Part-Time Jobs in Birmingham for Students: Your Complete Guide to Finding Work in 2025

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK, with more than 80,000 students from all over the world studying at many large universities. This large student population creates a vibrant, youth-centric environment that appeals to students looking for educational skills and practical work experience. Our Birmingham city guide offers a glimpse of the student-friendly environment in the city. Our guide covers everything from cosy student accommodation in Birmingham to the best universities in the city. The proximity to shops, restaurants, and lively nightlife creates the ideal environment where you can balance educational, professional and social life.

Students can access plenty of part-time jobs in Birmingham to reduce the financial strain on their budget. The city offers retail, hospitality, and flexible jobs for students who are also balancing a full-time degree. These part-time roles usually provide a competitive per-hour salary that can be adjusted to your class schedules, exam durations and educational obligations.

Best Part-Time Jobs in Birmingham for Students 

1. Retail Positions 

From traditional market to buzzing shopping mall, The Bullring is the centre of all the action. A bonus, it's a great spot for students looking for part-time jobs. With many stores around, you can land a job in this area within days. Top picks for students: 

• Selfridges: £12- £14/hour plus commission (fancy!) 
• John Lewis: £11.50 -  £13/hour (great perks too) 
•  Zara & H&M: £11.44/hour (super flexible) 
•  Apple Store: £13 - £16/hour (plus you learn loads) 

Pro tip? Apply in September. That's when they need Christmas staff. 

2. Hospitality & Restaurant Work 

Birmingham is known for its exquisite dishes. The good news for job hunters, restaurants always need staff. This is a great example of part-time jobs for students studying in Birmingham. Not only do you get flexible shifts, but students can also earn well through tips. 

You can explore local restaurants not just for jobs, but also for budget-friendly bites. Check out our guide to the top restaurants in Birmingham and unlock hidden cuisines and maybe your next part-time job. The most buzzing food streets in Birmingham are Broad Street and Chinatown. Students can stay at The Pavilion or The Toybox near Broad Street, while true Birmingham or 88 Bromsgrove House is great if you want to stay near Chinatown. 

3. Campus-Based Jobs 

Why travel when you can work on campus? Unis offer loads of part-time student jobs in Birmingham – no experience needed.

• Student ambassadors (£12 - £15/hour): Easy money showing people around
• Library assistants (£11.44/hour): Quiet environment, perfect for introverts 
•  IT support (£13 - £16/hour): Get paid well to fix computers.
•  Research assistants (£12 - £14/hour): Help professors and boost your CV 

If you choose a job on campus, you can choose accommodation closer to your university. Students attending Aston University can choose Bentley House. If you are studying at Birmingham City University, you can choose to stay at B16 Studios.

4. Tutoring & Teaching 

Got good grades? Cash in on them: 

• Private tutoring (£20 - £40/hour): Seriously good money 
• Online tutoring (£15 - £25/hour): Work from your room 
• Teaching assistant roles (£12 - £15/hour): Great experience 

Part-Time Jobs in Birmingham for International Students 

Before diving right in, moving to a new city can be overwhelming. We get it. The rules seem confusing at first for international students. Don't worry – it's actually straightforward. 

Visa Requirements 

Here's what you need to know: 

• Tier 4/student visa: You can work 20 hours max during the term 
• Holidays: Go full-time if you want. That’s 40 hours per week even for international students.
• Self-employment: Nope, not allowed if you’re on a student visa.

Best Sectors for International Students 

Where should you apply? These places hire international students all the time:

1. University jobs: Zero hassle. They know the rules 
2. Big retail chains: Primark, Tesco, M&S are used to visa restrictions
3. Restaurant chains: Nando's and Wagamama love international staff 
4. Language tutoring: Your native language = money maker 

Real talk: Tell employers about your visa upfront. Birmingham businesses are cool with it. Most have hired international students before. 

Weekend Jobs Birmingham Students Love 

Weekend jobs Birmingham students frequently choose offer flexibility without interfering with studies:

Top Weekend Opportunities 

• Event staff at NEC Birmingham: £13.82/hour
• Retail assistants in city centre: £11.44 - £13/hour 
• Restaurant servers on Broad Street: £11.44 + tips
• Stadium staff at Villa Park or St Andrew's: £12 - £14/hour

Benefits of Weekend Work 

• Higher pay rates (often 1.5x Sunday rates) 
• Doesn't conflict with lectures 
• Social opportunities 
• Regular shift patterns 

But remember, weekends are just not for work; you can explore in and around the city because Birmingham has its own vibe. Check out the top things to do in Birmingham for studentsduring free weekends. 

