Part-Time Jobs in London for Students: Complete 2025 Guide

London is amazing for student work. The city has tons of jobs that actually pay well. Plus, you'll meet great people and learn skills that matter after graduation. We know how tough student life can be. Rent is expensive, food costs add up and going out with friends requires cash you don't have.

That's why we put together this guide. It's packed with real advice from students who've been there. No fluff or complicated jargon. Part-time work goes beyond earning money; it also helps you gain confidence and skills. These jobs help with time management and give you real-world experience that every employer looks for after graduation. Whether you’re pouring coffee, tutoring juniors, or managing a shop floor, each job teaches you something new.

Many students worry about their working hours and whether they align well with the university schedule. But in London, many employers are aware of this fact and don't take your university time for granted. You'll find the best part-time jobs in central London for students. You can also find many remote opportunities and earn while sitting in your student accommodation in London.  

We'll show you exactly how to get hired, even if you have zero experience. We’ve also included insights into legal requirements, tips for CVs and interviews, and even budgeting advice to make the most of your earnings. Ready to start earning? Let's dive in.

Why London is Perfect for Student Employment

London ranks as one of the world's top student cities for good reason. Along with great academic and career opportunities, vibrant cultural experiences, world-class infrastructure, and a dynamic social scene that keeps students engaged year-round, the city offers:

• Thriving job market with over 15,000 part-time positions 
• Student-friendly employers who understand academic schedules
• Competitive wages with the London Living Wage at £13.85/hour
• Diverse industries from tech to hospitality
• Excellent transport connecting all job locations

Top Part-Time Jobs in London for Students

There are many part-time opportunities for students living in London. From retail to tech, hospitality to tutoring, the options are as diverse as the student population itself. 

1. Retail Jobs (£10 - £15/hour)

Retail roles are great for improving communication, customer service, and teamwork skills—all while earning steady pay.

Best Companies:

• Uniqlo - If you’re looking for a retail job with a great team and flexible hours, Uniqlo is a top choice. You can get paid around £10-12/hour.
• John Lewis - John Lewis is perfect if you want a friendly workplace with perks like employee discounts and good pay, around £11-27/hour.
• Zara -  If you love fashion and want a hands-on experience, Zara is a solid choice with good pay in the range of £9-10.50/hour.
• Apple Store - If you're into tech, then working at the Apple Store offers great pay and real product training. The pay you can expect is around £11-13/hour.

 Jobs at these companies are perfect for students studying business, marketing, or fashion.

2. Coffee Shop Jobs (£12 - £13/hour + tips)

Working in coffee shops sharpens multitasking and people skills, plus you earn tips on top of hourly pay.

Top Employers:

• Starbucks -  Flexible hours and healthcare benefits make this a good choice, and expect the pay to be around £11-12/hour.
• Costa Coffee -  Perfect for students who can do shifts that work around lectures. And something which pays around £11-12/hour, amazing, right?
• Independent cafes - You’ll often earn higher tips, though you may miss out on perks like insurance or staff benefits.

Here, you get skilled in Customer service, multitasking, and time management, which will help you in the long run.

3. Restaurant and Bar Work (£9-£15/hour + tips)

Perfect for outgoing students, these roles boost communication skills and offer flexible hours with tip earnings.

High-paying opportunities:

• Central London restaurants -  Looking for high-paying gigs? Central London restaurants offer great roles paying between £12 and £16 per hour.
• Hotel bars - Hotel bars offer great pay, between £11 and £17 per hour, plus excellent tips to boost your earnings. 
• Event catering - Event catering jobs pay between £12 and £15 per hour and are perfect if you’re available to work on weekends.
• Fine dining - Fine dining jobs pay between £13 and £18 per hour, with the added bonus of substantial tips, perfect for students looking to earn more.

If you are free in the evening and social enough to have an interaction with customers, these part-time jobs are for you. Night owls might prefer evening shifts. If you’re working in hospitality or nightlife, check out our guide to the best student clubs in London. You might end up working (or unwinding) there!

If you land a job in any of London’s best restaurants, you're not just earning—you’re also gaining exposure to the city's incredible food culture and hospitality standards.

