Part-time Jobs for Students in Leicester: Complete Guide 2025

The job flexibility, university support, and affordability make Leicester an ideal study destination. It is brilliant for student jobs - tons of retail, hospitality, and campus opportunities paying £10.42 - £15+ per hour. International students can work 20 hours weekly during term. Campus jobs through Unitemps and Student Ambassadors offer flexible schedules. Apply early, highlight your student status, and start with 10-15 hours to balance studies.

Looking for part-time jobs in Leicester for students? You’ve landed in the perfect city. Leicester's massive student population and wide range of flexible employers make it ideal for working while studying. Whether you're based in university-managed halls or student accommodation in Leicester, access to retail zones, hospitality hubs, and campus jobs is easy and walkable.

Leicester has loads of flexible employers, decent pay rates, and jobs that actually work around your uni schedule. Whether you study at De Montfort University or the University of Leicester, you will find great on-campus jobs. These top universities in Leicester help students balance academics and part-time jobs.

Why Leicester's Perfect for Student Employment

Student-Friendly Employers Everywhere

Leicester's economy basically runs on students. Local businesses know you've got lectures, exams, and assignments. Most places are genuinely flexible about scheduling around your studies.

The city centre is packed with shops, restaurants, and bars that specifically target student workers. Plus, both the University of Leicester and De Montfort University have proper employment support services.

Competitive Pay Rates

Minimum wage for students aged 18+ is £10.42 per hour (as of June 2025). But loads of Leicester employers pay above this, especially retail and hospitality jobs that want to keep good student workers.

You'll find jobs paying £11 - £15 per hour quite easily. Some specialised roles or jobs requiring specific skills pay even more. Keep in mind that your earnings can help offset the cost of living in Leicester, especially with budgeting smartly around rent and groceries. 

University of Leicester Jobs for Students

Campus Employment Opportunities

Working at the Uni? You may want to browse our guide to the University of Leicester before applying. 

• Student Ambassador Program: This is probably the best campus job going. You become the face of the university, giving tours, helping at open days, and visiting schools. The pay's decent (around £11 - £12/hour) and you can work up to 20 hours weekly.
• Requirements are pretty straightforward: You need to be passionate about the uni and good with people. They recruit twice yearly, so keep an eye out. Applications usually open in September and February.
• Unitemps: University's Own Job Agency Unitemps is an amazing resource for students. It's the uni's in-house recruitment agency, so they completely understand your schedule constraints.

Pay ranges from £10.50 - £14 per hour, depending on the role. Plus, you get holiday pay, which is rare for student jobs. Jobs include:

• Admin support in various departments
• IT assistance
• Library help
• Event support
• Residential mentoring
• Study buddy roles

Leicester Services Partnership (LSP) runs all the campus catering and retail. They're always hiring students for:

• Café and restaurant staff
• Shop assistants in campus stores
• Bar staff for university events
• Kitchen assistants
• Cleaning roles

These jobs are perfect because your managers understand exam periods and term dates. Plus, you're working where you study, so no commute stress.

Students' Union Employment

The Students' Union offers loads of part-time opportunities:

• Union Ambassadors help with marketing, events, and surveys. Perfect if you're into the social side of uni life.
• Lead Peer Mentors support other students and get paid for it. Great experience if you're thinking about careers in education or student support.
• Administrative positions pop up throughout the year in different Union departments. These often involve typical office work but with student-friendly hours.

Part-Time Jobs in Leicester for International Students

Understanding Your Work Rights

International students on student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. During holidays, you can work full-time (this is massive for earning extra money).

Key restrictions:

• No self-employment or freelancing
• Can't work as a professional sportsperson
• Some restrictions on certain business activities

Always check your visa conditions - they're clearly stated on your BRP card or visa documents. Student work rights, visa support, and placement services are all covered in our guide to De Montfort University.

Best Jobs for International Students

Retail Positions

Leicester's retail scene loves international students. Your language skills and cultural awareness are genuinely valued, especially in diverse areas like the Golden Mile.

Popular employers include:

• Primark (always hiring, flexible hours)
• Next (good training, career progression)
• H&M (fashion experience, student discounts)
• Local independent shops (often more flexible)

Hospitality and Food Service

Leicester's restaurant scene is diverse with many employers actively seeking multilingual staff. Working in bars or clubs also gives you first-hand insight into student nightlife in Leicester.

