Student jobs in London: My real experience as an international student
Jahangir, Liverpool John Moores University student ambassador
London is a dream destination for international students, as it is ranked as the world’s 3rd best city for students (QS Best Student Cities 2026). The opportunities this city offers, from meeting people from all over the world to building valuable networks for career growth, are some of its biggest advantages. However, moving to London often comes with mixed feelings: excitement on one side and the pressure of expenses on the other.
As well as tuition fees, personal costs like rent, food, and travel add up quickly. When I first arrived in London, I was honestly surprised by the cost of rent and transport, and even simple grocery shopping felt noticeably higher than what I was used to. This was when I decided to look for a part-time job, as I wanted to manage my costs better while also gaining practical work experience alongside my studies.
Back in 2021, when I came to the UK as an international student, everything felt completely new to me. I had never even travelled alone to another city before, and suddenly I was more than 5000 miles away from home. Honestly, I felt confused and lonely at first. One of my friends suggested that getting involved in part-time work could help me deal with homesickness and adjust to life here. But I had so many questions in my mind: How will I find a job? Will anyone hire me? How will I balance work and studies? Finding a job was difficult in the beginning, but I learned that if you stay patient, open-minded, and ready to work hard, opportunities eventually come your way.
Student part-time jobs in London: where can you find them?
It’s important to know where to look for jobs first. For students, university campus jobs can be one of the best options. These roles are usually flexible and designed for students, whether you have previous experience or not. They also make it easier to balance work with studies. Online platforms also play a huge role in finding jobs. Websites like Indeed can be a great option. However, the market is very competitive, so students often need to apply for many roles before getting the right opportunity. I still remember receiving so many emails saying my application was unsuccessful – it can feel discouraging, but that’s completely normal.
Apart from online applications, walking into local businesses like restaurants or cafes can also help. Sometimes they need staff immediately and if you are lucky enough, you could get the opportunity on the spot.
Networking is also very important when looking for a job. There are many opportunities you may never hear about unless you stay connected with people. Friends, classmates and colleagues can often share openings or recommend you. In fact, my first job came through a friend’s reference. When I started looking for work, one of my friends who was already working at KFC told me about a job fair they were running. He encouraged me to go along and apply. I attended the job fair, went through the selection process, and fortunately, I was successful and got offered the job.
Part-time jobs in London for students: what are your options?
There are lots of job options available in London, but the most important thing is finding something that matches your timetable and personality.
Retail is ideal for students because shops usually need extra staff during weekends and busy hours. Working in retail also helps improve communication skills through dealing with customers every day.
Hospitality is one of the most common jobs students do in London. Working in a restaurant teaches things like handling pressure during busy hours and learning teamwork, every shift becomes a new experience. It can be stressful sometimes, but it also helps you grow quickly.
Campus roles are probably one of the best options students can choose. As an example of mine, working as a student ambassador is not only a paid role but also a strong achievement to add to your CV. From meeting new people to helping students who need support, the role helped me build confidence a lot. Most importantly, it improved my public speaking skills and made me more comfortable speaking in front of cameras and large groups of people.
How part-time work helps your future career
A part-time job is more than just a pay check — it’s a stepping stone for your future career.
Transferable skills
Through my part-time work, I gained many valuable skills that have helped me become a better version of myself. I developed stronger time management skills by making sure I was always on time for my shifts while also balancing my studies effectively. Working with colleagues at KFC helped me improve my teamwork skills, as I learned how to communicate better and support others during busy periods. I also became better at problem-solving, especially when dealing with fast-paced situations or unexpected challenges during shifts. These experiences have not only supported my work life but also helped me grow personally and prepare for my future career.
Confidence and communication
Most of the jobs mentioned above involve dealing with customers, handling difficult situations, and working with colleagues from different backgrounds and cultures. This naturally improves confidence, communication, and networking skills tremendously. When I first arrived in London, I was quite reserved and less confident, especially when speaking to new people or handling unfamiliar situations. However, after working part-time and regularly interacting with customers and colleagues, I can clearly see a big change in myself.
UK work experience
For international students in London, this is one of the biggest advantages. Having UK work experience on your CV can make a huge difference when applying for future jobs, placements, or graduate opportunities.
Is getting a part-time job in London worth it?
It really depends on which angle you look at it from; if you see part-time work to grow, gain independence and build experience, then it’s worth it.
Of course, it can be tiring sometimes. Balancing studies, assignments and work shifts is not always easy. However, the positive side makes the whole experience worthwhile – earning your own money, meeting new people, building connections and gaining real-life experience in a global city like London.
In the end, a part-time job does more than just support your student life financially – it shapes who you become during your journey in the UK.
From my own experience, I’ve seen a huge change in my confidence. Working part-time jobs in London made me more comfortable talking to people, handling responsibilities and adapting to new situations.