4. Delivery Jobs (£11 - £18/hour)

Perfect for students with bikes or scooters, delivery jobs offer flexible hours and decent weekly earnings. 
Top platforms:

• Uber Eats - They offer flexible working hours and let you choose between delivering by bike or car, making it easy to fit around your studies.
• Deliveroo - Rewards you with extra bonuses during busy peak hours, helping boost your earnings when demand is high.
• Just Eat - Provides a guaranteed minimum wage, ensuring steady earnings regardless of order volume.
  Amazon Flex - Offers higher pay with block scheduling for flexible hours. Requires you to be 18+ with a clean driving record.

5. Administrative and Office Jobs (£12 - £20/hour)

Great for organised students, these roles help build communication, Excel, and time-management skills in a professional setting.

Popular positions:

• Data entry - Ideal for students with strong attention to detail, Excel skills, and the ability to work accurately under deadlines. Pays you around £11 - 20/hour.
• Reception work - You can earn £12 to £16 per hour and improve your communication and organisational skills.
• Customer service - Work remotely, handling customer queries and enjoy flexible hours while earning between £12 and £16 per hour.

6. Creative and Digital Jobs (£16 - £20/hour)

Creative and digital jobs offer great chances to develop skills in content creation, graphic design, and social media management, helping students build a strong portfolio for future careers. Students can take up these roles to gain hands-on experience and showcase their creativity while studying.

Emerging opportunities:

• Social media management - Don’t just scroll, manage social media and earn around £15-20 per hour in many flexible opportunities.
• Content creation - You can create your personal brand on Instagram or LinkedIn, and with that brand value, you could get brand deals. 
• Graphic design - Apart from your assignment presentations, put your design skills to work with flexible hours, earning around £15 to £20 per hour.
• Photography - Turn your passion for photography into paid gigs with event-based earnings. A perfect way to spend your weekend while you earn.

If you are a creative person, these roles are perfect for you. While you study, you get to explore the fields of marketing, content, design, and photography, and get paid as well. This is a great way to build a portfolio that can later lead to professional opportunities in London.

Salary Breakdown: What You Can Actually Earn

Based on 20 hours/week during term time, full-time during holidays

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Central London for Students

Finding a part-time job in Central London might sound difficult to you, but with the right steps, it’s completely easy. So, here are the most effective ways you can discover flexible, well-paying roles as a student that fit around your university schedule, near your accommodation and help you in future career prospects. 

1. Online Job Platforms

Online job platforms are the fastest way to discover fresh, student-friendly roles.

Best websites for student jobs:

• StudentJob.co.uk
• Indeed.co.uk
• Reed.co.uk
• Glassdoor
• LinkedIn

Search tips:

Search with an appropriate and relevant keyword. Searching is the most important part, as you might miss out on a great opportunity just by a searching error. These tips will help you out with searching.

• Use specific keywords: "part-time student jobs London"
• Set location filters to central London.
• Enable job alerts for daily updates.
• Apply within 24 hours of posting.

2. University Career Services

University career services offer tailored job support, from CV building to exclusive campus-based opportunities. Note that one must always check the notice board to get regularly informed about the career centre updates.

Services available:

• Job boards with verified student-friendly employers
• Career fairs with on-the-spot interviews
• CV workshops tailored for students
• Interview preparation sessions
• Work-study programs combining study and employment

If you're still deciding where to study in London, choosing a university with strong career support can make all the difference. Explore the top 10 universities in London (QS World Rankings 2025) to see which institutions offer the best mix of academics and employability.

If you’re studying at top universities like UCL or Queen Mary University of London, don’t miss their robust career services. You can explore more tips and career opportunities in our guide on Queen Mary University of London. They offer student-specific job boards and even part-time roles within the campus itself.

Living near Imperial College London puts you in proximity to high-paying job spots in South Kensington and nearby areas, cutting down commute time and letting you balance work and study more efficiently.

3. Direct Applications

Approaching employers directly can lead to quick hires, especially if you show initiative and timing. So, do not hesitate to directly contact the places which have open positions. The places could be restaurants, bars, libraries, art galleries and many more. 

High-success strategies:

• Walk-in applications during quiet hours (2-4 PM)
• Manager targeting - ask to speak with hiring managers.
• Follow-up calls within 48 hours after the application.
• Timing - apply when you settle in.

