It’s National Student Money Week Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March! The perfect time to talk openly about money, budgeting, and any money worries you have. 

Looking for part-time work for the first time can be daunting. Luckily, the Careers Service is here to help!  

Check out the support and resources available to you for finding part-time work from where to look, to CV and application help and prepping for interviews!  

“There are only part-time jobs in retail and hospitality”  

Don’t disregard part-time work just because you don’t fancy working in a cafe or bar. There are plenty of other roles that you can do alongside your studies, including ones they will help you in your future career.

Explore part time roles and filter your preferences on mycareer, for example, try searching for remote roles for more flexibility or for ones based at the university itself! 

“I can work as many hours as I want”  

If you are an international student hoping to work alongside your studies, you should check the specific requirements of your Visa. Often there is a maximum number of hours that you are permitted to work under the agreement. You can find out more information about working whilst studying as an international student on the Student Visa Services website and this guide on mycareer.

“I don’t need a National Insurance number”  

Everyone who works in the UK needs a National Insurance (NI) number.  

If you have had to apply for a visa you may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You don’t need to apply for a National Insurance number if you already have one, or one is printed on your BRP.  

If you don’t have a National Insurance number, you must apply. You can only apply for it once you’re in the UK and you must apply by phone. 

“I will get my first pay cheque immediately”  

While students often turn to part-time work when they are in need of some extra cash, it isn’t an immediate solution. The reality of part-time work is that you are often paid ‘a month in arrears’ which means you are paid for the work you have completed the previous month – so you may not see your first pay cheque for 4 to 8 weeks after starting your role.  

If you are in a financial situation that needs resolving quickly, you can get in touch with the Money Advice Team at the University.  

“It’s normal to be asked for my financial details when applying for a role”

In short, no! If a company asks for financial details during the application process it is likely a scam. No reputable organisation will ask you to pay to secure a job. Read our blog for more tips on how to spot job scams.  

No one else worries about money at university  

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You’re not alone. 

The most important thing to remember is not to worry about your finances alone. The University can help and discuss what options are available to you. 

If you are worried about money or debt it’s best to speak to one of the University’s money advisors who can give you some extra support.  

Find out more on the University’s Money Advise webpage,  

There are two main hardship funds that can support you during your time at the University of Bristol; The Financial Assistance Fund provides a safety net if you find yourself in financial difficulties during your studies and the Digital Support Fund provides financial help towards the cost of IT equipment needed for your course. 

Hopefully, you are now going into National Student Money Week feeling more confident about part-time work and talking about money than ever. The University is always here to support you with whatever concerns you may have.