by Soniya Basu | Apr 10, 2025 | Rights & Skills, Student Life
(Because your wallet deserves more than just sympathy)
Let’s be real — student life in the UK is expensive. Between rent, groceries, society fees, and those late-night Uber Eats cravings, the bills add up fast. That’s where part-time jobs come in. Not only do they help you earn some extra pounds, but they also give you real-world experience, new friends, and solid resume points.
But before you say yes to the first gig you find, let’s break down everything you need to know about working part-time as an international student in the UK — your rights, responsibilities, and all the opportunities waiting for you.
🕒 How Many Hours Can You Work?
If you’re on a Student visa (Tier 4):
- During term-time: You can work up to 20 hours per week
- During holidays/breaks: You can work full-time
- On-campus jobs usually count toward your 20 hours
⚠️ Important: Don’t go over your hour limit. It’s a serious immigration violation — not worth risking your visa for a few extra shifts.
👩⚖️ Your Rights as a Part-Time Employee
Yes, even as a student, you’ve got rights at work. Know them:
✅ Minimum wage:
- Age 18–20: Check out the Gov website for updated £.
- Age 21+: Check out the Gov website for updated £.
✅ Payslips & taxes: You must get a payslip for each paycheck. Some tax might be deducted, but you can often claim it back at the end of the tax year.
✅ Breaks & time off: If you work over 6 hours, you’re entitled to a 20-minute break.
✅ No discrimination or unsafe work conditions. Period.
Here’s where to start looking:
- University job boards & career centres
- Indeed.co.uk, StudentJob, Gumtree (carefully!)
- Shops, cafes, and restaurants near campus — walk in with your CV!
- On-campus jobs like library assistant, student ambassador, events staff
💡 Hot tip: Try getting a role in your field — even if it’s basic admin or support. It’ll help your CV in the long run!
🧠 What to Consider Before You Accept Part-Time work
- Does the job fit around your uni schedule?
- Are the hours flexible during exam season?
- Is the workplace inclusive and respectful?
- Will you still have time to sleep, eat, and maybe live a little?
Balance is key. The grind is real, but burnout is not the goal.
🚀 Real Talk: Why Part-Time Work Is Worth It
Sure, it’s nice to make some cash, but it’s also about:
- Building confidence 💪
- Improving your communication & teamwork skills 🤝
- Making local friends and connections 🌍
- Learning how the UK work culture operates 👔
These things go a long way when you’re ready for your graduate job hunt later.
Part-time work in the UK = 💸 + 📚 + 🔥 life skills. Stick to your hour limits, know your rights, and find something that works for you — not against you.
by Soniya Basu | Apr 10, 2025 | Rights & Skills, Student Life
(Because finding a job shouldn’t feel like finding a rare Pokémon)
You’ve landed in the UK, settled into your accommodation, and finally figured out the bus system (sort of). Now it’s time for job search to secure that part-time job, internship, or grad role. But where do you even start?
Job hunting as an international student can feel overwhelming. Visa restrictions, new rules, unfamiliar platforms — it’s a lot. But don’t stress! Here’s your go-to guide for job search platforms and resources that actually work for international students in the UK. 🚀
Let’s start with the OG.
📌 Why it’s great:
- Massive listings for part-time and full-time roles
- Filter by location, salary, and job type
- Read reviews about companies from real employees
💡 Pro tip: Use keywords like “student,” “part-time,” or “Tier 4 visa” to find relevant jobs faster.
🎓 2. Your University’s Career Portal -Job Search
Don’t sleep on this one — seriously.
📌 Why it’s great:
- Tailored for students and grads
- Verified employers open to hiring international students
- Free CV reviews, career events, and interview prep
💡 Pro tip: Attend job fairs — even online ones. It’s a solid way to get insider info and maybe even get noticed by recruiters.
Your digital professional playground.
📌 Why it’s great:
- Great for networking + job hunting
- Shows if alumni from your uni work at a company
- You can apply directly with your profile
💡 Pro tip: Update your LinkedIn headline with your course + what you’re looking for:
“International MSc Marketing student | Seeking part-time roles | #OpenToWork”
🌐 4. Student Circus
Made specifically for international students.
📌 Why it’s great:
- Jobs and internships that already sponsor visas
- Employer-filtered listings = no guesswork
- Some unis offer free access (check yours!)
💡 Pro tip: Filter by visa type to save time and target the right employers.
💸 5. Handshake
Becoming a UK student fave.
