Where to look for part-time and vacation jobs

How to find part-time and vacation work.

MyCareerHub  

Whether you are looking to build your work experience or earn some extra cash we can help you find the role for you. We advertise hundreds of part-time jobs on MyCareerHub every year. We add new vacancies daily and check them frequently, so you don’t miss out on a great opportunity. 

You can filter by opportunity type ‘part-time/one-off work’ to find the roles you are looking for. We make sure these opportunities are suitable for students and advise you to use MyCareerHub as a starting point for looking for part-time options.  

MyCareerHub

You can also search #EdCareersPTJobs on MyCareerHub to find relevant vacancies.  

 

Working for the University 

The University is a major employer of student staff in a variety of part-time and vacation roles and is committed to providing a high-quality employee experience.  

These opportunities can be fixed term or more permanent, and often will be flexible so you can arrange work around your studies. You can work up to 15 hours a week during the semesters but may have options for more hours during the summer (PhD students can find more information below in FAQs).   

Typical campus-based opportunities include customer service roles, student ambassadors, IT support, student callers, and administrative roles. 

To find these roles, go to MyCareerHub and search ‘On Campus Employment’ in the opportunity type filter. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

If you're an international student looking to do part-time work, check your visa to see what applies to your circumstances. The Student Immigration Service can help you. 


There are many other job sites you could use for your search, and you may find roles there. We would encourage you to use MyCareerHub as these roles have been checked to be suitable for you.  


Recruitment agencies and staffing agencies are good sources of part-time and vacation work in sectors such as health and social care, catering and hospitality. Read more about them here: Recruitment Agencies


The gig economy refers to roles which are short-term contracts and freelance work, not permanent jobs. There are many things to consider for these kinds of roles.  

This blog post outlines what it is and highlights why you should keep it in mind.

Blog: The gig economy – what does it mean for you? 


Please note that students on full-time taught postgraduate Masters courses don't have a summer vacation. It's worth knowing this as some workplaces will ask if you can take on more hours in vacation periods.  


Yes. Read this student guest post from our Inform.ed blog on working as a waitress in a busy Edinburgh restaurant - it includes reflections on the skills developed. 

Blog: Serving and Studying: Working Part-Time in the Food Industry link 


You will need a National Insurance Number but sometimes you can start work without one. It's best to check this with the employer first. Find out more at our webpage. 

National Insurance Numbers and Tax


Take a proactive approach - ask businesses if they need any new staff. Watch out for notices in the windows of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, which often need staff at short notice.  

Ask your friends and classmates too. Many will have part-time jobs and might be able to put you in touch with their employer.  

Many local organisations recruiting part-time staff use social media to advertise vacancies. We recommend following businesses you’d like to work with and monitoring their vacancies. 


If you are unsure about the terms and conditions of employment or the legitimacy of an opportunity, please contact the Advice Place based in Potterrow or, if the opportunity was advertised on MyCareerHub, contact us here at the Careers Service. 

The Advice Place


The University does not suggest as a PhD student you should work more than 9 hours per week. Although, you are best checking with your supervisor to ensure there are no specific restrictions on your work. 


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