Work Opportunities in the UK While Studying
The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the excellent and internationally recognized destinations for international students. A large number of international students fly to the UK from their home countries at every intake in the British universities because studying abroad is one of the proven ways to grow, enhance one’s learning, and gain some wonderful real-life experiences.
As the UK is one of the best places to live, it is highly expensive too. Luckily, the British government allows foreign students to work part-time (weekly 10- 20 hours) during their studies. Part-time jobs can help international students to reduce financial stress, teach students valuable skills such as time management, teamwork, stress management, decision making and help them to improve their CVs.
Eligibility
Students’ eligibility to work while studying depends on two restrictions which are set by the university and state-run institutions in the UK. The student must ensure that the university doesn’t have any intention to pull them back from working before dealing with state officials.
It is not a difficult task to find part-time jobs in England, especially in a mega city like London, Manchester etc. Additionally, before starting to search for jobs students should check whether they’re eligible for the post or not. According to British law, international students cannot work if they are below 16 years old.
However, the rules and regulations also vary from where the international students come from or what their nationalities are. The above-mentioned rules are not applicable to students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
The foreign students can work if they have the following things mentioned in their TIER 4 visa documents. Such as,
➢ Work must be authorized
➢ Able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State
➢ Work as in TIER 4 rules
➢ Restricted as in TIER 4 rules
➢ Restricted work- part-time during term time, full time during vacations
➢ Restricted work time
➢ Work limited to 10/ 20 hours per week at maximum during term time
Working Hours
International students can work a maximum of 20 hours weekly if they are degree level students. However, if the students are below degree level they are allowed to work not more than 10 hours. If none of these is clearly written in your documents or if you feel trouble understanding any of the above conditions, you need to immediately contact them before deciding to get a job.
Category of Work
International students are forbidden to work in some sort of field along with the number of hours they can work. They cannot be self-employed, freelance or initiate their own startup.
Documentation
It is hugely necessary to have all the appropriate documents before starting to apply for part-time jobs in England. In addition, the students must have a valid TIER 4 student visa for a full-time degree-level course. The learners also need to apply for the National Insurance Number.
The Nature of Part-time jobs for the International Students
Mainly, there are two types of jobs in England for foreign students. They are:
- On-Campus Job:
On-campus jobs are one of the best for international students as international students are new in the country. Also, these jobs don’t require any transportation costs. Students can save both time and money here. Some on-campus jobs are libraries, research labs, computer labs, language labs, bookstores, gym, reception areas, cafeterias etc.
- Off Campus Job:
Students can also join off-campus jobs only if the university allows them. However, these jobs don’t offer the same convenience of location. Students have a lot of options while searching for off-campus jobs. Such as service and hospitality, retail, education etc.
Some common part-time jobs in the United Kingdom for foreign students are given below:
➢ Bar Work: International students can find bar work at bars, pubs, clubs, and hotels. Students’ age must be 18 for getting these jobs and they have to serve snacks, meals, drinks to patrons, take payments, and clear tables and glasses.
➢ Events and Hospitality: Hospitality is another field where international students can join in England. Moreover, these provide flexible working hours and don’t require prior qualifications and experience.
➢ Temp Work: There are multiple opportunities in temp work across many different fields. Such as sales, admin and customer service. These roles involve greeting clients, answering the phone, selling items, and data entry.
The students can join a lot of other sectors along with the above as part-time workers. Those jobs are:
➢ Student Support Officer
➢ Sales Assistant
➢ Pharmacy Delivery Driver
➢ Personal Assistant
➢ Photographer
➢ Blogger and so on
In the end, it might be difficult often to balance work and university life, but part-time work has many advantages that make the challenge worth it. It will also increase students soft and life skills.