Understanding London’s travel zones 1–9 is essential when job hunting. It helps you factor in transport costs and choose work locations that are easily accessible from your university or accommodation.

4. Networking and Referrals

Building connections through peers, societies, and alumni can unlock hidden job opportunities faster than applying online.

Effective networking:

• Student societies often have job connections
• Coursemates may know of openings.
• Social media groups like "London Students Jobs"
• Alumni networks through university platforms

Legal Requirements for International Students

Understanding the terms of your student visa is crucial if you are an overseas student in London looking for part-time employment. International students are permitted to work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays, although the number of hours you can work is determined by the level of your course. These rules are closely regulated, and violating them could risk your visa. Conditions on your visa or biometric residence permit should always be reviewed before accepting any work.

For a full breakdown of visa types, eligibility, application steps, and associated fees, check out our UK student visa guide.

Work Hour Limits

Required Documents

1. Student visa with work permission
2. National Insurance Number (apply online)
3. University enrollment letter
4. Valid passport
5. Bank statements for some employers

Prohibited Work Types

• Self-employment or freelancing (without registration)
• Business activities (selling goods online)
• Professional sports
• Entertainment industry work

Being an international student in London can be a lot to juggle. Explore student life in London from the perspective of international students. This offers helpful tips to work, study, and live in London.

Application Success Strategy

An employer in London goes through multiple part-time job applications. Your chances of getting an opportunity start with having an attractive and apt CV which aligns with the job description. Your CV doesn't need to have a ton of experience; rather, it should show your potential and have good readability. Focus on your skill set, mention your volunteer work, and make sure it reflects your personality and commitment to the task. Here are a few suggestions that could help you make your CV better. A good CV and a good opportunity that aligns with your course will give you an advantage to convert your short-term employment into a full-time job.

Creating a Winning Student CV

Craft a CV that highlights your strengths, showcases relevant skills, and proves you're ready to contribute.

Essential sections:

1. Contact information with a professional email
2. Personal statement highlighting availability and enthusiasm
3. Education with current course and expected graduation.
4. Work experience, including volunteer work and part-time jobs
5. Skills relevant to the job (languages, software, customer service)
6. References, including academic and personal references

Interview Preparation

Prepare thoroughly by researching the company, practising common questions, and presenting yourself confidently and professionally.

Common student job interview questions:

• "Why do you want to work part-time?"
• "How will you balance work and studies?"
• "When can you start?"
• "What's your availability?"
• "Describe a time you handled stress"

Preparation tips:

• Research the company thoroughly
• Prepare specific examples of your skills.
• Dress professionally but appropriately.
• Bring multiple copies of your CV.
• Have questions ready about the role

Following Up

Send a polite thank-you email within 24 hours, express your continued interest, and inquire about the next steps to show professionalism.
Professional follow-up strategy:

1. Thank you email within 24 hours
2. Reiterate interest and key qualifications.
3. Ask about the timeline for decisions.
4. Second follow-up after one week if no response

Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in London by Study Field

Not every student job has the same value; depending on your field of study, the most suitable one could vary. Having an appropriate part-time employment that is relevant to your course can enhance your CV, provide useful experience, and be helpful for your career. Here are a few tips from us.

Business Students

• Bank teller positions - Get hands-on experience in handling transactions and customer service, usually paying between £12 and £15 per hour.
• Sales assistant roles - These roles involve assisting customers and managing stock, with pay typically ranging from £9 to £13 per hour.
• Marketing internships - Gain hands-on experience in marketing projects while earning between £15 and £20 per hour.

Engineering Students

• IT support - Build your technical skills and earn £15 to £18 per hour helping users with IT support tasks.
• Research assistant - Gain valuable experience and earn between £15 and £20 per hour working as a research assistant.
• Technical writing -Let your writing skills earn you around £18 to £25 per hour through technical writing opportunities.

Arts Students

• Gallery assistant - Assist in galleries while earning between £9 and £12 per hour in a creative environment.
• Creative writing -  Craft engaging content and earn £20 to £25 per hour using your creative writing skills.
• Performing Arts Tutor - If you are pursuing any performing arts like dancing, singing or if you can play any instrument. You can always take classes in it and make a handsome amount of money.

