Preparing for a Part-Time Job in London as an International Student

Moving to London brings up significant adjustments, such as new relationships, unfamiliar surroundings, and considerable spending. To strike a balance with these changes, many students go for part-time work. These jobs not only allow you to grow your network and make additional money, but they also help you to gain vital experience that will be beneficial later on. International students must prepare and remember something before beginning work. Check out this blog and add it to your checklist!

1. Check Your Visa Work Conditions
A Student Visa allows up to 20 hours of work per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Breaking the regulations may result in the revocation of your visa and your eligibility to apply for any visa in the future (eg: Gradute Visa, Skilled Worker Visa). So, double-check your eVisa to avoid issues that might risk your visa.

2. Right to Work Check
Before you start any job, your employer must carry out a Right to Work check. This is a legal requirement to confirm that you’re allowed to work in the UK.

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You’ll usually be asked for your Share Code along with your personal information to confirm your status or use the Home Office online Right to Work service.

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Make sure your visa clearly states your working conditions so there’s no confusion.

Without this check, you can’t legally begin work so have these documents ready before applying to any role you’re interested in.

3. Get a National Insurance (NI) Number
You’ll need a National Insurance number to work legally in the UK. You can apply online here. You can start working while you wait, as long as you can prove you’ve applied.

4. Set Up a UK Bank Account
Most employers pay wages directly into a bank account. Setting up a UK bank account as soon as possible will make things much smoother. You can find out more and apply online through their websites or apps. Some banks will require you to provide a student confirmation letter as evidence, which you can download from e:Vision.

5. Prepare a UK-Style CV
Most employers expect a reverse-chronological CV, which is concise (usually one page) and highlights your most recent education and experience first. Always tailor your CV to the role you’re applying for - whether it’s hospitality, retail, or office work. If you have limited work experience, consider a skills-based CV, which focuses on transferable skills such as teamwork, customer service, or organisation. Remember to avoid including personal details like age, photo, or marital status.

6. Polish Your Communication Skills
Good communication is key for most part-time roles in London. Practising clear and polite English can boost your confidence at interviews and on the job. You can try asking ChatGPT for help to list potential questions and practise several times with friends to always be ready.

7. Know Where to Look
Popular platforms for part-time jobs include Unitemps, Indeed, and LinkedIn, as well as City St George’s CareersHub. Many local shops, cafés, and restaurants also advertise vacancies in-store, so it’s worth keeping an eye out when you’re walking around. I’ve already written a blog with more detail on where to find jobs, which you can read here.

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Balancing work and study can be challenging, especially on a short 1-year Master's programme. Make sure your part-time job doesn’t affect your studies as this could impact your result and visa status.

Good luck ✨

(edited 1 month ago)