Learning and working should go hand-in-hand. Get the 20 Best Jobs for International Students in the UK With No Experience Needed.
Moving to the UK as an international student is thrilling, but there are financial realities to be aware of. It soon mounts up: rent, groceries, transportation, textbooks, and the occasional cup of coffee to keep you calm during exams. Like me when I first came, you’re undoubtedly looking for methods to balance your academics with earning extra money. The good news? To get a good part-time work, you don’t need years of experience.
In the UK, there are many flexible, entry-level positions that are perfect for overseas students. In addition to helping you meet people and fit around your studies without taxing you, they pay enough to get by.
Even if your resume is as blank as a Monday morning lecture hall, you can still look at the 20 good career alternatives listed below.
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20 Best Jobs for International Students in the UK With No Experience Needed
Retail Helper
High street shops and supermarkets are always hiring. Consider Boots, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, or Primark. You’ll be helping customers, operating the till, or stocking shelves.
Why it functions: Basic instruction is given. shift-based schedule.
Average hourly wage: £10–£12
Barista
Part-time employees are frequently sought after by coffee shops such as Costa, Starbucks, and Pret. You’ll be engaging with clients, cleaning, and serving drinks.
Why it functions: No prior knowledge is required. Training in customer service is offered.
Average hourly wage: £9–£11
A waiter or waitress
Cafes, taverns, and restaurants are constantly in need of more staff. You will serve food, take orders, and occasionally handle payments.
Why it functions: fast-paced and frequently includes tips in addition to pay.
Average hourly wage: £9–£11 plus tips
Operational Warehouse
Students are hired by major retailers like Amazon and Argos to work in their warehouses doing tasks like sorting, packing, and dispatching, particularly during busy times.
It works because there is no contact with customers. shifts that are frequently nocturnal and do not conflict with classes.
Average hourly wage: £10–£14
Cleaner
Although it doesn’t seem glamorous, the work is honest and typically pays well. Cleaning services are frequently hired by workplaces, educational institutions, and even dorms.
Why it functions: shifts in the morning or evening. a calm workplace.
Average hourly wage: £10–£12
Assistant in the Library
Universities and public libraries frequently rely on students to help with shelving, desk chores, and admin tasks.
Why it works: a peaceful, quiet setting. It seems appropriate for an academic setting.
Average hourly wage: £9–£11
Delivery Person (Scooter/Bicycle)
You can use Just Eat, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo if you have a bike or e-scooter.
Why it functions: Schedule is completely flexible. Work whenever you’d like.
Hourly wages range from £8 to £15 on average, depending on region and tips.
Receptionist (evening or part-time)
Receptionists are occasionally needed for evening or weekend shifts at gyms, clinics, or hostels. You’ll be in charge of phones, check-ins, and general administration.
Why it functions: organized work. good administrative experience at an entry level.
Average hourly wage: £10–£13
Ambassador for Students
Institutions hire students of their own to help with campus events, tours, or outreach programs.
Why it functions: adaptable. familiar environment. You advertise your own university.
Average hourly wage: £10–£12
Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Animal lovers can register on bulletin boards or local applications. Many people in the UK want pet sitters or dog walkers on a part-time basis.
It’s flexible, which is why it works. therapeutic endeavors.
Average pay: £8 – £15/hour
Babysitter
If you have a peaceful and responsible disposition, childcare can be a satisfying and reasonably earning profession.
Why it works: Saturday nights don’t interfere with lessons. Often recurring.
Average pay: £10 – £13/hour
Supermarket Attendant
Large businesses like Lidl and Aldi routinely hire students. You can keep shelves or serve consumers with simple inquiries.
Why it works: Shifts fit around classes. Simple, but physical.
Pay range: £11 to £13/hour on average
Clerk for Data Entry
Data entry positions that are temporary or part-time frequently arise, particularly in local offices or institutions.
Why it functions: Not much training is required. Excellent for tech-savvy people.
Pay range: £10–£12 per hour on average
Usher or Event Steward
It might be enjoyable to work at theater productions, sporting events, or concerts. Employers like Showsec and G4S frequently hire students.
Per-event shifts are the reason it works. Some shows may even be free to attend.
Average hourly wage: £9–£12
Housekeeping in Hotels
Part-time housekeepers and cleaners are always needed by hotels in tourist destinations and bustling cities.
Why it functions: Work by yourself. Hours are flexible.
Average hourly wage: £10–£12
Porter in the Kitchen
Think about the back if you’re not ready to work front of house. You’ll assist with prep, clean surfaces, and wash dishes.
Why it functions: Work in the background. Find out how a kitchen functions.
Average hourly wage: £9–£11
Interviewer for Market Research
Businesses employ workers to perform surveys or phone interviews. There will be no selling; you will read questions from a script.
Why it functions: Phone-based, indoor job. No prior knowledge is required.
Average hourly wage: £10–£14
The cashier
Part-time cashiers are frequently employed by shops and convenience stores. You’ll take care of payments, scan merchandise, and restock as needed.
Why it functions: routine work. Change your flexibility.
Pay range: £10–£12 per hour on average
Tour Guide (local or campus)
This is for you if you enjoy sharing stories and are familiar with your city or college. Part-time assistance is frequently required for university or local excursions.
Why it works: You are compensated for walking and talking. Best suited for extroverts.
Hourly wage: £10 to £15 on average
Temporary Workers at Fairs or Festivals
Festivals, food stands, and seasonal events frequently require temporary assistance. These can include serving food and assisting with setup.
Why it functions: brief spikes in revenue. enjoyable work environment.
Average hourly wage: £9 to £13.
Last Words of Advice
It’s acceptable if you have no prior employment experience in the UK. Everybody begins somewhere. The most important things are being dependable, learning fast, and arriving with a cheerful mindset. Here are some other pointers to help you in your job search:
- Update your resume, even if the majority of it consists of school projects or volunteer work.
- Sign up with university career centers; they frequently feature student-specific listings.
- Begin modestly; even a few hours per week can contribute to your confidence and reputation in the community.
- Be aware of your visa restrictions. During term time, UK student visas (Tier 4/Student visa) permit up to 20 hours of work per week.
It’s not only about the money at your part-time work. It’s about being independent, making new friends, improving your CV, and getting the most out of your time in the UK.
Therefore, don’t wait for the “ideal” chance. You’ll be shocked at how much you develop both personally and professionally if you start with what’s available and give it your all.
