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Exploring the Gig Economy: How International Students in the UK Can Benefit

Discover top part-time jobs for students in the UK gig economy. Earn extra income, gain experience, and balance studies with flexible, high-paying jobs.

Published on: Sep 19, 2024

The gig economy has rapidly transformed the global workforce, offering flexible opportunities for those seeking additional income or part-time work. In the UK, the gig economy is particularly appealing for international students, who often face restrictions on traditional employment due to visa conditions. This change of behaviour in employment has created more options now, so students can work part-time while sticking to their school schedule and getting work experience.

This article explores how international students in the UK can benefit from the gig economy, highlighting some of the best-paying part-time jobs and how these opportunities can enhance the overall student experience.

The Rise of the Gig Economy

The gig economy is a labour market where temporary, freelance, or short-term work is common. Workers pick up "gigs" like driving for ride-sharing services, delivering food, or freelancing in industries such as graphic design or tutoring. The flexibility of gig work allows individuals to choose when, where, and how much they work, making it ideal for international students who must balance their studies with employment.

In the UK, the gig economy is booming. A 2024 report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that almost 14% of the UK workforce is now involved in gig work. The increase is due to technology improvements, a larger uptake of on-demand services, and moving to more flexible employment models. For students, particularly international students with visa restrictions, the gig economy offers a unique solution to earning extra income while studying in the UK.

Visa Restrictions and Work Rights for International Students

One of the primary problems that foreign students in the United Kingdom encounter is the conquest of visa conditions that stipulate hours and work periods during school terms. According to the Tier 4 Visa, or the Student Visa, students from abroad can work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the studies term and full-time in vacation periods. This limitation makes traditional part-time employment difficult, as most jobs require more consistent and longer hours. With its flexible and on-demand nature, the gig economy provides a suitable alternative for students who want to work within their legal limits.

Benefits of the Gig Economy for International Students

Flexibility

The gig is what students are most pleased with due to its ability to work as they are able to be away from the workforce. Workers in gig businesses are commonly given the option of when they want to work, which makes it possible for students to work around their studies, sleeping time, and exams. This adaptability is much valued by foreign students who need to carve out time for both learning activities and compliance with visa regulations.

Supplementing Income

Many international students face financial pressures, from tuition fees to student living costs in the UK, which can be higher in cities like London. Also, gigs are a great way for students to make extra cash without the burden of typical part-time jobs. It doesn't matter whether they are delivering food on apps like Deliveroo or working as a freelance writer, students may pick up side hustles that can cover their room rental and other costs, tuition, or spending money.

Building Work Experience

Although not all the time it may appear that gig work is directly linked to a student's chosen field of study; it provides them with valuable skills and experiences which can be a valuable asset to employability. Communication, time management, customer service, and problem-solving skills are developed through different jobs and can be attractive to employers in the future. Additionally, some gig opportunities, such as freelance graphic design or coding, can be closely related to academic fields, offering students a chance to build a portfolio and gain professional experience while still studying.

Cultural Integration and Networking

Participating in the gig economy allows international students to interact with a diverse range of people, helping them integrate into UK culture and build networks outside their university. Meeting locals and other international workers can provide valuable insights into the UK labour market and help students make connections that could be useful after graduation.

Best Paying Part-Time Jobs in the UK’s Gig Economy

The earning potential within the gig economy can vary significantly depending on the type of work, location, and hours worked. However, some gigs stand out as the best-paying part-time jobs for international students in the UK. Here are some options:

Ride Sharing (Uber, Bolt)

Driving for a ride-sharing service like Uber or Bolt can be lucrative, especially in larger cities. Drivers' remuneration is calculated based on the distance and time of trips, and they frequently get tips. The most important requirements for students are a valid driving license in the UK and vehicle access. Though not everyone among international students can afford to take this path, the ones who are capable of such an undertaking might earn the most substantial income at the highest rate.

Food Delivery (Deliveroo, UberEats)

Food delivery services are one of the favorite imitation jobs for international students. The fact that delivery services like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are played with bicycles and scooters is the reason why it goes to the very end, as drivers without cars can also reach them. The pay arrangement includes a set price for the delivery, a tip, and students can decide on how many hours to work.

Freelancer (Upwork, Fiverr)

Freelancing has gained immense popularity, especially among students, who are skilled in areas such as graphic design, writing, digital marketing, or web development. Mainstream freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr are an ideal platforms where they can work and get better pay when compared to only part-time jobs. Freelancers usually establish their own fees, and successful ones can find steady clients. The prospect of freelancing is not only a good income source for students but, also, it is, in addition, an opportunity for them to start building their portfolio and to get hands-on job experience in their chosen field.

Tutoring (MyTutor, Tutorful)

Another way to earn extra cash for students who are good at studies is tutoring. Platforms like MyTutor and Tutorful allow students to teach subjects they are proficient in, such as math, science, or languages. Tutors can earn substantial hourly wages, and since lessons are often conducted online, it provides flexibility and convenience.

Virtual Assistant

As the emergence of remote work intensifies, the need for virtual assistants is also on the rise. Students with strong organizational and communication skills can work as virtual assistants, handling tasks such as email management, scheduling, and customer support for businesses. This kind of employment enables students to make good money and one way they can do this is by finding clients in industries where salaries are above average for administrative support.

Challenges in Gig Work

Although the gig economy has a lot of great aspects, international students should also realize its pitfalls. Gig work is highly variable, which implies that income may change often from one week to another. Companies also refer to some of their workers as independent contractors and hence, the latter are not covered by insurance, for instance, sick pay or holiday pay. Students should also be mindful of balancing work with their studies to ensure their academic performance is not compromised.

Conclusion

For international students in the UK, the gig economy offers a perfect opportunity to earn money, gain work experience, and build networks, all while balancing studies and visa restrictions. By carefully selecting part-time jobs for students, it’s possible to find roles that provide both financial and professional benefits. One great way to enhance this experience is by joining Earn with OZ affiliate programme. Share oz assignments services with your peers and earn up to 10% commission for every assignment referral. This is not just a chance to earn extra money but also to develop entrepreneurial skills and expand your network.