(Editor’s note: This is part of Dispatches’ Tech Tuesday series. In addition to startups and innovators, we cover other facets of global business including universities, jobs and careers because we’re all about the global mobility of talent.)
You’re about to begin a degree at one of the United Kingdom’s many universities – congratulations! This is a great opportunity, an accomplishment in getting accepted, and the beginnings of an adventure. But while it’s an exciting time for you, it can be a terrifying time for your wallet. And I should know; I did my master’s degree and my PhD at University College London (UCL), and living in London on a student budget, with tuition and living expenses always on your mind, can be rough.
The good news? A part-time job can help with the costs of your degree, and even help you gain some valuable professional experience while you study.
The bad news? As an international student, your student visa places a variety of restrictions on what kind of employment you can legally take, so you’ll need to be careful on the job hunt. That said, I’ve been there, and there are some tips, tricks and reminders that can help as you start looking for work.
With that in mind, here are steps you can take to get a student job and get some pounds in your pocket while you study:
Step 1: Know your options — and know the law
Before you start looking for a part-time job, you’ll need to know what kind of jobs you’re legally permitted to work. As a student visa holder, you’ll be limited in both the hours per week you can work, and what kind of contract you’re allowed to work under.
Student visa holders in the United Kingdom may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time— this law is in place to ensure that student visa holders are studying for the majority of their time on the visa.
However, if it’s not term time, for instance, during summer break, you can work full time.
You can also work full time at a job or internship that’s explicitly part of your course; students in some law and business programs may experience this, but it will have been advertised by your program in advance.
In addition to the time limits, you cannot be self-employed, start a business, or work as an independent contractor.
This means you’ll need to apply for a job from an employer, and they can’t put you on longer hours than is legal. So-called zero hours contracts, which don’t guarantee any amount of time per week to employees and are common for retail and food service jobs, are popular for students, because you have the flexibility to ask for time off for exams, or for hours to be added or reduced around your term schedule.
Step 2: Check with your school
One of the best resources for finding a job while you study may very well be your school. At the major UK universities in particular, student employees are often in demand, and as the sponsor of your student visa, your school will be careful to stay within the law when employing you.
Depending on your degree program, your department may have a job for you. Graduate students in the UK are often in demand as teaching assistants (TAs). Unlike TAing in the United States, UK TAs must apply for the role, and contracts can vary. But the actual work is very similar in both countries. You’ll be assisting a professor in teaching and marking fro an undergraduate-level class, and usually be paid per hour.
Not a graduate student?
No worries! Undergraduates can check out their school’s student center for job opportunities as student fundraisers, receptionists for administrative services, working at the on-campus bars and cafes, and more. These jobs can be a lot easier on students than traditional admin, retail or food service roles since the university knows your studies have to take top priority.
Step 3: Network, network, network!
You’re likely to hear a lot about the importance of networking to help your career after you graduate, but did you know that networking can also help you land a student job? While there are less likely to be official networking events for student jobs, you can use the principles of drawing on your connections to land a great gig.
Is there someone in your class with a good part-time role? Ask if their workplace is hiring. If there’s a local business in your neighborhood that particularly interests you, pop by to see if they could use another pair of hands. And remember, a lot of casual work is seasonal – even if you haven’t had luck with local shops and restaurants at the start of the year, busy seasons like Christmas and the summer holidays can mean more work to go around, so don’t hesitate to check back.
Step 4: Beware these common mistakes!
Finally, watch out for pitfalls! There’s no feeling more disappointing than landing a gig you’re excited about, only to have it end before it begins.
Many UK businesses want potential employees to work a trial shift before being hired. This can be a great way for you and a potential employer to get a feel for each other.
But remember, it’s legally mandated that trial shifts be paid; don’t let unscrupulous businesses cheat you out of money you’re rightfully owed.
Further, remember that you are not allowed, per your student visa, to be self-employed. This includes gig work like delivering food for Uber Eats, but can also include being listed as an “independent contractor” at a more traditional role. Be sure to negotiate a contract you can legitimately sign and work under before your first day on the job!
Finally, remember that as a student visa holder, you’re in the UK first and foremost for your degree. While working during your studies can be a boost professionally and financially, your studies have to come first.
If you find that your work schedule is causing your degree plan to suffer, you may have to choose between the two – and there’s no shame in that.
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Ellery Weil
Dr. Ellery Weil is a writer and historian based in London. She was born in Washington, DC, raised in Maryland, and attended undergrad in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to the UK to attend grad school at University College London, where she earned her PhD in History. She lives in London with her husband, where you can find her writing, reading, petting dogs in Regent's Park, and exploring the city's antique markets.