Options include:

• Chain restaurants (Pizza Express, Nando's, etc.)
• Independent restaurants (especially on Belgrave Road)
• Café work (good for daytime hours)
• Fast food (flexible shifts, often 24/7)

Tutoring and Language Support

If English isn't your first language, you can actually turn this into an advantage. Many Leicester families want tutors who can help with:

• Native language lessons
• Cultural exchange programs
• International exam preparation

Pay for tutoring ranges from £15 - £25 per hour, making it one of the highest-paid student jobs. Some tutoring jobs are available in student libraries in Leicester, making it easy to fit them around your own study sessions.

Weekend Jobs in Leicester for Students

Volunteering or working at museums in Leicester for students can be a great way to gain experience and culture! Students working as tour guides can showcase their knowledge of fun facts about Leicester. There are many more opportunities like this:

Retail Weekend Opportunities

Most major retailers specifically recruit for weekend-only positions. These are perfect if your weekday schedule is packed with lectures.

Saturday-Sunday positions are typically available at:

• Highcross Shopping Centre stores
• Fosse Park retail outlets
• Local markets (Leicester Market operates on weekends)
• Independent shops in the city centre

Weekend retail often pays slightly more (£11 - £13/hour) because these are peak trading times.

Hospitality Weekend Work

Many of the best restaurants in Leicester for students double as top employers for weekend shifts. Leicester's nightlife and restaurant scene goes mental on weekends. Loads of opportunities for:

• Bar Staff: Especially in student areas like Granby Street. Experience isn't always essential, and tips can be decent.
• Restaurant Servers: Weekend brunches and evening services need extra staff. Many places offer training.
• Event Staff: Leicester hosts loads of weekend events. Temporary staffing agencies often need people for:

• Sporting events (Leicester Tigers, Leicester City)
• Concerts and festivals
• Private functions

Delivery and Gig Work

Weekend delivery work is huge in Leicester:

• Food delivery (Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat)
• Grocery delivery (Tesco, ASDA)
• Amazon Flex weekend slots

These roles offer complete flexibility - you choose when to work within weekend periods. On your days off, explore things to do in Leicester for students — from live music at O2 Academy to picnics at Victoria Park.

Student Accommodation Jobs Leicester

On-Site Accommodation Roles

Many private student accommodation providers hire current students for:

• Resident Assistants/Mentors: Help new students settle in, organise social events, and deal with basic maintenance issues. Usually includes rent discounts plus hourly pay.
• Reception/Front Desk: Especially useful if you live in the accommodation. Often evening or weekend shifts that fit around studies.
• Maintenance Support: Basic tasks like checking rooms between tenancies, light cleaning, and organising deliveries.
• Social Media and Marketing: Creating content about accommodation life, managing social accounts, and organising events.

Some students prefer working right where they live, especially in affordable student accommodation in Leicester close to both universities.

University Halls Employment

University-managed halls offer similar opportunities:

• Residential Mentors through Unitemps
• Peer Support roles
• Event coordination for hall activities
• Move-in/move-out support during busy periods

These jobs often come with training and look excellent on CVs, especially if you're interested in student services careers.

Unique Opportunities

Premium student accommodation providers often need:

• Student ambassadors to show prospective tenants around
• Social media content creators for marketing
• Event organisers for resident activities
• Peer mentors for international students

These roles combine accommodation industry experience with valuable transferable skills. Not sure what kind of housing works best for your job schedule? This student accommodation guide for Leicester will help you choose.

Student Summer Jobs Leicester

Seasonal Retail Opportunities

Summer brings loads of temporary retail positions:

• Festival merchandise during Leicester's summer events
• Outdoor market stalls: Leicester Market expands in summer
• Tourist information roles
• Sports retail: During the cricket season and summer football

Event and Festival Work

Event work is intensive but well-paid (often £12 - £15/hour), and you meet loads of people. Leicester's summer calendar is packed:

• Leicester Comedy Festival (February): Stewarding, admin support
• Caribbean Carnival: Event support, vendor assistance
• Diwali celebrations: Setup, crowd management
• Summer concerts at various venues

Warehouse and Distribution

Summer's peak season for online retail. Companies like Amazon, ASOS, and Next often hire summer temps for:

• Order picking in warehouses
• Packaging roles
• Dispatch assistance
• Returns processing

These jobs often offer overtime opportunities and can provide serious summer earnings.

