Smart Hustles: Part-Time Jobs in Cardiff That Fit Around Student Life

Balancing university life and your bank balance isn’t always easy, but Cardiff makes it doable. With plenty of part-time jobs on offer and a genuine understanding of student schedules, this city’s a top pick for anyone looking to earn while they study.

Whether you're based at Cardiff University or Cardiff Metropolitan University, employers here know the deal: flexible hours, empathy around exam season, and fair pay. It helps that Cardiff’s got a buzzing student population and strong demand for reliable workers, which often means better working conditions and a smoother ride for you.

Pair that with reasonably priced student accommodation in Cardiff, and you’ve got a pretty sweet setup for living, learning, and earning all in one place.

Earn While You Learn: Cardiff's Best Part-time Jobs

Looking for a part-time job in Cardiff? Over 500+ openings are waiting for you!

Top Paying Gigs:

• Tutoring: £15–£25/hour
• Hospitality + tips: £15–£20/hour
• Retail: £10.42–£12/hour
• On-campus jobs: £10.42–£15/hour

Where to Apply:

• JobShop: For university-related roles
• Indeed: For everything else

Quick Tips to Get Hired Fast:

• Work limit: 15 hrs/week (or 20 hrs/week for international students)
• Get your National Insurance Number ASAP
• Apply early for Christmas roles (they go fast!)
• Always ask for flexibility during exam season

Cardiff’s thriving part-time job market, especially in tutoring, hospitality, and campus roles, not only helps students and residents earn extra income but also contributes to the city’s reputation for affordability and work-life balance. For a deeper dive into what it’s like to live here, check out our full guide on the pros and cons of living in Cardiff.

Essential Legal Stuff You Need to Know

Working Hours That Won't Ruin Your Degree

• Cardiff University recommends students work no more than 15 hours per week during term time.
• International student visas allow up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays.
• Breaking this rule can lead to deportation and future visa refusal.

Before you start applying for jobs, check out our blog on the benefits of working part-time as a student in the UK to understand how part-time work can boost your finances, skills, and career prospects.

Getting Your National Insurance Number

You literally cannot work without this. Call the application line as soon as you arrive in Cardiff. You'll need:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Visa documents (international students)
• Cardiff address proof

Takes 2-3 weeks to process, so start immediately.

Current Pay Rates (2025)

• 21+ years: £11.44/hour minimum
• 18-20 years: £8.60/hour minimum
• Reality: Most Cardiff student jobs pay £10.42-12/hour because employers compete for good workers

The Best-Paying Jobs for Students

Campus Work - Absolute Gold Standard

Working on campus is honestly the dream. No commute, understanding bosses, flexible around your timetable.

Top Campus Roles:

• Student Ambassadors: £12-15/hour giving tours
• Research Assistants: £15-20/hour, brilliant for your CV
• Library Staff: £10.42/hour, perfect for studying between tasks
• Events Support: £12/hour weekends
• Students' Union Bar: £10.42/hour plus tips

Apply through JobShop (cardiffstudents.com) - they email new jobs every Tuesday.

Tutoring - Best Money, Total Flexibility

If you're decent at any subject, tutoring's where the real money is.

Rates:

• GCSE level: £15-18/hour
• A-level: £18-22/hour
• University level: £20-25/hour
• Online tutoring: £10-20/hour from your room

Platforms: Tutorful, MyTutor, Preply for languages.

Retail - Reliable and Everywhere

Cardiff's shopping scene is massive. Most retailers get that students need flexibility.

Best Student Employers:

• John Lewis: £11.50/hour, excellent training
• Primark: £10.42/hour, very flexible shifts
• Local independents: Often pay above minimum wage, super flexible

Christmas temp work: November-January pays £12-14/hour. Start applying in October.

Hospitality - Great Money with Tips

Restaurant and bar work can be brilliant money if you pick the right places.

