Five part-time jobs you’ll enjoy at university

During your time at university, you really have two options when it comes to finances, assuming you don’t come from an especially affluent background.

On one hand, you can rely on your loan and whatever additional funds you might receive.

You can learn to live and love the basic, extremely frugal lifestyle, avoid the temptation of beer and takeaways and generally be a Zen monk for three years.

Alternatively, you can get a part-time job for some extra cash and live a little between your studies.

We understand that because students can struggle to find good work that is flexible enough to fit around their university commitments, there’s often a sense that having a job you don’t enjoy is just part of the deal. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five part-time jobs that you might end up actually enjoying.

1. Bar work

One of the most common forms of part-time jobs for students is often one that a lot of people fall in love with.

A lot of this will depend on the place you work but if you’re good under pressure and fast with a pint glass, then working behind the bar might be perfect for you, especially if you’re a bit of a social butterfly with a tendency to stay up late.

2. Campus jobs

They don’t get much more convenient than working for the university itself and this can contain a very wide range of positions, with everything from working in the library to catering and events work.

These jobs can often pay better than your minimum wage options and also allow you to fully immerse yourself within the campus.

The variety on offer means there’s more chance you’ll find something that suits you, plus, you won’t get an easier commute from work to uni.

3. Tutoring

Although you might not have finished your studies yet, that doesn’t mean you don’t have skills that can be passed on to those who need them.

What type of tutoring you do obviously depends on your skillset, with options in teaching a musical instrument to English and foreign languages being common examples.

This is a way to earn way above minimum wage while also making a real difference. Few jobs, part-time or otherwise, can offer that.

4. Dog walking

A lot of people find it hard to believe that you can make money out of a service that so many would happily offer for free.

But yes, if you are a lover of all things canine, then there is money to be made from becoming a professional dog walker.

Advertise your services locally and with any luck, you’ll be able to earn a bit of extra cash while making a new furry friend.

While this is unlikely to become a reliable source of income, it could be a nice way to earn a bit on the side.

5. Lifeguard

If you’re reasonably fit and know how to swim, then with a little bit of training and dedication, you could become qualified as a lifeguard for a few hundred quid.

From there, you can apply for lifeguard jobs across the country.

It does take an initial investment, but the work is not only flexible and challenging, it can also lead to long-term careers like swimming teaching.

Council budget cuts have made this a harder profession to get into nowadays, but it’s good work if you can find it.