For many international students part-time or holiday work has become an integral part of student life. There are a number of ways to go about looking for a part-time jobs, it is recommend that student should try a number of different avenues, be persistent and look for vacanies on a regual basis. Unfortunately many part-time jobs available to students are relatively unskilled and it is often difficult to find work that is relevant to student's degree discipline.

Getting a National Insurance Number

When students apply or start work the employer may ask for the student's NI number. This is the means for recording your NI contributions, which both UK citizens and international students working in the UK must pay to the government. If the student wants to apply for a NI number, phone the local Benefit Agency Office nearest to the University to make an appointment to apply for a number and also ask them what documents to take to the appointment.For more information call the National Insurance Registrations Helpline : 0845 91 57006 or 0845 91 55670.

Note: Students do not need to have received their National Insurance before they start work.

Working on campus

The University is one of biggest employers and there are plenty of opportunities for students. Unfortunately, these tend to go very quickly and there is a definite need to be in the right place at the right time. The wages also tend to be quite low. Keep eyes open to look for vacancies in university libraries, sport centres, student union notice board, job shop etc.

University Career Service

Most university have a career service section/officer, please feel free to discuss with the concerned staff or career adviser about getting part-time jobs and register with University career services.

Jobcentre Plus- http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Jobcentre Plus can help you find the right kind of job: full time or part time, temporary or permanent.Students are requested to contact the nearest job centre plus to get advice and guidance for searching part-time jobs.

Work Train- http://www.worktrain.gov.uk

Worktrain provides information on jobs, careers, and learning opportunities. The site allows to create and save personal job searches.

Local Newspapers

The local newspaper is often a helpful resource for job seekers. Newspapers for reference are usually available in the university library, Career Information Library, public library. Search for classifields/jobs/careers oppurtunities in local newspapers,Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Times, Independent, Times Education Supplement, Times Higher Educational Supplement and various specialist magazines.

Student's Union

The university students' union usually advertises part-time job opportunities in the students' union noticeboard.

Local council

Look for jobs in the local council website in the local council website (Search for temporary jobs/part-time jobs)

Recruitment Agencies

There would be number of recruitment agencies near your university that may provide part-time and temporary work. For phone numbers and addresses check the local Yellow Pages phone directory. Look under Employment Agencies. Check their entry for details of the jobs they specialise in. Yellow Pages is online at www.yell.co.uk, search under Employment Agencies.

Also students can register with the below popular employment agencies in the UK

http://www.jobserve.co.uk
http://www.londonjobs.co.uk/
http://www.reed.co.uk/
http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/
http://www.brookstreet.co.uk/
http://www.hayspersonnel.com/
http://www.kellyservices.co.uk
http://www.adecco.co.uk/
http://www.manpower.co.uk/
http://www.office-angels.com
http://www.recruit-online.com/
http://www.select.co.uk/
http://www.hotrecruit.com/
http://www.topjobs.co.uk

Speculative applications

Students can also make speculative applications themselves - write, phone or walk into companies to find out if any part-time work is available.

Shop windows

Some shops advertise part-time/temporary vacancies in their windows

Friends and Neighbours

One of the best ways to get a job is to talk to others who are working. Ask colleagues and relatives to keep informed when a vacancy occurs at their workplace or if they see a poster or advert. A personal recommendation is the quickest way to an employer's shortlist

National Council for Work Experience - http://www.work-experience.org

Many universities and colleges have job shops connecting students to local employers offering part-time or vacation work, and often run special initiatives with local employers and organisations. For details of how your local institution can help, visit the National Council for Work Experience.

Summer Job - http://www.summerjob.com

An on-line recruitment network that provides career resources and employment opportunities to high school and college students, resort and hospitality staff, expatriates and international jobseekers, part time workers and adventure seekers.

AnyWorkAnyWhere - http://www.anyworkanywhere.com

Advertises thousands of job vacancies throughout the year, on behalf of individuals, companies and recruitment agencies in the UK and worldwide.

Barzone - http://www.barzone.co.uk

Excellent links for experience at all levels in the hospitality industry.

Fledglings - http://www.fledglings.net

Student Recruitment network for Placement and Graduate Opportunities.

Justjobs4students - http://www.justjobs4students.co.uk

This site is a comprehensive on-line directory of employment opportunities for UK students at all stages of their career.

letstemp - http://www.letstemp.co.uk

UK’s premier recruitment portal. On this site you’ll find hundreds of temporary & contract positions from all the top agencies and employers in London and throughout the UK.

STEP - http://www.secureyoursuccess.co.uk

For paid summer work experience placement schemes for 8 weeks, run with small and medium sized enterprises.

Summer Jobs - http://www.summerjobs.co.uk

A guide to temporary summer employment. Vacation work available for students casual/temporary workers and travellers.

SummerJobs4Students- http://www.summerjobs4students.co.uk

A comprehensive online directory of UK summer employment opportunities for young people attending colleges and universities.

IMPORTANT: Please don't forget to read,understand and put into practise the below AGCAS information booklets on Making Applications and Interviews tips [Courtesy: Prospects - The UK's offical graduate careers website, AGCAS]

- Application tips [Applications.pdf 4.63 mb]
- Interview advice [Interviews.pdf 4.80 mb]