Language Students

• Translation work - Use your language skills to earn between £15 and £20 per hour translating documents and content.
• Tour guide - London is a culturally and historically rich city. If you know enough of London, then share your passion for the city and earn around £12 to £20 per hour, plus tips. 
• ESL tutoring - Help others learn English and earn between £18 and £25 per hour tutoring ESL students.

Seasonal Opportunities

Seasonal jobs can give you great short-term earning opportunities. Christmas, Summer and back-to-school season are a few of the main seasonal times when you can get these opportunities. These roles are ideal for flexible schedules and often pay more due to higher demand. Here is what you can check for during peak season: 

Christmas Season (November-January)

• Retail Christmas temp -  Jobs at Christmas Stalls offer flexible hours and pay between £10 and £14 per hour during the Christmas period.
• Gift wrapping services - Gift wrapping jobs provide a festive work environment with pay ranging from £9 to £12 per hour.
• Event staffing - Event staffing offers flexible hours and pays between £12 and £18 per hour, perfect for students.

Summer Jobs (June-September)

• Tour guide - Working as a tour guide can earn you between £12 and £20 per hour, plus extra tips.

Back-to-School (August-October)

• University intern - University internships typically pay between £11 and £13 per hour, offering valuable hands-on experience. Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and King's College London offer many on-campus internship opportunities for students.
• Library Assistant  - London has numerous libraries, you can look for a job at these top 10 libraries and working as a library assistant offers flexible hours and pays between £15 and £20 per hour, perfect for students balancing study and work.
• Cafeteria - You can always work at your university cafeteria. It is convenient, easy and pays enough that you could make enough. 

Remote and Flexible Student Jobs London

Remote jobs help you balance your academic and your earnings. These roles let you earn from home, allow you to set your own hours, and offer you the desired freedom. If you are living at Depot Point, London or at iQ City, London, you get all the essential amenities you need to work remotely, such as wifi and electricity. And you are also in proximity to both Imperial College and University College London. 

Work-from-Home Options

• Data entry roles - Data entry jobs help sharpen attention to detail and basic computer skills, with pay ranging from £11 to £20 per hour.
  ESL tutoring - Teaching English as a second language offers flexible hours and rewarding pay between £18 and £25 per hour.
• Content writing - Writing articles and blogs can earn you between £12 and £15 per hour, perfect for honing your writing skills.

If you’re staying in luxury student accommodation in London, you’ll likely have access to high-speed internet and quiet study spaces—perfect for remote work like tutoring, content writing, or digital freelancing.

Remote jobs give you more freedom to explore the city on your terms. Use your free time to check out the must-visit sightseeing places in London for students, from Big Ben to quirky hidden gems.

Gig Economy Opportunities

• Freelance design - Freelance design work offers flexible hours and pays between £15 and £30 per hour, ideal for creative students.
• Social media management - Managing social media accounts can earn you between £15 and £20 per hour, perfect for students with a knack for digital trends.

You can find all these jobs and freelance opportunities on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour, and other gig websites that are popular across the UK. They're beginner-friendly, flexible, and a great way to build experience while earning extra cash.

Time Management for Working Students

Balancing a part-time job and studies requires planning. With the right steps, you can stay productive, reduce stress, and succeed in both.

Balancing Work and Studies

Finding the right balance between work and studies can be tricky, but it’s totally doable with planning! Look for the jobs that are open to adjusting work schedules to match your academic commitment.

Weekly schedule template:

• Monday to Wednesday: Prioritise your lectures and study sessions; these are your main academic days.
• Thursday and Friday: Pick up part-time shifts or lighter work hours once your classes ease up.
• Saturday: Go all in with a full day of work if you’re free, make the most of it!
• Sunday: Take it slow. Rest up, catch up on assignments, and get ready for the week ahead.

Study efficiency tips:

• Block your time smartly: Set clear hours for studying, working, and relaxing. It helps you stay on track.
• Use the Pomodoro trick: Study in short, focused bursts with quick breaks in between. It actually works!
• Plan with digital calendars: Keep all your classes, shifts, and deadlines in one place to avoid last-minute chaos.
• Sort tasks by priority: Tackle what’s urgent and important first, so nothing slips through the cracks.

Managing Multiple Commitments

Juggling university, part-time work, and life can feel overwhelming, but smart time management makes it easier to handle.