Internship Programs

Campus jobs and local internships open doors to professional opportunities in Leicester for students beyond graduation. Many Leicester businesses offer paid summer internships:

• Local marketing agencies
• Leicester City Council departments
• Healthcare providers
• Tech companies in Leicester's growing digital sector

Internships typically pay £8 - £12/hour but provide incredible experience and networking opportunities.

Student Support Jobs Leicester

Peer Support Roles

Universities increasingly hire students to support other students:

• Academic Support: Helping with academics, note-taking, and research techniques. Usually requires good grades in your subject area.
• Mental Health First Aid: After training, you provide initial support to students struggling with mental health. Emotionally demanding but incredibly rewarding.
• International Student Support: Helping new international students navigate UK systems, university processes, and local life.

Tutoring and Academic Help

Private tutoring is massive in Leicester:

• GCSE and A-Level support for local students
• University subject tutoring for younger students
• English language support for international families
• Exam preparation services

Rates vary hugely (£15 - £40/hour) depending on subject, level, and your qualifications.

Community Support Roles

These roles provide incredible personal satisfaction alongside work experience. Leicester's diverse community creates opportunities for:

• Community centre assistance
• Youth group leadership
• Elderly care companionship
• Charity shop volunteering that sometimes leads to paid roles

Note: Some luxury student accommodation in Leicester offers event manager and ambassador roles with perks like rent discounts and gym access.

Application Tips and Strategies

CV Writing for Student Jobs

• Highlight relevant experience: Even if it's not work experience, these opportunities still count. Volunteering and academic projects can seriously impact your CV.
• Emphasise soft skills: Develop personal skills like reliability, communication, and teamwork. These matter more than technical experience for most student jobs.
• Course Relevance: Show how your studies relate to the role. Students pursuing Business studies can work in retail or customer service roles.
• Be honest about availability: Clearly state your term dates, exam periods, and maximum hours.

Here is a tip: Don’t forget to list involvement in student clubs and academic societies in Leicester — it often counts as relevant experience.

Interview Preparation

• Research the company: Understand their values, customer base, and busy periods.
• Prepare availability questions: Know exactly when you can work, including holidays and exam periods.
• Show enthusiasm: Employers want genuinely interested students, not just those desperate for money.
• Ask about progression: Many employers appreciate students thinking long-term.

Where to Look for Jobs

University resources:

• Unitemps website
• Students' Union job board
• Careers service job alerts
• Campus noticeboards

Online platforms:

• Indeed (filter for part-time, student-friendly)
• StudentJob.co.uk
• Reed.co.uk
• Company websites directly

Local networking:

• Ask in shops/restaurants you frequent
• Check social media job groups
• Word of mouth through friends
• Campus job fairs

Balancing Work and Studies (Without Losing Your Mind)

Planning Your Schedule Like a Pro

• Starting Smart: Start with 10-12 hours and see how you cope. You can always pick up more shifts later.
• Exam Time Reality Check: Most Leicester employers make concessions during exam season. Some places even expect it – they'd rather you pass your degree than mess up their rota by being stressed and unreliable.
• Holiday Money-Making: Christmas and summer breaks are when you can properly cash in. Full-time hours during holidays can seriously boost your bank balance. 

Time Management That Actually Works

• Batching Your Shifts: Group your shifts together – work Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning. This gives you proper blocks of study time throughout the week.
• Energy vs Money Balance: Your energy's worth more than an extra pound per hour. Choose jobs that don’t drain your energy, as you still need to allot time to study.
• Study Comes First (Obviously): Choose employers who get this. Avoid places that guilt-trip you about revision time or try changing your shifts during exams. There's loads of student-friendly work in Leicester.
• Money Planning Reality: Budget based on what you earn during term time. Holiday earnings are bonus money, use it for fun stuff or emergencies. Don't rely on it for rent, or you'll stress yourself out.

Mistakes to Dodge

• Saying Yes to Everything: We've all done it – "Yeah, I can cover that shift," when you've got three assignments due. Learn to say no. Your coursework won't do itself.
• Dodgy Employers: Leicester's got loads of good employers – don't settle for rubbish ones.
• Tax Nightmares: Keep track of your earnings and any work expenses. Nothing worse than getting a surprise tax bill because you didn't understand the system. Most students don't earn enough to pay tax anyway.
• Visa Mess-Ups (International Students): Track your work schedule carefully. Ensure that you work only twenty hours during term time.

