Moving to a new country to study is exciting, but the bills don't pause for excitement. If you're an international student planning to study in Nottingham, knowing how to earn on the side can be the difference between thriving and just surviving.
Nottingham is one of the UK's most student-friendly cities. It's home to two major universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, and a city centre packed with employers who actively hire students. The jobs are there. You just need to know where to look and what to expect.
This guide breaks down the best part-time jobs in Nottingham for students, how much they pay, where to find them, and the visa rules you must follow as an international student.
Yes—and it's straightforward once you know the rules.
If you're studying in the UK on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4), you're generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods. However, this depends on your specific visa conditions, so always check your visa decision letter before you start applying.
A few important things to sort before your first shift:
For detailed, up-to-date visa guidance, the UKCISA website is the most reliable source.
If you're new to the UK, on-campus roles are the easiest and least stressful way to start working. Employers understand your schedule, the hours are flexible around lectures, and you don't need to commute.
Common roles include:
Pay range: £12–£16/hour
Where to find them: Unitemps (university job portal), your university's StudentHub or Handshake platform
Unitemps is particularly valuable — it's a university-run recruitment service that matches students with campus and local roles. Both the University of Nottingham and NTU use versions of this platform.
Nottingham's retail scene is strong, with the Victoria Centre, intu Broadmarsh area, and Lace Market packed with stores regularly hiring part-time staff. If you're living in student accommodation near Nottingham city centre, you'll likely be a short walk or bus ride from dozens of opportunities.
Common employers: Primark, Boots, Next, Marks & Spencer, Superdrug, Tesco Express
What you'll earn: Around £11.44–£12.60/hour (UK National Living Wage 2024–25 rates)
Typical shifts: Evenings, weekends, and extended hours during holiday sale periods
Retail jobs are excellent for building communication and customer service skills — which matter enormously to future employers, regardless of your degree subject.
Nottingham has a thriving food and nightlife scene, especially around Hockley, the city centre, and the university areas. Hospitality work is plentiful, especially for students who can work evenings and weekends.
Typical roles: Barista, server, bar staff, kitchen porter, catering assistant
Pay range: £11.44–£13.50/hour, often with tips on top
Skills gained: Working under pressure, communication, teamwork — all highly valued on a CV
Many students find these roles fit naturally around their academic schedule. A few evening shifts per week can comfortably keep your finances in check without touching your study hours.
If you have a bicycle or scooter, platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats allow you to work completely on your own schedule. There are no fixed shifts — you log in when you have time and log out when you don't.
Pay range: £8–£12/hour (plus tips)
Best for: Students with irregular schedules or those who prefer working independently
One caveat: income from gig work can be unpredictable, so don't rely on it as your sole income source. Treat it as supplementary earning.
If your subject strengths are in maths, sciences, languages, or coding, private tutoring is one of the highest-paying part-time options available. Many platforms operate entirely online, which means you can fit sessions between lectures without even leaving your accommodation.
Pay range: £15–£30/hour depending on subject and level
Platforms to try: Tutor.com, Superprof, MyTutor, or advertise via university noticeboards
This type of work also looks impressive on job applications post-graduation — it demonstrates subject mastery and communication skills simultaneously.
Schools, clinics, gyms, and offices across Nottingham regularly advertise part-time receptionist and customer service roles. These positions often come with professional development opportunities and a regular schedule — ideal if you prefer predictable hours.
Pay range: £12.40–£13.00/hour
Perks: Some roles include benefits like in-store discounts, training access, and pension contributions
If you're open to roles just outside the city, there are good opportunities in areas like West Bridgford, Beeston, Arnold, and Long Eaton — all reachable by bus or tram from most student neighbourhoods. The NET tram network connects much of greater Nottingham, making commuting reasonably easy.
Searching for part time jobs near Nottingham for students on platforms like Indeed or Reed often surfaces roles in these surrounding areas that have less competition than city-centre positions.
Here are the most reliable platforms and resources:
Your university's Careers & Employability Service is also a free, excellent resource. Both UoN and NTU offer CV workshops, interview preparation, and personalised job search support.
This is where many students struggle. Here's what actually works:
Set a firm weekly limit. Even if your visa allows 20 hours, most students find 10–15 hours is the sweet spot — enough to earn meaningfully without affecting grades.
Communicate with your employer early. Be upfront about exam periods and submission deadlines. Most student-friendly employers in Nottingham are used to working around academic commitments.
Use digital calendars. Block your lecture times, study sessions, and work shifts in one place. Seeing your week laid out visually makes it much easier to avoid clashes.
Don't skip your studies for extra shifts. Part-time work supports your degree financially and adds skills to your CV — but your degree remains the priority.
How well you manage work and study often comes down to where you live. If your commute is long or your accommodation is noisy and stressful, everything becomes harder. Choosing the right student home in Nottingham sets the foundation for a productive year.
Acolyte Living offers 88+ verified student properties in Nottingham, ranging from budget-friendly en-suites to premium studio apartments — all near the city's top universities and transport links. Whether you're studying at UoN or NTU, you can find a place that puts you close to both your campus and your workplace.
Browse student accommodation in Nottingham on Acolyte Living and book in just three easy steps.
Also exploring other UK cities? Acolyte Living covers student housing across the UK, including:
Part time jobs in Nottingham for students aren't hard to find — they're everywhere, across campus, the city centre, and surrounding areas. The key is starting early, knowing your visa limits, and choosing roles that genuinely fit around your studies rather than fighting against them.
Whether you pick up shifts as a barista, land a library assistant role on campus, or start tutoring online, every hour you work builds more than just a bank balance. It builds the kind of real-world experience that stands out when you enter the job market after graduation.
Ready to make your move to Nottingham? Start by securing the right place to live. Find your student home in Nottingham with Acolyte Living — and set yourself up for success from day one.
Q1: How many hours can international students work in Nottingham?
International students on a UK Student visa can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university vacations. Always verify your specific visa conditions before starting work.
Q2: What are the best part time jobs in Nottingham for international students?
The best options include on-campus roles (via Unitemps), retail positions in the city centre, hospitality jobs in cafés and restaurants, delivery work, and online tutoring. Campus roles are especially recommended for new arrivals.
Q3: Do I need a National Insurance number to work in Nottingham?
Yes. You'll need a National Insurance (NI) number to pay the correct tax. Apply by contacting Jobcentre Plus once you have a job offer. You can legally begin work while waiting for it to arrive.
Q4: Where can I find part time job listings in Nottingham?
Use Unitemps, Indeed, Reed, StudentJob.co.uk, LinkedIn, and Facebook groups. Your university's careers service also posts opportunities and offers free job search support.
Q5: Can I work part time near Nottingham, not just in the city?
Yes. Areas like Beeston, West Bridgford, Arnold, and Long Eaton all have part-time opportunities. The NET tram and local buses make commuting from most student areas straightforward.
Q6: What is the minimum wage for student jobs in Nottingham?
The UK National Living Wage (for workers aged 21+) is £11.44/hour as of 2024. Many Nottingham employers pay £12–£13/hour for retail and hospitality roles.
Q7: Can postgraduate students in Nottingham work part time?
Most postgraduate students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. However, for master's students working on dissertations, the summer months may count as term time — limiting full-time work. Check with your university's International Student Support team.
Q8: How do I balance a part time job with studying in Nottingham?
Limit yourself to 10–15 hours of work per week, communicate deadlines to your employer in advance, and use a digital calendar to manage your schedule. Your studies must always remain the priority.