Are you planning to study in the UK and wondering how to balance academics with part-time work? You're not alone. Many international students face this challenge, but with the right approach, working while studying can be both manageable and rewarding. Here's everything you need to know about finding work, utilizing your skills, and standing out in the UK job market.
Studying abroad is exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating a new culture to meeting academic expectations, there’s a lot to juggle. And if you’re hoping to work part-time while you study, preparation is key. Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
How Many Hours Can You Work?
Bring Your Skills, Use Them Wisely
Have a Driving License?
Skilled in Hairdressing or Nails?
Good with Handy Work?
Love Cooking?
No Specialized Skills? No Problem.
Key Skills Employers Look For
Cultural Awareness: A Key to Success
Build Your CV Around These Skills
Studying and Working: Is It Easy?
Conclusion
Bring Your Skills, Use Them Wisely
Have a Driving License?
Skilled in Hairdressing or Nails?
Good with Handy Work?
Love Cooking?
No Specialized Skills? No Problem.
Key Skills Employers Look For
Cultural Awareness: A Key to Success
Build Your CV Around These Skills
Studying and Working: Is It Easy?
Conclusion
GET A FREE CONSULTANT CALL
How Many Hours Can You Work?
One of the most common questions international students ask is, "How many hours can I work while studying?" The short answer: during term time, you can work up to 20 hours per week. During university holidays, you’re allowed to work full-time. Staying within these limits is essential to avoid any legal complications.
This gives you plenty of opportunity to gain work experience, make some money, and build skills without it interfering with your studies.
This gives you plenty of opportunity to gain work experience, make some money, and build skills without it interfering with your studies.
Bring Your Skills, Use Them Wisely
What are you good at? The skills you already have could open doors for part-time work. Here's how to make the most of them:
Have a Driving License?
If you can drive, you're already ahead. From food delivery services like Uber Eats to courier roles for companies like DPD, a valid international driving license can be incredibly useful. If you don’t have one yet, consider obtaining it before traveling. According to Gideon Attah of Primescore Hubs in Nigeria, getting a driving license is straightforward—simply sign up at a local driving school and complete a few weeks of training.
Skilled in Hairdressing or Nails?
If you can braid hair, style wigs, or work magic as a nail technician, these skills are in demand. Many international students, especially those from Nigeria and other African countries, look for professionals who can help them maintain their favorite looks. Social media and on-campus communities are great places to advertise your services.
Good with Handy Work?
Do you know how to paint, plaster, or handle plumbing tasks? Practical skills like these are always needed, and building-related jobs can pay well. Don’t underestimate the value of being able to fix or build something!
Love Cooking?
If you know how to prepare authentic dishes from your home country, you could start offering homemade meals. Many international students miss the taste of home, and providing freshly cooked meals could turn out to be a rewarding job opportunity.
No Specialized Skills? No Problem.
Not everyone has specialized skills—that’s perfectly fine. Any prior work experience, like working in a shop or restaurant back home, can be useful. Show that you’re willing to learn and work hard. Employers value experience, even if it’s in a different field.
Key Skills Employers Look For
What if you don’t have any prior work experience or unique skills? Focus on building these transferable skills to boost your employability:
- Teamwork: Whether you’re working on group projects at university or collaborating with others at work, teamwork matters.
- Problem-Solving: Life throws challenges at us daily. If you can show how you’ve tackled problems in the past, employers will see your potential.
- Critical Thinking: Many UK universities emphasize this skill. Use coursework and real-world examples to demonstrate your ability to think critically and make decisions.
- Communication: Employers love good communicators—people who can speak, write, and listen effectively.
- Digital Literacy: Can you use tools like Excel or manage data? Familiarity with apps and software is highly valued.
- Self-Management: Balancing work, studies, and personal life requires excellent time-management skills.
Cultural Awareness: A Key to Success
Moving to a new country means adapting to a new culture. From simple things like punctuality to understanding workplace etiquette, being culturally aware can set you apart. In the UK, for example, being on time isn’t just polite—it’s expected. Small gestures like these show respect and professionalism.
Remember, you’re not just representing yourself—you’re also an ambassador for your home country.
Remember, you’re not just representing yourself—you’re also an ambassador for your home country.
Build Your CV Around These Skills
When creating your resume, don’t just list these abilities. Provide real examples, whether from past jobs, volunteer experiences, or academic projects. Employers want to see how you’ve used these skills in action. Even better, start updating your CV before you land in the UK.
Studying and Working: Is It Easy?
While working part-time while studying isn’t always easy, many students manage it successfully. Planning and preparation make all the difference. If you’re proactive and use your skills the right way, you’ll be able to balance both worlds effectively.
Institutions like Primescore Hubs in Nigeria provide excellent preparation for international students. From IELTS training to building vital skill sets like communication and critical thinking, these programs can help you feel more confident before your journey begins.
Institutions like Primescore Hubs in Nigeria provide excellent preparation for international students. From IELTS training to building vital skill sets like communication and critical thinking, these programs can help you feel more confident before your journey begins.
Conclusion
Studying and working in the UK as an international student can be challenging, but with the right mindset, it’s completely doable. Whether it’s driving, cooking, or using your critical thinking abilities, every skill you bring to the table counts.
Remember to stay within the legal work hours, highlight your abilities on your CV, and embrace the cultural diversity you’ll encounter. And if you need help with IELTS preparation or admission services, organizations like Primescore Hubs and UK Bright Education are here to support you every step of the way.
Got questions or need guidance? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Your dreams of studying and working in the UK are within reach—go make them happen!
Remember to stay within the legal work hours, highlight your abilities on your CV, and embrace the cultural diversity you’ll encounter. And if you need help with IELTS preparation or admission services, organizations like Primescore Hubs and UK Bright Education are here to support you every step of the way.
Got questions or need guidance? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Your dreams of studying and working in the UK are within reach—go make them happen!
Stay Connected:
- Instagram: UK Bright Education
- Facebook: UK Bright Education
- Website: UK Bright Education