Working while you study

Lots of full-time students work part-time while studying, to earn money, improve skills and get work experience.

Brighton has lots of opportunities for part-time work, and it’s also possible to work for the university in a number of different roles.

Find out more about working part-time

How we can help

We can help you find a job through Careers Connect, our vacancy service where you can look for jobs at the uni and elsewhere.

Students work for Sport Brighton at our sport and recreation facilities and Brighton Students' Union advertises roles in their cafes, shops and services.

Our student ambassadors are paid to help us to show prospective students what it's like at Brighton. They have opportunities to work at events like open days, at online events, widening participation in schools and colleges, and in creating content for our website, blogs and publications. If you come to an open day look out for our ambassadors in blue t-shirts. Find out more about becoming a student ambassador.

Our students have found lots of innovative ways of working during uni and tell their own stories here and on their Brighton student blog.

Student advice services team

Earning money at university: Student stories

Earning money at university has a lot of benefits, especially if you can fit new work commitments around your studies. However, the type of work and where you might work is changing so it pays to stay flexible.

Digital only jobs, gig economy work and entrepreneurship are all flourishing. Maybe there are new ways to earn money you've yet to explore?

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Finances can be a worry when looking at going to university. There is no hiding the fact that going to university is expensive but the right support is always there, as long as you know where to find it. Most of my friends and I all have part-time jobs outside of university but this is also a great way to meet new people and get away from the stresses of assessments and lectures.

Amy, sport and exercise science

Working as a student ambassador has been a brilliant experience as it is flexible and understanding of university commitments and allows me to develop useful skills. I’ve improved on public speaking by working on campus tours and student Q+As with prospective students, and produced written content for blogs and prospectuses.

Sophie, geography

Being financially independent for the first time can be scary, but it is definitely manageable! As someone from a low-income household, I get help not only from loans but you can also receive bursaries from the university which is a big help. There is also lots of part-time work available which I also do, with the uni (ambassadors, cafe workers, cleaners) and there’s a big town centre, as well as lots of cafe and bar work which are perfect for student hours.

Kacey, economics

Tips for working and studying at the same time

It's important you strike the right balance so that work supports your studies in a positive way. Here are some helpful tips from current students for working and studying at the same time.

Look for jobs at your place of study and at home - some may suit just the holidays, others suit term times.
Keep a schedule which includes work times and lectures.
Don’t over commit. Make space for you and things you love.
Search for local work with short commutes and make the most of discounted travel.
Having a budget helps you better understand how much paid work you’ll need.
Try jobs different to your studies, they expand your skills and help create balance - which in turn helps you study.

How many hours can I work?

You can work as many hours as you like, so long as it does not affect your studies.

A sensible guideline for all full-time students is 12–15 hours per week. Remember that your studies need to take priority.

International students

If you are an international student you should check your visa.

Your visa should tell you if you can work and for how many hours a week. If you are allowed to work, this will usually be for no more than 20 hours per week.

If you are unsure check with the Home Office or UKCISA.

Working during uni: more advice on our blog

Student money management – my top tips!

Rent, food, alcohol, books and all the other essentials you need to buy at Uni will all add up on your bank statement and as the lovely sum of money you started with at the beginning of Freshers week has depleted now the only thing you can afford on your shopping list is a packet.