Summer isn’t just about having fun in the sun with your friends. It’s also a great opportunity to earn some extra cash and gain some working experience. In fact, the right summer job could set you up to land your dream job. As such, the search for summer jobs for students is on the rise.
If you’re a student looking to make some money over your summer break, we’ve put together a list of the best student summer jobs in the UK. First up, we’ve broken down some top tips on how to find summer work this year.
How to Find Summer Jobs for Students
You may be wondering how to find summer employment for students. Well, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to find summer jobs for students in the UK. Here are a few ideas to help you land a seasonal job.
Ask Around Locally
Sometimes the best way to find summer jobs for university students is by asking around in local bars, restaurants, and retailers. Many employers will be on the lookout for seasonal staff to cover holidays and the extra business the summer usually brings. So, keep an eye out for ads in the windows of local businesses in your area and pop in to see if they are hiring. Make sure that you print out some copies of your up-to-date CV and cover letter to hand out during your search.
Want to make a great first impression? Our networking tips for students guide is full of advice on how to build your connections and find a job.
Check Student Job Boards
If you’re not sure where to find summer jobs for students, try job boards for students and graduates. These job boards are specifically geared toward students and graduates looking for work, making them a fantastic resource for finding seasonal jobs in your area.
Find Out What University Resources Are Available
If you’re a university student looking for a summer job, get in touch with your university careers service. Most universities have job boards with job listings. There may even be summer work available at the university working that you are eligible to apply for. For instance, working in the university halls of residence or office work.
With so many students vying for summer jobs, we recommend starting your job search early. Ensure your CV is updated and ready to go and start applying at least a month before the summer starts.
Best Summer Jobs for Students in 2022
The UK is a great place to find summer jobs for students. From event work to tutoring, there are plenty of ways to earn some extra cash this summer and still have time to soak up the sun. To inspire you, we’ve rounded up 5 of the best summer jobs for students in the UK.
Festival and Event Work
The UK is home to some incredible festivals and live events, many of which take place in the summer. As a result, there is usually a wide range of summer jobs available for event staff and festival workers. While some festivals offer entry to the festival rather than a wage, it’s still a great way to gain some work experience and attend a festival for free. This is particularly important if you’re considering a career in event management, PR, or entertainment.
As an event worker, you could be expected to work as bar staff, stewarding, selling merchandise, or as a member of the clean-up crew. While some roles offer free entry in exchange for a few hours of work, other events jobs are paid.
We recommend checking the following websites for summer jobs in festivals and events.
- Festaff – music festivals such as Glastonbury, V Festival, and Download
- G4S – music and sports events across the UK
- Seed Staff – sports events and festivals
- Compass Events – catering, hospitality, and stadium work
Average hourly wage for event staff: £10.19
Summer Camps
If you love working with kids and you’re a fan of the great outdoors, why not try working at a summer camp? This is particularly valuable work experience for students interested in a career in education. There is a broad selection of summer camps to choose from in the UK, Europe, and the USA. For instance, sports camps, camps for children with additional needs, or English language camps for foreign students to improve their English skills.
Summer camp staff take on a variety of roles, such as camp counsellors, monitors, and admin staff. As well as earning a weekly wage, you will usually get free accommodation and food during your stay at the camp. For students interested in summer jobs abroad, try websites such as BUNAC or Camp America. Alternatively, Carnival Cruises offers summer work on cruise ships for nursery assistants and youth play workers.
If you are looking for a summer camp job in the UK, we recommend checking the websites below.
- Camp Beaumont Day Camps – summer camps in the London area
- XKeys – day and residential camps
- Super Camps – day camps for teens
- English County Schools – sports activities and English language training
Average hourly wage for summer camp staff: £9.86
Hospitality Work
During the summer months, most bars and restaurants need to take on extra staff to deal with staff shortages and busy summer periods. Hospitality work includes working in bars, hotels, restaurants, and cafés. This type of work is especially valuable for students interested in a career in hospitality management. However, the skills you pick up as hospitality staff are useful in most career paths. For example, communication, time management, and teamwork skills.
Another advantage of hospitality work is that you could receive some extra cash through tips. In fact, some hospitality workers can even match their daily wages with tips.
The best way to find student summer jobs in the hospitality industry is to check job boards and pop into local businesses in person. One of the biggest advantages of hospitality work for students is that it is often not just for summer. Many employers look to rehire summer staff during the busy Christmas and Easter periods, allowing you to earn some extra cash throughout the year.
Average hourly wage for hospitality staff: £12.38
Retail Jobs
There are many perks to working in retail as a student. Retail work provides you with valuable experience that will set you up if you decide to pursue a career in retail management. What’s more, it provides the key skills needed to do a retail graduate scheme.
Retail workers carry out a range of tasks, including working behind the till, stocking shelves, setting up displays, and processing orders. As such, retail work is a great way to learn more about business as you make some extra cash.
Similar to hospitality work, many employers take on seasonal workers during the Christmas and Easter breaks too. Therefore, if you do a good job there are opportunities to return throughout the year.
Average hourly wage for retail staff: £15.39
Tutoring
One of the most popular summer jobs for students is tutoring work. Not only do you get to earn some extra money, but you also get to practice your skills. For example, if you are studying English Literature at university, you could help secondary school students prepare for their English GCSE. One of the biggest advantages of tutoring is that it is totally flexible. You can choose to tutor students in-person or online.
Tutoring is an excellent student summer job if you are considering a career in education, consulting, or corporate training. It also gives you insight into running your own business.
In order to find work as a tutor, you will need to make sure that you know the subject inside out. Once you are confident in your skills, you can set up a profile on the sites below to find some students.
Alternatively, if you prefer in-person tutor work, why not put up some ads in your local area. You could even speak to local schools and after-school clubs to advertise your services.
Average hourly wage for an online tutor: £19.43
Dog Walking
If the thought of spending your summer cooped up inside is not for you, there are plenty of outdoor summer jobs available too. For instance, if you’re an animal lover you could take up dog walking. Dog walking is a fantastic way to get fit, make some new furry friends, and earn some pocket money. To do the job well, you need to be confident around dogs, responsible, and trustworthy. Remember, most people think of their dog as a family member.
Starting your own dog-walking service is the perfect opportunity for students to dip their toes in the world of being an entrepreneur. You will be in charge of advertising and marketing your business as well as managing your finances.
There are different ways to become a dog walker this summer. Firstly, you can advertise your services on apps such as Rover and Wag. These apps are great if you’re new to dog walking because they are safe for both you and the client. As you build up your client base, you’ll gain more positive reviews and will be able to increase your hourly fee. Alternatively, you could post ads in your local area and gather clients through word of mouth.
Average hourly wage for a dog walker: £12.82
Final Thoughts
Being a student can be tough on the purse strings. That’s why so many students look for summer jobs in the UK. Not only does it give you a chance to fund your studies or summer holidays, but you gain valuable work experience in the process.
Looking for a summer job in the UK? Be sure to also check out our dedicated Student and Graduate Jobs Board for fantastic opportunities in your area. We have a range of online jobs for students too, for those who prefer remote working. You can also check out our summer jobs in Glasgow, as well as our summer jobs in Birmingham.
Our website has a wealth of useful resources for student jobseekers, including CV writing tips and advice on writing an impactful cover letter. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact us or sign up for the free Developing a Student email newsletter with the form below.
