Side Hustles for International Students in the UK During Summer
Summer in the UK hits different when you’re an international student. The sun is out, your course is on break, and everybody on your feed is either in Santorini, back home or flexing at Afro Nation. Meanwhile, you’re staring at your bank app and wondering what jobs you could take on to earn some extra money and also enjoy your summer.
Read also: How To Make Money Online: 5 Easy Ways to Make Money Online.
And, as much as you’d love to explore new cities or just enjoy your summer without pressure, money is still very much a thing. And unless you’re one of the lucky few with a steady allowance in pounds, chances are you need a side hustle.
This post is your guide to summer jobs for international students in the UK. From care work to online gigs, here’s how to earn pounds legally, safely, and smartly this summer.
Read also: 10 Visa-Free Countries Nigerians Can Visit for Summer.
What the Law Says: Can International Students Work in the UK?
Yes, if you’re on a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you're allowed to work:
- Up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Full-time during holidays (like summer or Christmas break).
- You can’t be self-employed or start a business.
- Avid jobs like Uber driving or running your brand.
Why You Should Hustle This Summer (Besides the Money)
Beyond making money, side hustles can:
- Help you build a UK work history.
- Improve your network and communication skills.
- Exposes you to industry-specific networks.
- Show employers you’re resourceful and driven.
Side Hustles for Nigerian Students in the UK During Summer (That Pay Off)
Care and Support Work.
It can get demanding, but it pays well and there's always work for you to be engaged in.
What You'll Do:
- Help elderly or disabled people with everyday tasks
- Offer emotional support or basic companionship
- Assist with things like feeding, cleaning, or mobility
Why It Works:
- Flexible shifts: day, night, weekends
- Decent pay (often £10–£15/hour)for foreign students
- In high demand all year round
Where to Look:
- Try Indeed, NHS Jobs, or agencies like Helping Hands and Guardian Angel Carers.
📝You’ll need a DBS check and some training, which agencies usually help with.
Retail and Hospitality Jobs.
From summer sales to festivals and food spots, this industry always needs extra hands.
Roles You Can Take:
- Barista, waiter/waitress
- Retail assistant at popular stores
- Event crew, bar staff, or cashier
Why It Works:
- Shifts available on short notice
- Helps improve your accent and customer service skills
- Can earn tips and work with fun, young teams
Pay Range: £9.50 – £11.50/hour depending on your location.
📝Search Sites like Indeed, Reed, StudentJob UK.
On-Campus Summer Jobs.
Universities know international students need help. So, they’re always hiring for paid or unpaid roles.
Jobs May Include:
- Campus tour guide for new students
- Admin help at the student union
- Library or summer programme assistant
- Social media/content support for departments
Why It’s Great:
- Your university already knows your visa status
- Walk-to-work convenience
- Often pays better than external jobs (£11–£13/hour)
📝 Start with your university's careers portal or student union.
Warehouse and Packing Work.
While this job may require physical strength, it’s reliable and pays well.
What to Expect:
- Packing boxes
- Labelling inventory
- Sorting stock in large stores or online warehouses
Why People Do It:
- Simple work, no customer interaction
- Pay can go up to £13–£15/hour for night shifts
- Weekly pay with consistent shifts
Sites to Check: Amazon Flex, Indeed, Blue Arrow, PMP Recruitment.
Promotion Jobs and Brand Ambassador.
If you’re outgoing and love meeting people, this is definitely for you.
What You'll Do:
- Distribute flyers.
- Manage brand stands at events or train stations.
- Speak to people about new services/products.
Why It’s Fun:
- Flexible hours
- Cool perks like free merch or meals
- Often part of a campaign, so short-term
- Pay Range: £10–£18/hour
Sites to check: Mash Staffing, StreetPR, The Staffing Agency.
Tutoring (Online or In-Person).
You're already in school, so why not teach what you know?
Subjects That Sell:
- Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Biology, etc.
- Personal statement and university prep.
How to Do It:
- Use platforms like MyTutor, Tutorful, or Explore Learning
- Apply only for roles that classify you as an employee (not self-employed)
- Pay Range: £15–£25/hour, depending on the subject
📝 Create a clean profile and highlight any A-level/WAEC/grades that show you’re qualified.
Content Creation and Strategy.
This side hustle is about leveraging your identity and personality for views online.
What to Post:
- Your experience as a Nigerian student in the UK
- Cost of living hacks
- Food content (African meals abroad always slap)
- Day-in-the-life vlogs
You can earn through:
- Brand deals
- UGC (user-generated content)
- Content gigs with African businesses in the UK
📝Don’t register as self-employed. Work through brands or agencies, or UGC platforms like Fiverr Pro, Trend.io, or TikTok Creator Marketplace.
Wrapping Up...
As an international student in the UK, the summer allows you to earn money, grow your confidence, and gain real-world experience. And who knows, one of these side hustles might just become the thing that shapes your future career.
Just remember: keep it legal, balance it with rest, and always ask questions if you’re unsure about a job.