Finding a Part-Time Job as an International Student: A Practical Pack
Where students actually find part-time work, how to write a one-page CV for casual roles, what to say about your visa, and how to stay within your work limits.
A part-time job can help with living costs, improve your English and give you UK work experience to put on your CV. But the process for casual work — cafés, shops, campus roles, tutoring — is different from graduate recruitment, and Student visa holders have rules to keep in mind from day one.
Know your limits first
Most students on degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full time in official vacations. Courses below degree level usually have a 10-hour limit. Self-employment and some roles (such as professional sportsperson) aren't allowed. Check the conditions on your eVisa and read our 20-hour rule guide before you accept anything.
The limit covers all your work combined. If you have a café job and a campus role, their hours add up. Keep your own record of hours each week.
Where part-time jobs actually come from
- Your university — campus jobs, student ambassador schemes, library and events roles. These employers understand term dates and visa rules.
- Your students' union job shop — vetted local vacancies.
- Walking in — many cafés, shops and restaurants still hire from CVs handed in politely during quieter hours.
- Online platforms — Indeed and similar sites, plus employers' own careers pages.
- Seasonal hiring — retailers often recruit for Christmas from early autumn.
The one-page casual CV
For part-time roles, employers want to know quickly whether you're reliable, friendly and available.
- Contact details — name, UK mobile, email, town.
- Short profile — "Second-year Economics student at Oxford Brookes, available up to 20 hours a week in term and full time in vacations."
- Availability — be specific about days and times.
- Experience — any customer-facing, volunteering or team work, with one line on what you did.
- Skills — languages, tills or cash handling, food hygiene certificates, software.
Speaking another language can be genuinely valuable in tourist-heavy cities like Oxford, particularly in retail and hospitality. Put it near the top.
What to say about your visa
Employers must check your right to work. Be ready to give them a share code from GOV.UK and your date of birth so they can verify your status online. Tell them plainly about your term-time limit and share your university's term dates if helpful. Being upfront builds trust and avoids problems later.
Your first job admin
- NI number — apply online if you don't have one; you can usually start work while waiting.
- Tax code — your first payslip might use an emergency code; it normally corrects itself.
- Minimum wage — make sure you're paid at least the legal rate for your age.
- Payslips — keep them; they show your hours and can help if there's ever a question.
For local options, see our part-time jobs in Oxford guide.
Short interviews for casual work
Casual job interviews are often ten minutes with a manager. Expect questions like "Why do you want to work here?", "How would you handle a difficult customer?" and "What's your availability?" Answer briefly and warmly, and have one example of teamwork or customer service ready.
How the Arrive UK online add-on helps
Our Part-time job pack (£29) is delivered online. It includes:
- a one-page casual CV built from your details in UK format,
- a short template email and in-person script for approaching employers,
- a plain-English sheet on right-to-work checks, share codes and the 20-hour rule,
- a simple weekly hours tracker so you stay within your visa conditions.
Everything is ready to use the week you arrive. See our online services.
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