6 perfect part time jobs to have while at University

Photo Credit: David M Tran

Sometimes you can’t rely on that student loan and perhaps a cheeky bank transfer from your parents alone – you’re going to have to spruce up your CV and get out there to land a job. A part time job is ideal to take on, either for a couple of evenings a week or one day at the weekend to top up your bank account, and here are the best ones to go for: 

Waiter/Waitress

Shift work and late night hours are the perfect combination for students who are busy studying and attending lectures throughout the day so waiter and waitress jobs are the best option. In any student town there will be hundreds of restaurants to choose from so dish your CV out to these and prepare to perfect your ‘everything is amazing’ smile.

Retail

Whether you’re a fashionista, or wouldn’t mind working at your local Asda, a job in retail is ideal for students. You can usually secure a set amount of hours but there’s always the opportunity to take on more when things get busy and earn more money.

Plus, most retailers give you discount on items in store so you could pick up the latest fashions for a reduced price or fill up your trolley and enjoy a discount at the till.

Bar work

Want to feel like you’re on a night out… but getting paid for it? Then bar work might be for you. If you love the club scene and people (okay, drunk people) then a shift a couple of nights a week in a popular student bar will bring in the funds and provide an interesting work experience.

You don’t need to be able to spin bottles in the air or pour a perfect line of shots, but it helps if you know what you’re talking about so do some revision when it comes to alcohol and types of drinks you can mix. There will be training but a good bartender is a confident one.

PR

Bars and clubs will happily pay for you to promote their themed nights and hand out leaflets on a busy Saturday in the middle of town. Some will pay you for how many you get into the club!

It’s a great job if you’re a social, confident person but be prepared to stand out in the cold trying to catch the attention of students on their way to their big night out. If you’re interested in a marketing career once you’ve completed your degree this might be a great opportunity to test your skills. 

Mystery Shopping

If you fancy going shopping and getting spending money in return for a review of your experience, then sign up to a mystery shopping agency and head into specific stores or even restaurants at the weekend and enjoy a day out.

You’re there to judge the service and experience so ensure you can be impartial and honest when it comes to reviewing and try not to make it too obvious. It’s not a way of making a living full time but it’s definitely a great way of getting out of that student flat and perhaps earning a few extra pennies. Sign up with a site such as Market Force for big brand jobs.

Student Ambassador

You could get a job without even leaving the grounds of your university if you apply for a role with the Student Union. Working as a Student Ambassador not only pays you a wage but it is a flexible position that allows you to inspire new students visiting the canvas, as well as exploring the canvas itself.

Your employer will, of course, be sensitive to your need to study and perhaps lack of availability at certain times of the year. Your University should have a job section on their website – start there with your search.

Tags: part time jobs

Category: College and Careers