Being a student is expensive. From school fees to school supplies to living expenses, it’s no wonder that around 59% of UK university attendees have student jobs. Having a student job while you study gives you some much-needed disposable income to cover your living expenses (and social life). If you’re a student looking for part-time work in the UK, keep reading. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best cities for student jobs in 2022.
The 10 Best Cities For Student Jobs In The UK
The UK is home to some world-class universities. And, where there are uni students, there is usually a thriving nightlife scene and some great coffee shops. This means you’re likely to find plenty of options for part-time student work.
Here are the top 10 cities for student jobs in the UK.
1. London
In a recent survey, London was ranked the number 1 student city in the world, thanks to the city’s exceptional cultural, economic, and educational offerings. Indeed, London is home to 2 of the planet’s best universities.
With such a lively community of students in the city, London is an excellent place to look for part-time student work. You can find a range of job roles, from hospitality to retail to call centre work. It’s also a great place to live and study if you’re an international student. The University College London has the highest number of international students in England.
So, whether you’re a born and bred Londoner or an international student enjoying life in the big city, London has some of the best student jobs in the UK.
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2. Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a stellar university with a diverse student body of over 14,600 international students. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the University is ranked 15th in the world. As a result, Edinburgh is a popular city for students from all over the UK and overseas.
Scotland’s capital is also one of the UK’s leading tourist hotspots, beaten only by London. With so many tourists visiting the city daily, Edinburgh has many part-time student jobs. For instance, you can find work in one of the city’s many museums, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, bookshops, or theatres. And speaking of theatre, Edinburgh hosts 12 annual festivals, including the world’s biggest arts festival. As such, there’s no shortage of part-time event work in this magical city.
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2. Sheffield
The stunning city of Sheffield is home to 60,000 students. There are 2 universities in the city, the prestigious, red-brick University of Sheffield and the contemporary Sheffield Hallam University. The city is a student’s dream. It’s surrounded by stunning nature, such as the Peak District, and is packed with cultural hotspots and music venues.
Your money will go further in Sheffield too. This gorgeous city is in the UK’s top 10 most affordable university cities. It’s also incredibly safe, earning the title of the safest large city in the UK. With so much going for it, Sheffield is a wonderful student city to live and work in.
In terms of student jobs, you can find a range of part-time work opportunities in one of the city’s many cafés, pubs, restaurants, or retail establishments. Some of the top graduate employers in the UK have offices in up-and-coming Sheffield, so it’s a great place to look for graduate jobs after university.
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3. Swansea
Swansea University is the leading university in Wales, attracting a host of students from all over the UK and overseas. Wales’s second-largest city is home to 24,000 students, making it a great place for student jobs.
Swansea is a seaside city, so its most popular industries include hospitality and tourism. There is a wide range of student jobs in these sectors. You’ll also find part-time job opportunities in retail and call centres.
Swansea is an excellent student city because it’s affordable, with house prices averaging 65% less than in London. It was also ranked in the top 10 UK cities with the best nightlife. This means there is no shortage of bar and event work if you prefer pouring pints to drinking them.
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4. Liverpool
Liverpool is a hugely popular student city, attracting students from all over the world. It’s often touted one of the best cities for student jobs in the UK. There are 4 main universities in the home of The Beatles:
- Liverpool Hope University
- Liverpool John Moores University
- The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
- University of Liverpool
60,000 students call Liverpool home. As a result, it has one of the best nightlife scenes in the UK. This is great news if you’re a student looking for part-time work. You can find jobs in bars, restaurants, hotels, and retail. Plus, there is also a wide range of jobs in events. You can find flexible work handing out promotional flyers or selling tickets to club nights.
Discover student jobs in Liverpool
5. Glasgow
Did you know that Glasgow was named the 4th best city in the world by TimeOut magazine? And it’s no wonder. Scotland’s second-largest city has everything from stunning nature on its doorstep to a buzzing live music scene. The University of Glasgow is ranked in the world’s top 100 universities, attracting a host of students to the city.
The cost of living in Glasgow is 35% cheaper than in London, making it an excellent choice for students on a budget. You can find a range of student jobs in retail, call centres, hospitality, and tourism all around the city. If you have green fingers, Glasgow is a great place to look for part-time jobs outdoors.
6. Oxford
Oxford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and the second oldest. It’s a vibrant city with a student population of around 24%. It’s also relatively affordable compared to bigger UK cities like London.
Thanks to its architecture, charm, and prestige, Oxford university attracts hordes of visitors yearly. Harry Potter fans flock from afar to see this quaint city. This means there is no shortage of student jobs in local cafés, bars, restaurants, bookshops, and tourist attractions. You may also find student jobs tutoring or working within the university campus if you’re an Oxford student.
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7. Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital city is home to the prestigious Queen’s University which attracts students from all over the world. Belfast is steeped in history (especially if you’re interested in politics) and has a buzzing music scene. It’s also one of the most affordable UK cities to live in, making it a popular choice for students.
Belfast is emerging as one of the best UK cities to visit, and as a result, there’s been a surge in new restaurants, bars, boutiques, and restaurants. This is excellent news if you’re looking for a student job. You can find job opportunities in cafés, bars, restaurants, retail, and hotels. The popular student area around Botanic Avenue is a great place to find part-time hospitality jobs. The Queen’s Student Union is also a fantastic place to work while you study.
Discover student jobs in Belfast
8. Derby
Located right in the heart of England, Derby is a vibrant city with plenty to do year-round (the trendy Cathedral Quarter is a big hit with students). It’s also close to the Peak District if you fancy a bit of nature. On top of plenty of social activities, Derby is an affordable city for students. It’s easy to get around the city on foot, saving on transport costs.
Around 20,000 students study at the University of Derby. It’s known for being a career-focused university that promotes real-world learning. As a result, it boasts high rates of graduate employment.
Safe, affordable, and packed with things to do, Derby is fast becoming a top choice for students. You can find a wide array of student jobs in hospitality, tourism, retail, and call centres.
Discover student jobs in Derby
9. Leeds
Did you know Leeds is the fastest-growing city in the UK? This vibrant city has a whopping £64.6 billion economy, meaning there is a host of student job opportunities and internships. Leeds is a multicultural city with a stellar arts and entertainment scene. Compared to other big UK cities, it’s also extremely affordable. Plus, you have the stunning Yorkshire countryside on your doorstep.
More than 60,000 students live in Leeds, making it a great place to study, socialise, and work. There are over 179 nightlife spots in Leeds, earning it the nickname of the raver’s capital. Whether you fancy a night of cocktails and champagne or a warehouse rave, you can do it all in Leeds. Since there is such a hiving nightlife scene, it’s easy to find a part-time student job in one of the many nightlife hotspots around the city. You could look for bar work, hospitality jobs, or events work at one of the top nightclubs.
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If you’re struggling to find opportunities in your area, why not check our live student and graduate job board for online student jobs? You can gain valuable work experience and earn some pocket money from anywhere in the UK.
Finding Work In The Best Cities For Student Jobs
We hope our guide to the best cities for student jobs is helpful. Being a student is a rewarding and exciting time. But, it can also be expensive. Looking for student jobs can help you fund your lifestyle as you study. It’s also a fantastic way to meet new people, develop your skills, and get to know your city.
Whether you’re looking close to home or across the UK, our dedicated Student and Graduate Jobs Board is packed with the latest job opportunities for students. Be sure to browse our resource hub for up-to-date information on graduate jobs, industry trends, and advice for job seekers. You can also catch what’s new on our blog every Wednesday.
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