Typical Earnings:

• Base rate: £10.42/hour
• Tips: £5-15/hour at decent places
• Total: £15-25/hour at busy restaurants

Best spots:

• Las Iguanas (Mill Lane): Students tip well, flexible scheduling
• Revolution: £11/hour base rate, great atmosphere
• Independent restaurants (Pontcanna): Often negotiate above minimum wage

Want to know which venues are student favourites for food and work? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Cardiff for top picks that offer great vibes and generous tips.

And if you're looking to balance work with fun, don't miss our roundup of student clubs in Cardiff, perfect for post-shift hangouts and making new mates.

Delivery Work - Ultimate Flexibility

Deliveroo/Uber Eats: £10-15/hour including tips. Work whenever you want, get paid weekly. Need a bike or a car, though.

Peak times: Evenings, weekends, rainy days.

Wondering how far your paycheck will stretch? Use our cost of living calculator to estimate your monthly expenses and plan smarter. And for a full breakdown of rent, food, transport, and more, check out our blog on the cost of living in Cardiff.

Where to Actually Find These Jobs

University Resources

• JobShop - Register immediately. Free service through the Students' Union sends weekly emails with campus jobs.
• Student Futures Account - Access through universitylogin for internships and professional development roles.

University life isn’t just about lectures and job hunts; getting involved in student societies can transform your experience. From cultural groups to quirky hobby clubs, Cardiff has over 200 societies to explore. Dive into our blog on student societies and clubs in Cardiff to find your tribe and make unforgettable memories.

Job Websites That Actually Work

• Indeed: Massive selection. Set alerts for "part-time Cardiff student"
• StudentJob UK: Specifically for students, employers understand our schedules
• Reed: More professional roles, often higher pay

Secret Local Sources

• Cardiff student Facebook groups - Employers post directly
• Gumtree Cardiff - Local businesses are often more flexible
• Walking into shops - Seriously. Pontcanna and Roath independents often hire on the spot

Application Strategy That Gets Results

CV Essentials

One page only. Nobody reads two-page CVs for part-time work.

Include:

• Contact info (including NI number once you have it)
• University and course
• Any work experience (even weekend jobs from home)
• Skills (languages, IT, customer service)
• Availability (specific days/hours)

Interview Prep

Most student job interviews are casual, but prep still matters.

They'll ask:

• "What hours can you work?"
• "How will you balance work with studies?"
• "Why this specific job?"

You ask:

• "How flexible is scheduling around exams?"
• "What's a typical shift like?"
• "Any opportunities for extra hours during holidays?"

Student Accommodation in Cardiff: Where You Live Shapes How You Work

Finding the right part-time job in Cardiff starts with where you live. Your accommodation isn’t just a roof over your head; it’s your launchpad for everything from lectures to late-night shifts.

University Halls: Convenience Meets Community

University-managed halls are ideal for first-year students or those who want everything handled. Located close to campus, they offer easy access to on-campus jobs via services like JobShop and Student Futures.

• Pros: Bills included, social atmosphere, guaranteed placement for freshers
• Cons: Limited flexibility, less privacy

Not sure what to expect? Ourstudent housing guide for Cardiff breaks down everything from costs to contract tips.

PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation): Modern, Flexible, Job-Friendly

Purpose-built student accommodationis privately managed buildings designed specifically for students. They often come with perks like gyms, study lounges, and 24/7 security, plus they're located near popular job hubs like city centre restaurants, retail stores, and nightlife venues.

• Top Picks:
  • The Fitzalan: Stylish studios, library, and vending machine
  • Eclipse: Includes a private cinema and even a themed dining room
  • Lumis Student Living: Premium studios with a gym and games room
  • Crown Place: Central location, ideal for balancing work and study

Explore more in our luxury student accommodation in Cardiff guide for high-end options that combine comfort with career readiness.

Location Matters: Live Where the Jobs Are

Whether you’re working in hospitality, tutoring, or retail, proximity to the city centre and student-friendly neighbourhoods can make or break your schedule.