📌 Why it’s great:
- Built for students + recent grads
- Many UK unis have partnered with Handshake
- Employers know you’re a student = realistic job expectations
💡 Pro tip: Set job alerts for your dream role and stay ahead of the crowd.
✅ Bonus Resources to Level Up Job Search:
- Prospects.ac.uk – Career advice, job profiles, and UK industry insights
- TargetJobs – Grad schemes, tips, and employer rankings
- RateMyPlacement – Internships, reviews
- Facebook Groups – Desi, or regional student groups often post openings for open jobs
Don’t just scroll aimlessly — use the right tools. From part-time gigs to grad roles, the UK job scene is yours to explore. Use trusted platforms, tailor your CV, and stay consistent. Remember: the right job is out there, and you don’t need to hustle blindly to find it.
by Soniya Basu | Apr 10, 2025 | Career & Professional Development, Job Hunting
(Because your CV should be as sharp as your hustle)
So, you’ve landed in the UK — new country, new vibe, and now you’re eyeing that part-time job, internship, or full-time gig. One small catch: your CV (aka resume) needs to speak the UK language — and no, we’re not just talking about spelling “organise” with an “s.” 😅
Whether you’re coming from Asia, Africa, Europe, or anywhere else, writing a UK-style CV is a must for making the right first impression in the UK job market.
Don’t worry — we’ve broken it down for you, Gen Z + millennial-style. Clean. Simple. Relatable. Let’s go! 🚀
✍️ So, What Even Is a UK-Style CV?
In the UK, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is:
- Usually no more than 2 pages
- Focused on relevant experience
- No photos, no personal info like DOB, nationality, or marital status
- Customised for each job (not one-CV-fits-all)
🧩 What to Include in Your UK CV
1. 📇 Contact Details
- Full name
- UK phone number
- Professional email (leave the “cutiepie93” handle in the past)
- LinkedIn (if it’s job-ready)
✅ No photo
✅ No DOB or passport info
2. 🎯 Personal Statement (aka Your Mini Bio)
This is your quick elevator pitch — 3-4 lines max.
Example:
“Driven international student pursuing MSc in Computer Science at the University of so&so. Skilled in Java, Python, and project management. Looking for part-time tech opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.”
Keep it short, sweet, and tailored to your goals.
3. 🎓 Education (Reverse Order)
Start with your most recent education.
Example:
University of XYZ – MSc Data Analytics
Expected: Sept 2025
Key Modules: Machine Learning, Advanced Statistics, Data Visualization
Optional: Add projects or achievements if they’re relevant to the job you want.
4. 💼 Work & Volunteer Experience
You don’t need loads of experience — just show impact. Use:
- Job title
- Company
- Dates
- 2–4 bullet points per role showing what you did and what changed because of you.
Tip: Start each point with strong action verbs like led, created, organised, improved.
5. 🛠️ Skills Section
This is your flex zone.
Hard skills: Excel, SQL, Python, Canva, Google Analytics
Soft skills: Teamwork, time management, public speaking
Make sure your skills align with the job description.
6. 🔥 Extras (Optional But Powerful)
- Certifications (Udemy, Coursera, etc.)
- Languages spoken
- Hobbies (if relevant or interesting — no “Netflix” please)
- Awards or leadership roles
🚫 What NOT to Do:
- Don’t include your photo, age, or nationality
- Don’t write “CV” at the top — your name is the title
- Don’t go over 2 pages
- Don’t use overly fancy designs — keep it readable
Your UK-style CV should be clear, concise, and tailored. It’s all about how you present what you’ve done.
Focus on your wins, keep the layout clean, and always, always customise for the job.
Hit up the resources on scottishindian.com — your go-to hub for career advice, templates, and job tips.
You’ve got this 💼💥
by Soniya Basu | Apr 10, 2025 | Mental Health & Wellbeing, Student Life
(Because burnout isn’t a personality trait, okay?)
Moving to a new country to study is exciting — new people, fresh starts, cooler weather (hello UK rain 👋). But let’s be honest, it can also be a lot. New academic expectations, homesickness, culture shock, group work with strangers — it’s enough to make anyone want to cry in the library toilets.
Here’s a chill, no-judgment guide to dealing with academic pressure and managing stress while studying in the UK — especially if you’re far from home.
🎓 The Academic Culture Shock Is Real
In the UK, universities expect you to:
- Think independently
- Read a lot outside lectures
- Write critically, not just copy textbook facts
- Submit essays with fancy referencing styles (Harvard who?)
If this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Most international students take time to adjust. It’s not about being smart or not — it’s just a new system.
