Summer Jobs for Students: Where to Look and How to Apply

By Student Cribs | April 16, 2025 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Every student could use a little extra cash, whether it’s to help cover rent, fund a few nights out, or save up for the future. Summer is the perfect time to find a job, as you’re likely to have fewer academic pressures and more free time to dedicate to work. Whether you head home for the summer or stay in your university city, both options come with their own set of opportunities and challenges when it comes to job hunting.

Here are some tips on where to look, what to look for in a job, and how to successfully balance your university work with a part-time job.

Where can I look for a student job?

As a student, there are plenty of websites dedicated to job vacancies. Some popular platforms include:

• Indeed

• Glassdoor

• LinkedIn

• StudentJob

• UniJobs

Additionally, don’t overlook opportunities directly from your university. Many universities hire students for roles such as disability support, campus cafes, or administrative positions. These jobs are often flexible and can be tailored to suit your study schedule. It’s worth reaching out to your uni’s employability team or career services to inquire about on-campus jobs. These roles offer the advantage of being familiar with your schedule and might even be easier to balance with your studies.

What should I look for in a student job?

As a student, it’s essential to keep in mind that balancing a job with university work requires planning. Ideally, you shouldn’t work more than 20 hours per week to avoid burnout and maintain your academic performance.

When considering a job, look for:

• Flexibility: Jobs in supermarkets, bars, restaurants, or even internships might offer flexible hours that allow you to fit work around your class schedule. Be sure to check that the role won’t demand too many hours – sometimes contracts can have hidden expectations.

• Reasonable Hours: If you do find a job that you like but your employer is asking for more hours than you can handle, don’t hesitate to discuss it with them. Many employers are willing to adjust your hours, so don’t be afraid to suggest evening or weekend shifts if that works better for your schedule.

• Zero Hour Contracts: An important consideration when looking for a part-time job is whether the job offers a zero-hour contract. A zero-hour contract means that the employer does not guarantee a set number of hours, leaving your work schedule variable from week to week. You can choose to work more hours during weeks when you have fewer academic commitments, or less during busy exam periods.These contracts can be ideal for students who need to earn extra money but want to keep their work hours light and adaptable.

By prioritising jobs that are flexible and manageable, you can avoid overwhelming yourself and ensure that you have time for both your work and your studies.

How can I balance university work and a part-time job?

Balancing university coursework with a part-time job can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s definitely achievable. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain that balance:

Limit your shifts
Try not to work more than three shifts per week. This will give you enough time to focus on your studies and avoid burnout. Some students even prefer to work shorter shifts (e.g., 4-5 hours) to prevent feeling too drained.

Stay close to campus or home
Don’t take a job that’s too far away from your university or accommodation. The last thing you want is to spend hours commuting to and from work. Try to find work within walking distance, or at least close to public transportation routes.

Prioritise your studies
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of earning extra money, but remember, your degree comes first. If your job is affecting your academic performance, it might be time to reassess how many hours you’re working. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your professors if you need extensions or academic support to manage the workload.

Take care of yourself 
Balancing a part-time job with university can be stressful, so don’t forget to make time for self-care. Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating properly, and staying active to keep your energy levels up.

Do Student Cribs offer part-time roles for students?

Yes! At Student Cribs, we regularly offer part-time roles designed specifically for students looking to gain experience alongside their studies. During term-time, our Student Brand Manager role is perfect for those looking to gain experience in the property industry, while earning flexible income. And for the summer season, we’re currently hiring Assistant Portfolio Managers for our London HQ – ideal for students who want hands-on experience in property, operations, and team management. Interested? Head over to our careers page to take a look and apply!