Best Summer Jobs for Students in the UK

The summer holidays are the perfect time to earn some money, and a good job can do a lot more than top up your bank balance. The right one builds skills, looks great on your CV and helps you work out what you enjoy.

Here are the best summer jobs for students in the UK, what they're like, and how to find one without losing sight of your studies.

Key Takeaways

• A summer job builds money, skills and CV experience, all in a few weeks

• Popular options range from retail and hospitality to tutoring, childcare and seasonal work

• If you're 16 or under, you can still work, but there are limits on hours and the type of job

• Most jobs pay at least the National Minimum Wage, which depends on your age

• Choose hours that leave time to rest and prepare for the year ahead

Why Get a Summer Job as a Student?

The obvious reason is money, whether it’s to fund a social life, save for university or cover your own costs. A few weeks of work over summer adds up.

There's more to it, though. A job teaches you skills employers value, like teamwork, reliability and dealing with customers. Those examples are gold on a CV or a university application.

It's also a low-risk way to test the water. Trying out a workplace can confirm a career you're considering, or quietly rule one out, long before you commit to it.

The Best Summer Jobs for Students

The best job depends on your age, where you live and what you want from it. Here are some options worth considering.

If you're a university student, temp agencies and campus jobs are worth a look too, since they often suit longer breaks. Whatever you pick, summer is also a chance to gain work experience that supports your next step.

Summer Jobs If You're 16 or Under

You don't have to wait until you finish school to start earning. In the UK, you can usually do part-time work from the age of 13, with some jobs allowed earlier.

There are rules to protect younger workers, though. They limit how many hours you can work, ban very early mornings and late evenings, and rule out certain workplaces. The exact details are set by your local council, so check their guidance before you apply.

Good options for younger students include babysitting, dog walking, a paper round, car washing, gardening and helping out at local shops or markets. These build the same useful skills, just on a smaller scale.

How to Find and Apply for a Summer Job

Start local. Many shops, cafés and leisure centres still take applications in person, and a friendly face goes a long way. Job boards, council websites and word of mouth are some other avenues to explore.

A good CV makes a real difference, even for a first job. Our guide on how to write a CV shows you how to present your skills when you don't have much experience yet.

If you want something that combines earning with a longer-term plan, it's worth looking at a degree apprenticeship. And if funding studies is the goal, merit-based scholarships are another route worth knowing about.

How Much Can You Earn?

Most employers pay at least the National Minimum Wage, which is set by the government and depends on your age. Younger workers earn a lower rate than those over 18 or 21, and the figures rise each April.

Because the rates change every year, check the current amount on the gov.uk (opens in a new tab) website before you accept a role. Some jobs, like hospitality, also add tips, and tutoring or freelance work can pay well above the minimum.

Balancing a Summer Job with Studying

Earning money is great, but the summer also sets up your next school year. Try not to take on so many hours that you arrive back exhausted, especially if results day or a new course is waiting.

Pick shifts that leave time to rest and recharge. If you're heading into a big year, like the jump from GCSEs, our guide on preparing for A-Levels after GCSE helps you balance a job with a strong start.

You can do both. A few hours of study a week keeps your knowledge fresh, and Save My Exams revision resources make it efficient, so you can earn money over summer and still confidently walk into the new term ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best summer job for students in the UK?

There's no single best job, since it depends on your age and goals. Tutoring pays well and looks strong on a CV, while retail and hospitality are easy to find and build people skills. Pick one that fits your situation and what you want to gain.

Can you get a summer job at 16 or younger?

Yes. You can usually work part-time from 13, with more options at 16. There are limits on hours and the types of work allowed, and the rules are set by your local council, so check their guidance first.

How much can students earn from a summer job?

Most jobs pay at least the National Minimum Wage, which depends on your age and rises each April. Check the current rate on gov.uk (opens in a new tab). Roles with tips, or tutoring and freelance work, can pay more.

How do you balance a summer job with studying?

Choose hours that leave time to rest, and avoid overloading yourself before a big year. A little regular study keeps your knowledge fresh, so you return to school well-prepared, rather than worn out.