🤯 Signs You Might Be Stressed (That You Might Miss)
Stress doesn’t always look like panic attacks. Sometimes it’s:
- Avoiding assignments because “I’ll start tomorrow”
- Always feeling tired, even after sleeping 10 hours
- Random crying over missing your mum’s dal
- Feeling isolated, even in a room full of people
If any of this sounds familiar — hey, you’re human. Let’s talk about how to deal.
🧘♀️ 1. Find Your Calm (Even If It’s Just 10 Minutes)
You don’t need to sit cross-legged under a tree to meditate (unless that’s your thing). Try:
- Breathing exercises using apps like Headspace or Calm
- Stretch breaks during long study sessions
- Short walks in nature or even just around campus
- Digital detox for 30 mins a day (yes, that includes Instagram)
Little resets > burnout meltdowns.
👥 2. Academic Pressure Talk It Out
Bottling up = pressure cooker vibes. Try this instead:
- University counselling (free and confidential!)
- Peer mentors or student advisors
- Whatsapp groups or Discord communities with other international students
- Calling home just to hear a familiar voice (no shame in that)
Talking doesn’t make you weak — it’s actually one of the strongest things you can do.
📝 3. Plan Smart, Not Hard to Deal Academic Pressure
Overwhelm often starts with “I have too much to do and no time.” Fix that with:
- To-do lists (Notion, Trello, or even paper sticky notes)
- Pomodoro technique (25-min focus, 5-min break)
- Breaking tasks down — “Start essay” becomes “Read 1 article” → “Write intro” → “Add references”
Trust us, small wins are still wins.
Adjusting to academic pressure in a new country is hard — but you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. You’re adapting, learning, growing (even if it doesn’t always feel like it). Use the tools your uni provides, be kind to yourself, and remember: mental health is just as important as grades.
by Soniya Basu | Apr 10, 2025 | Student Life, UK Education
Libraries, Tutoring, and Counselling
(Because you’re paying for it, so why not use it like a pro?)
So, you’re navigating the whirlwind of university life in UK – juggling assignments, maybe a part-time job, societies, and that ever-growing laundry pile. But here’s a smart move many students overlook: tapping into your free University resources.
These built-in support systems are the ultimate academic hack, whether you’re an international student finding your feet or a local looking for an edge. Let’s explore how to make the most of University resources like libraries, tutoring, and counselling – and use them like a pro. 👇
🏛️ 1. The Library: More Than Just Books and Silence
Sure, libraries have books, but they also have WAY more than you think:
- Study spaces: Quiet zones, group pods, chill zones with beanbags — pick your vibe.
- Online access: E-books, academic journals, documentaries — all free through your student login.
- Workshops: Time management, referencing, research skills — aka everything you’ll pretend to Google during deadlines.
- Librarians: Literally superheroes in disguise. Ask them for help finding sources, formatting citations, or navigating databases.
💡 Library hack: Book private study rooms for group projects or solo cram sessions. They usually come with screens and whiteboards = productive energy unlocked.
📘 2. Academic Support & Tutoring Resources: Your Free Upgrade
Struggling with an essay? Confused by that one lecturer who talks like Shakespeare? That’s where academic skills centres and peer tutoring step in.
- One-on-one tutoring: Many unis offer subject-specific support from trained peers or academic staff.
- Writing & math support: Whether it’s structuring an essay or not dying inside during statistics class, help is available.
- Online support: Drop-in Zoom hours or email-based help = accessible from your bed (no judgment).
💡 Gen Z Tip: Some unis even use AI tools or apps to help track your writing progress. Ask around — don’t sleep on the tech.
🧠 3. Counselling Services: Mental Health is Health
Let’s normalize this: it’s okay not to be okay. Whether it’s homesickness, burnout, or anxiety — most universities offer free, confidential counselling services for students.
- Drop-in sessions: Perfect if you need someone to talk to without committing long-term.
- Scheduled counselling: Weekly or biweekly therapy with trained professionals.
- Wellbeing workshops: Learn to manage stress, sleep better, and build resilience — all free.
🌱 Wellness Bonus: Many University campuses also have student support apps, mindfulness zones, and peer-led mental health groups.
🧠 Too Long Don’t Read: You’ve Got Tools. Use Them.
Here’s the deal — you’re already paying for these services with your tuition and student fees. So don’t let them go to waste. The UK university system is built to support your success, not watch you struggle in silence.
So whether you’re deep in dissertation despair or just want a quiet corner to vibe with your coffee and notes, there’s a resource for you.
