6 flexible student jobs to fit around your studies

By StudentJob.Fr

While at university, money worries are never far away. Budgeting and cutting back on nights out can be one way of making sure you have enough money to live off, but the simplest solution is to find a flexible part-time student job that will fit around your study schedule.

Here are six flexible jobs for students to get you started.

Tutor/teaching assistant

Share your educational knowledge by becoming a private tutor and help other people learn more about your subject area. This student job can offer decent income (€18-40 per hour) and is completely flexible - you choose when you want to teach and for how many hours. You’ll also develop your own knowledge while working on your listening and managerial skills.

Babysitting

One of the most prized student jobs, babysitting allows you to be flexible while earning around €11 per hour on average. You’ll develop your communication skills while getting used to being accountable and organized.

Babysitting jobs are highly coveted but relatively easy to find, particularly if you’re at university in a large city. Some jobs may even provide you with an opportunity to work on your language skills (for instance, if English is your second language and the family you’re working for speak English).

Taking online surveys

Not concerned about a job for your CV? Another way to get some extra money is to sign up to participate in online surveys. You’ll need a good internet connection and a computer or tablet, but there are plenty of opportunities like this available. However, it won’t guarantee a fixed salary or offer any job stability - but is a good fit if you need extra income but don’t have the time to commit to an actual job.

Waitress/waiter

Next on our list of flexible jobs for students is a role that's definitely for people who love being on their feet and interacting with lots of people. From opening the restaurant and preparing tables, to tidying up at the end of the day, you’ll always be in motion.

While individual shifts can be busy, you should be able to arrange your shifts to fit around your schedule, particularly as most shifts will be in the evening and on weekends. Also, if you want to work in the restaurant or service industry in the future, this will give you an entry-level perspective of what it’s like and improve your knowledge of this area.

Bicycle courier

If you live in a large city like Paris or Lille, there are always job opportunities for anyone with a bicycle (or motorized vehicle). Working as a courier promises a flexible schedule while also being a way to get some exercise while you work!

Mystery shopper

Get paid for shopping or eating in restaurants by signing up to be a mystery shopper! This job involves going into a store and asking for a particular item, and then reporting back about the customer experience. You are given a budget for the items you buy in addition to payment for each job you agree to do, and it’s completely up to you how much you work - this is arguably the most flexible job for students that you can find. Income will vary depending on the company you sign up with.

FAQ

Can I do a part-time job while studying abroad?

Restrictions on part-time employment will vary by study destination. For example, in the UK international students from outside the EU will be limited to a certain number of hours they can work during term time.

You can find more information on the rules in the US, UK and Germany elsewhere on our website.

Which study destination is best for part-time flexible jobs for students?

The 'best' destination is hard to judge as it will largely depend on your own circumstances. As a general rule, any study destination which requires you to have a visa will be more restrictive than countries where free movement is possible (e.g. within the EU).

It's also worth noting that some of the jobs suggested above will require proficiency in the main language(s) of your study destination, so bear that in mind if you're considering moving to a location where you won't be fluent in the local language.

Which part-time jobs are best for international students?

If you're looking for a study abroad experience that offers full cultural immersion, it makes sense to choose a part-time job that will have you interacting with people regularly rather than one based online. If you speak English and are studying somewhere where English isn't a first language, offering your services as an English tutor or teaching assistant can be a great way to earn money while also working on your own foreign language skills.

If the language barrier won't be an issue, try to find a part-time job that will have you regularly interacting with locals, for example working in a local shop or restaurant.

Will I get a job if I study abroad?

Part-time student jobs aren't normally an immediate stepping stone to a post-graduation career as it's unlikely your flexible student job will be in an industry you plan to work in long-term (e.g. as a courier or waiter).

However, the experience will stand out on your CV, particularly as it demonstrates your willingness to work outside of your comfort zone in an unfamiliar environment, and it will be a useful way to start developing some of the valuable soft skills that are highly coveted by employers, such as teamwork and communication.