• Best Areas to Live:
  • Cathays: Close to Cardiff University and buzzing with part-time job opportunities
  • Roath: Great for creatives and foodies, with access to independent cafés and shops
  • Cardiff Bay: Ideal for those working in entertainment or waterfront venues

Check out our best areas to live in Cardiff for students to find the perfect match for your lifestyle and job goals.

Why It All Adds Up

Living in Cardiff student accommodation isn’t just about comfort; it’s about strategy. The right housing can reduce commute times, improve work-life balance, and even help you save money on transport and utilities.

Still deciding? Our blog on why to live in Cardiff student accommodation lays out the benefits of choosing student-specific housing over generic rentals. And if you're ready to browse options, don't miss our best student properties in Cardiff guide that shares tips and tricks on how to find the best stay options in the city.

Managing Work and Study Successfully

Time Management That Actually Works

Weekly planning:

• Block study time first
• Add lectures/seminars
• Find work slots that don't split your day
• Keep one full day off each week

Exam periods:

• Reduce hours temporarily
• Use annual leave for major deadlines
• Tell your boss about exam dates early

Red Flags to Watch

If you're experiencing any of these, cut your hours immediately:

• Grades dropping
• Missing lectures for work
• Constantly exhausted
• No time for assignments
• Avoiding social activities

Industry-Specific Insider Tips

Retail Success

• Apply in person when possible
• Learn product knowledge quickly
• Volunteer for busy weekend shifts
• Express interest in supervisory roles

Hospitality Excellence

• Work Friday/Saturday nights for best tips
• Learn regular customers' preferences
• Upsell naturally, not aggressively
• Master the art of multitasking under pressure

Tutoring Pro Tips

• Start with friends' referrals
• Specialises in exam preparation
• Create learning resources
• Collect testimonials for your profile

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Legal problems:

• Not tracking hours properly (international students)
• Missing tax obligations
• Accepting unpaid "trial shifts"

Academic disasters:

• Taking on too many hours
• Not communicating exam periods to employers
• Choosing inflexible jobs

Financial issues:

• Not saving for quiet periods
• Spending wages instead of budgeting
• Not understanding your employment rights

And don’t forget, your choice of accommodation can also make or break your student experience. From hidden costs to poor locations, housing mistakes can lead to financial stress and academic setbacks. Read our blog on common mistakes to avoid while choosing accommodation in the UK to make smarter decisions before signing that lease.

Seasonal Opportunities

• September: Everyone's hiring for the academic year
• October-November: Christmas temp positions open
• January: Post-Christmas hiring surge
• February-March: Preparation for spring/summer busy periods
• June-August: Summer jobs and event work

Major Cardiff events needing staff:

• Cardiff Half Marathon (October): £12-15/hour
• Six Nations Rugby (Feb-March): £13-18/hour
• Summer festivals: £11-14/hour

Quick Start Action Plan

Week 1:

• Apply for a National Insurance number
• Register with JobShop
• Set up Indeed alerts
• Prepare a one-page CV

Week 2-3:

• Apply for 10 suitable positions
• Visit local employers in person
• Check Facebook groups daily
• Research Christmas job timelines

Month 1:

• Start first position
• Establish a work-study routine
• Build colleague relationships
• Plan for busy periods

From Lecture Halls to Paychecks: Your Next Step

Part-time jobs in Cardiff aren’t just side hustles, they’re stepping stones. Whether you're pouring pints or tutoring first-years, you're gaining experience that shapes your future far beyond the lecture hall. If you’re new to the city or just want to make the most of your time here, don’t miss our Cardiff student guide, packed with insider tips on food, nightlife, transport, and everything in between.

When you approach student work with intention, choosing roles that align with your studies, protecting your time, and staying mindful of your goals, it becomes so much more than a paycheck. Cardiff offers a vibrant mix of opportunities, and the smartest students make the most of them without burning out.

Balance is the magic word. Protect your degree, cherish your downtime, and pursue work that energises, not exhausts. With the right mindset and a little hustle, you're well on your way to building a student life that's not just successful, but unforgettable.