t miss lectures or seminars! Although you might tell yourself you will catch up later, it is often not the case and you may quickly fall behind. Your studies should be your priority.
  • Wellbeing. It is important you prioritise your health and wellbeing, and so you should also set time aside for exercise and socialising with friends.
  • Plan ahead. You may find how much time you have varies throughout the year. It is worth considering cutting back during exam times or periods of time when you have many coursework submissions. Anticipating these busier periods will enable you to be honest with your employer and they may be able to consider this when giving you your rota/offering shifts.

If you need any support or advice during your studies or after you graduate, the Careers & Employability Service is a great place to get support in finding job and to discover what careers are available in various fields. They hold events throughout the year to highlight opportunities available for students or talks from professionals working in the field.

Find out more in How can King's Careers & Employability help me?

Fancy volunteering? If you’re not necessarily looking to earn money but looking for some valuable experience and/or extra-curricular activity, you may want to check out volunteering opportunities. Find out more in How can I give back and support my community?