Jobs in Birmingham City Centre for Students 

The city centre offers unbeatable convenience for students. Students must check out the best areas to live in Birmingham.

Prime Locations 

Part-Time Retail Jobs in Birmingham for Students 

Retail remains the biggest employer of students in Birmingham: 

Major Employers Are Always Hiring 

• Primark (Flagship store) - Flexible contracts 
• Next – Excellent training programs 
• M&S – Good employee benefits 
• Sports Direct – Commission opportunities 

Application Tips for Retail 

1. Apply directly on company websites 
2. Highlight any customer service experience 
3. Show flexibility with hours
4. Dress smartly for interviews 
5. Research the brand beforehand 

How to Find Student Jobs in Birmingham 

1. University Job Boards 

First stop? Your uni. Seriously. They've got: 

• Guild of Students website (goldmine) 
• Careers service (they actually help) 
• Random noticeboards (old school but works) 

2. Online Platforms 

The go-to sites: 

• StudentJob UK – Made for students. No dodgy stuff 
• Indeed – Massive. Filter by part-time 
• Reed.co.uk – Proper employers here 
• Gumtree – Hit and miss but worth checking 

3. Direct Applications 

Old-fashioned? Maybe. Effective? Definitely. Walk into shops at 2-4 pm and ask for part-time openings. Managers are usually free at this time, just hand them your CV. The city is open to students and their progress. 

4. Networking 

Networking as a student may seem difficult. It's not: 

• Ask your coursemates (someone always knows about jobs) 
• Join uni Facebook groups (job posts daily)
• Society members share opportunities 

Application Tips for Success 

Creating Your CV 

Keep it to one page and include: 

• Contact details with a UK phone number 
• Education (current course and A-levels) 
• Any work experience (even volunteering)
• Skills relevant to customer service 
• Availability clearly stated 

Pro-tip: You can get a physical or e-sim as soon as you settle in. This will help you reach out to potential employers easily. Check out our blog on eSIM for students in the UK for more information.

Balancing Work and Studies 

Recommended Working Hours 

While you’re applying for jobs, you can also look for affordable student accommodation in Birmingham that supports your lifestyle. This is crucial to keep in mind, so you can focus on your studies without worryingabout mounting bills.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of how you can manage the cost of living in Birmingham for students. You can also choose to stay in well-connected areas, such as Selly Oaks or Five Ways to reduce commuting. These areas have some of the best student accommodation in Birmingham.

Legal Rights and Pay 

Minimum Wage (April 2025) 

• 21 and over: £12.21/hour 
• 18-20: £10.00/hour 
• Under 18: £7.55/hour 

Your Rights 

• Term time: 20 hours per week for International students
• Permitted to work full-time during official university holidays
• Paid breaks (20 minutes for 6+ hour shifts) 
• Holiday pay (5.6 weeks pro rata) 
• Safe working environment 
• Written contract within 2 months

Red Flags to Avoid 

Watch out for: 

• Cash-in-hand payments only 
• No written contract 
• Unpaid "trial shifts" over 2 hours 
• Requests for upfront payments 
• Unrealistic earning promises 

Top Companies Actively Hiring Students 

Always Recruiting 

1. McDonald's - Flexible shifts, crew member roles 
2. Tesco - Various positions, good benefits 
3. Amazon – Warehouse and delivery roles 
4. Wetherspoons – Bar and kitchen staff
5. Costa Coffee – Barista positions 

Seasonal Opportunities 

1. Christmas temp work (October-January) 
2. Summer festival staff (June-September) 
3. Exam invigilators (May-June) 

Conclusion 

Finding part-time jobs in Birmingham for students isn't rocket science. It just takes a bit of effort. You can find a job within the first 4 weeks easily. All you need is to be persistent and apply everywhere. Don't take rejections personally. 

Birmingham's massive. There's something for everyone. Shy? Try stocking shelves. Social butterfly? Hit the bars and restaurants. Remember – uni comes first. Pick employers who get that. Most Birmingham businesses do. They've been hiring students for years. A property close to your job or your university can make all the difference. You can explore the premium student accommodation in Birmingham that will definitely match your routine and budget. Contact Best Student Halls to find the perfect student room.

You've got this! Birmingham's waiting for you.