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Where to look for part-time jobs


Where to look for part-time jobs

Here are the best places to find a part-time job for students:

Unfortunately, Maintenance Loans aren't enough to cover living costs for many students.

Students in our latest National Student Money Survey spent an average of £1,142 per month. However, the average Maintenance Loan for English students in 2024/25 was equivalent to around £640 per month.It's perhaps not surprising, then, that 58% of surveyed students had part-time jobs.By getting a job, you could start earning a regular, reliable income. This will make a huge difference if you (like so many others) find that your Student Loan isn't big enough.

However, it's worth noting that part-time jobs don't come easy. First, you've got to decide what it is you want to do and then put in the effort to secure a job.

  1. Part-time job search tools.
    Knowing where to look online is essential for getting a good part-time job. The company website is a good place to start. Here, they will advertise their job vacancies.We may be biased, but our part-time job search engineis the best one out there for students looking for work at university. It's constantly updated, so keep an eye out for new postings. Also, sign up for job websites. Sites like CV-Library, for example, will notify you when part-time positions pop up in your area.
  2. Social media.
    We touched on this earlier, but social media is perfect for job hunting.As well as looking directly at companies' websites to find vacancies, have a look at their social media pages as well. They will likely share their job opportunities on sites like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook. If this is the case, you can like or respond to the post. But before you do, make sure your social media looks professional. It's also worth checking any Facebook groups for students in your university city. Local bars, coffee shops and retail stores often post job openings in groups like this to attract students. Alternatively, you can see if there are any hospitality Facebook groups in your city (if you want to work in hospitality). Check out our extensive guides on how to use LinkedInX and other social media platforms to find a job.
  3. University jobs fairs.
    Many universities will organise job fairs throughout the year. These give you the chance to meet employers directly. It's a great opportunity, so check when your uni will be hosting a career fair and be sure to pop along. To get the most out of a uni job fair, find out which companies will be attending. Research them beforehand and arrive armed with notes and questions. After talking to recruiters at fairs, ask for their card and follow up with an email afterwards. In the email, it's a good idea to remind them who you are and thank them for chatting with you. You can also ask them to stay in touch about part-time jobs if any become available. As well as going to job fairs, check if your university has a JobShop service. Through this, you might be able to find a part-time job in their shops, bars and on open days.
  4. Recruitment agencies.
    Recruitment agencies are a lot like matchmaking services. But instead of helping you find love, they find you a job. They usually have a database of positions waiting to be filled. Before signing up, check out our full guide to getting the most out of recruitment agencies.
  5. Your network.
    Lucky enough to have friends or family working at a company you're interested in? They might be able to give you a heads-up when a new job opens up, or even put in a good word for you.If all else fails, just ask the old-fashioned way. When it comes to finding part-time jobs, it can be effective to walk into a place with your CV and ask if there are any jobs going. And don't be afraid to ask for a job in a store, cafe or pub without a "help wanted" sign on their window. You'll never know what's available until you ask!It might seem a bit daunting at first, but once you've got past the first couple, it will get much easier.

Sources

Save the Student
Where to look for part-time jobs


Where to look for part-time jobs

By Save The Student
Save The Student is the UK's leading student money website, helping you budget your money, make sense of student finance, look for part-time jobs, find extra funding and more. Founded in 2007, the website provides free and impartial guides, tools and verified deals to tackle the real-life money problems students face at university.

London Metropolitan University