Where to Live if You’re Working Part-Time in Leicester

Finding the right accommodation isn’t just about rent — it’s about location, convenience, and how close you are to job hubs like Highcross, university libraries, and late-night cafés. Below are the best areas to live in Leicesterthat are ideal for those balancing studies and part-time work. These areas have some of the best student accommodation in Leicester for those who work on-site.

What You'll Actually Earn

Real Money Talk

Making Sense of Your Payslip

• National Insurance Stuff: You only pay this if you're earning over £242 weekly. Most part-time students don't hit this, so don't worry about it initially.
• Tax Confusion: Personal allowance is £12,570 per year. You probably won't have to pay income tax as a student. If they do take tax, you'll likely get it back.
• Pension Nonsense: Some employers automatically put you in their pension scheme. As a student, you can opt out - that money's probably more useful in your pocket right now.

Earning More Without Working More

• Timing is Everything: Christmas retail stores pay well. Some places offer £15+ per hour during December. Tutors are in demand during exam seasons. Summer events always need extra staff.
• Skills = Cash: Learn to use the coffee machine properly, get food hygiene certificates, and basic first aid. These little extras can bump your hourly rate up considerably.
• Moving Up the Ladder: Loads of Leicester students become shift supervisors or team leaders. Extra responsibility with better pay looks brilliant on your CV.
• Side Hustles: Mix regular shifts with delivery work or tutoring. Gives you flexibility and different income streams. Just don't overdo it.

Your Rights (Because Some Employers Are Sneaky)

What Employers Must Do

• Proper Paperwork: They've got to give you written terms within two months. You must receive an actual contract with hours, pay, and notice periods.
• Minimum Wage Reality: £10.42 per hour minimum for anyone over 21. Some places try to pay less, especially for cash-in-hand work. Don't let them.
• Break Time: Twenty-minute break for shifts over six hours. Sounds basic, but some places try skipping this during busy periods.
• Reasonable Notice: Usually, one week's notice per year you've worked there. Don't let employers mess you about with last-minute schedule changes.

International Student Specific Rules

• UKVI compliance: Your employer should check your right to work in the UK.
• Hour tracking: Keep personal records of hours worked to prove visa compliance.
• Term-time restrictions: 20 hours maximum during the academic term (including all jobs combined).
• Holiday work: unlimited hours during official university holidays.

Health and Safety

• Training requirements: Employers must provide proper health and safety training.
• Insurance coverage: You should be covered by the employer's liability insurance.
• Reporting concerns: Know how to report unsafe working conditions or harassment.
• First aid provision: Workplaces must have first aid facilities and trained personnel.

Technology and Digital Opportunities

Online and Remote Work

• Content creation: Social media management for local businesses. You can also try blog writing and graphic design.
• Virtual tutoring: You can try online language exchange programmes or subject tutoring through platforms like Tutorful.
• Data entry: Flexible online admin work that fits around lectures.
• Customer service: Remote chat support or phone work for national companies.

App-Based Work

• Food delivery: Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat all operate extensively in Leicester.
• Grocery delivery: You can offer quick delivery services for Instacart or Getir.
• Task-based work: TaskRabbit for odd jobs, furniture assembly, and cleaning.
• Survey and research: Paid research participation through university studies or market research companies.

For delivery jobs, keep in mind to always plan routes smartly. The Leicester student safety guide offers advice for late-night workers. The compact layout and transport system in Leicester make gig work and commuting fast and affordable.

Social Media and Influencer Work

Leicester's diverse student population creates opportunities for:

• Student lifestyle content creation
• Local business partnerships for authentic promotion
• Event coverage for venues and organisations
• Product reviews relevant to student life

Specialised Opportunities by Course

Business and Economics Students

• Retail management: Opt for trainee positions with major chains.
• Banking: Part-time roles with local branches (Santander, NatWest often hire students).
• Market research: Data collection and analysis for local businesses.
• Event management: Assisting with corporate events and conferences.