Organisation strategies:

• Shared calendars with employers about exam periods
• Buffer time between work and classes
• Emergency backup plans for busy periods
• Regular review of workload and performance

Financial Planning for Student Workers

Managing your finances as a student worker is as important as earning. With smart budgeting, tax awareness, and little savings habits, you can make the most of your cost of living in London while building a strong savings fund for life after university. You can also measure your expected expenses by using our cost of living calculator.

Budgeting Your Earnings

Making a budget helps you stretch your earnings and cover all your student essentials without stress.

Monthly budget breakdown:

• Rent and utilities: 40-50% of income
• Food and groceries: 20-25%
• Transportation: 10-15%
• Entertainment and social: 10-15%
• Savings/Emergency fund: 10-15%

To manage your income smartly, consider choosing affordable student accommodation in London. Living in a budget-friendly place helps you save more from your part-time job and spend less on rent.

Booking your room early can save serious cash. Learn about the best time to book student accommodation in London and use those savings to stretch your part-time income even further.

Tax Considerations

Understanding taxes helps you stay clear of surprises and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Student tax allowances:

• Personal allowance: £12,570 (2024/25)
• Student loans are  not counted as income
• Part-time earnings are often under the tax threshold
• Tax refunds are possible if overpaid

Building Financial Habits

Developing good money habits now sets you up for financial success both during and after university.

Smart money practices:

1. Separate accounts for different purposes
2. Automatic savings from each paycheck
3. Student discounts maximise spending power.
4. Track expenses using budgeting apps

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before you start your part-time job journey, you must be aware of a few unsaid rules. Here are a few things that you should avoid.

Application Errors

• Sending the same CV everywhere without tweaks? Not a good move, tailor it to each job.
• Spelling mistakes and grammar slips can leave a bad impression. Always double-check before you hit send.
• Don’t claim you’re available 24/7 if you’re not; it’s better to be honest and realistic.
• Had an interview? Don’t ghost them, send a quick thank-you or follow-up message.

On-the-Job Mistakes

• Poor time management often leads to falling behind in studies.
• Unreliable attendance creates a bad impression with employers.
• Blending social life with work can affect performance and focus.
• Not informing managers about exam periods early can cause scheduling issues.

Legal and Visa Issues

• Exceeding allowed work hours can put your visa at risk.
• Taking up jobs without proper documentation is legally unsafe.
• Skipping tax reporting on earnings can lead to future trouble.
• Some job types are restricted for student visas. Always check before accepting.

Advanced Tips for Student Job Success

While doing your part-time job, learning a few things will surely help you build your future. Below are a few of them:

Building Professional Networks

Connecting with the right people can open doors to opportunities and support throughout your student journey. You can start networking from your accommodation itself. You’ll get to meet a lot of diverse students and seniors. Apart from this following tips will help you guide more.

Networking strategies:

• LinkedIn optimisation with a professional headshot
• Industry events and student job fairs
• Informational interviews with professionals
• Mentorship programs through the university

Skill Development

Improving your skills through part-time work helps boost your resume and prepares you for future careers.

Transferable skills to emphasise:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Digital literacy

Career Progression

Gaining experience in student jobs opens doors to better opportunities and helps shape your career path.

From part-time to career:

1. Identify growth opportunities within the current role
2. Seek additional responsibilities proactively.
3. Request feedback and implement improvements.
4. Build relationships with supervisors and colleagues.

Conclusion

It isn’t an easy task finding ideal part-time jobs in London for students. One has to be strategically persistent as well as smart. There is no doubt that the economy of London is diverse; it offers many opportunities for self-driven students to earn while learning.

Always start as early as possible, build professional networks, and make sure to put your studies first. Advanced planning is key. Remember to stay within legal work limits, manage your time effectively, and view each job as a stepping stone toward your career goals. London's student job market rewards professionals who are reliable and enthusiastic.

London can feel overwhelming, but the right guide makes it easier. Check out our complete student guide to London covering accommodation, local culture, and must-see hidden gems you’ll love exploring during off-hours.

Want your job and home to be in sync? Check out the top 5 student accommodation options in London to live closer to major part-time job hubs and central business districts.

Use this guide to identify your ideal student job category, tailor your applications, and begin building your professional network in one of the world's greatest cities.