Many students find that a part-time job can help with the cost of living when they’re studying. As well as giving you some extra cash it also adds benefit to your CV, showing commitment and dedication. Before committing to any work, however, you must consider two factors; your studies and visa restrictions (if you are an international student)
Having a part-time job when you’re studying can be a real asset, but it shouldn’t have a negative impact on your key focus – your course. Before committing to any job, wait until you receive your timetable at enrolment and understand the self-study required outside of your timetabled hours. You must fit work around your studies.
Also, if you are an international student, you will have restrictions on how many hours you’re allowed to work when you’re allowed to work or, depending on your age, if you can work at all. The UK Council for International Student Affairs provides more information on working in the UK whilst you study.
We take a look at some of the best ways to find a job whilst studying.
Plan your weekly schedule
Generally, your lectures will be on the same days and at the same times each week (aside from half terms and holidays, of course) which will make planning your schedule quite easy. Look at the days where you have a free morning or afternoon before or after a lecture, as it’s best to keep these for study periods, catching up with classmates, or speaking to your lecturer or other members of staff. Then, highlight your clear/free days, and think about allocating one or two of these a week to part-time working.
Alternatively, you could allocate a couple of weekday evenings for a part-time job. Whatever you decide, make sure you’ve planned out your average week in a diary or calendar leaving you clear on the times that are free for work.
Update your CV/resume
If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to update your CV. In your CV’s profile section, along with talking about your key attributes and skills, make it clear that you are a current student looking for part-time work only. It’s best to let potential employers know your situation and what you’ll realistically be able to work.
Use your university
The University of Roehampton is a busy, buzzing place not only for studying but also for living. Because of this, there are opportunities to work on campus right on your doorstep. Speak to your lecturers and ask them if they know of any vacancies. They can keep you up to date on any places they might know that are looking for part-time workers.
Hand in a copy of your CV to the manager at the Hive Café, The Whitlands Canteen or the Froebel Diner. You never know when, and where, a job vacancy may pop up. At many of the facilities on campus there are notice boards; check these daily for any details of job openings.
You can also find University of Roehampton job vacancies here.
Go out and about
The University of Roehampton is wonderfully situated near Barnes, Putney, Fulham, and many other areas that have shops, restaurants, bars, and pubs. Whenever your next free day comes around, head out to these areas armed with copies of your CV and drop by places you think you’d like to work. Ask if they have any vacancies and leave them a copy of your CV. You never know what may come of it, and with an estimated 70-85% of jobs not publicly advertised, the stats are well in your favour, so give it a try.
Keep a lookout for temp roles during holidays
Many restaurants, hotels, and shops take on extra staff for busy periods in the year such as Christmas or the summer holidays. So, with this in mind, keep a lookout for any vacancies that might come up. These could be a perfect way of making some extra money whilst you have no lectures on. In the run up to Christmas (late October) or the start of the school summer holidays, hand out your CV to places that are likely to be looking for an extra hand during peak trading times.
These are just some of the ways you can find part-time work that will fit perfectly around your studies. And, if all else fails, look at taking part in market research focus groups, becoming a ‘mystery shopper’, or try tutoring.