Language and International Studies

• Translation services: Document translation for local businesses.
• Tour guiding: Leicester's rich history creates opportunities for multilingual guides.
• International student support: Formal and informal roles helping new arrivals.
• Import/export assistance: Admin support for international trade businesses.

STEM Students

• Lab assistance: Within university departments or private research facilities.
• IT support: Help desk roles, computer repair, software training.
• Tutoring: High demand for maths, physics, chemistry, and computer science support.
• Technical writing: Creating manuals, documentation for local tech companies.

Creative and Media Students

• Freelance design: Logos, websites, promotional materials for local businesses.
• Photography: Events, portraits, commercial work.
• Video production: Content creation for businesses and event documentation.
• Social media management: Many Leicester businesses need student-age perspectives on digital marketing.

Building Your Professional Network

Industry Connections

• Professional associations: Many have student memberships with networking events.
• LinkedIn optimisation: Connect with Leicester professionals in your field.
• Industry events: Leicester hosts regular business networking events.
• Alumni connections: Use university alumni networks for mentorship and opportunities.

University Resources

• Career fairs: Not just for graduate jobs, many employers recruit part-time workers.
• Guest lectures: Speakers often have connections to local employers.
• Placement opportunities: Some part-time roles develop into formal placement positions.
• Faculty connections: Professors often have industry contacts needing student workers.

Community Integration

• Volunteer work: Many volunteer roles lead to paid opportunities.
• Local societies: Joining community groups creates unexpected job leads.
• Sports club: Leicester's sporting culture provides numerous coaching and support opportunities.
• Cultural organisations: Leicester's diversity creates opportunities in community organisations.

Career Development Through Part-Time Work

Many Leicester students use part-time work strategically:

• Retail experience leading to management trainee programs
• Hospitality skills develop into event management careers
• Tutoring experience progressing to teaching qualifications
• Admin roles building into professional services careers

Financial Planning for Student Workers

Not sure how much you need to earn monthly? Try budgeting, and you can use the cost of living calculator to forecast expenses and set a savings target. You must weigh the pros and cons of living in Leicester. The financial freedom offered by part-time jobs can positively impact your university experience.

Budgeting Your Earnings

• Essential expenses: Rent, food, and transport should be covered by loans/family support, where possible.
• Work income targets: Aim for £200 - £400 monthly for social activities, emergencies, and extras.
• Savings goals: Try to save 10-20% of earnings for summer periods or emergencies.
• Tax efficiency: Understand allowances to maximise take-home pay.

Banking and Financial Services

• Student accounts: Most banks offer overdrafts and benefits specifically for students.
• Tax codes: Ensure employers use the correct codes to avoid overpaying tax.
• National Insurance numbers: International students need to apply before starting work.
• Expense tracking: Apps like Money Dashboard help monitor work-related expenses.

Future Planning

• CV building: Document achievements, skills developed, and responsibilities gained.
• Reference cultivation: Maintain good relationships with supervisors for future references.
• Skill certification: Some roles offer recognised qualifications (food hygiene, first aid).
• Graduate opportunities: Many Leicester employers offer graduate schemes to successful part-time workers.

Future Trends in Student Employment

Post-COVID Changes

• Increased remote work opportunities for students.
• Flexible scheduling is becoming the standard rather than an exception.
• Health and safety awareness higher priority in all workplaces.
• Digital skills are increasingly important across all job types.

Emerging Opportunities

• Sustainability roles: Leicester's green initiatives create new job categories.
• Digital marketing: Local businesses increasingly need student-age perspectives.
• Healthcare support: Growing demand for part-time healthcare assistance.
• E-commerce support: Online retail expansion creates fulfilment and customer service roles.

Note:Living in Leicester student accommodation that’s near your job can save commute time and boost your wellbeing.

Your Leicester Employment Journey Starts Here

Leicester offers incredible opportunities for student employment. The key is finding the right balance between earning money and succeeding academically. Start small, choose reliable employers, and don't be afraid to try different types of work. Your part-time job experience in Leicester could be the foundation for your future career.

The diverse, student-friendly environment means you'll find opportunities that work with your schedule, develop valuable skills, and provide the financial support you need during university.

Remember - your studies come first, but the right part-time job can enhance rather than hinder your university experience. Leicester's employment landscape is designed to support student success. Ready to balance uni and work life smartly? Set yourself up for success as you experience student life in Leicester.