Best Part-Time Jobs for Students
University life is expensive. Rent, textbooks, $7 oat lattes, group dinners you couldn’t say no to—it adds up fast. And while student discounts help a little, at some point, you’ll probably need to get a job.
But not all part-time jobs are created equal.
Some drain you. Some barely pay enough for groceries. Some are decent—but take over your weekends and leave you behind in lectures. The trick is to find a job that works for you, not against you.
This blog breaks down the best part-time jobs for students, ranked by flexibility, pay, and how well they actually fit around uni life.
What Makes a Good Student Job?
Before we get into the list, here’s how we’re judging:
Flexible hours — Can you fit it around lectures and exams?
Decent pay — Worth your time? Above minimum wage?
Low stress — Can you do it without burning out?
Transferable skills — Will it help you get a job later?
Not soul-crushing — Because you’re still a student. You deserve a life.
1. Tutoring (Private or Online)
Pay: $20–$50/hour
Flexibility: High
Best for: Students strong in one subject or great at explaining things
Whether it’s helping high school students with math or coaching a classmate in biology, tutoring is one of the highest-paying jobs students can do with zero commute. You can set your own rates, hours, and even do it over Zoom.
Platforms like Wyzant, Superprof, or local Facebook groups are goldmines for gigs. Or just ask around campus—someone always needs help before midterms.
2. Library or Campus Assistant
Pay: $15–$20/hour
Flexibility: High (uni-friendly schedules)
Best for: People who like calm vibes and want to study between shifts
Most unis hire students to work in the library, admin offices, labs, or IT help desks. These jobs are usually reserved for students, so they’re designed to work with your schedule—not against it.
Bonus: quiet shifts = more time to do your own reading, revise, or sneak in Duetoday-generated flashcards.
3. Freelance Writing / Editing / Design
Pay: $15–$100/hour
Flexibility: 100%
Best for: Creative students who hate fixed schedules
If you can write essays, design cool slides, or spot typos from a mile away—freelancing is your friend. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, or Contra let you offer services on your own terms.
And don’t underestimate your skill: writing someone’s CV, editing their uni assignment, designing a logo—you can charge for that.
4. Barista or Café Server
Pay: $13–$20/hour + tips
Flexibility: Medium
Best for: Early risers or weekend workers
Yes, it's a student classic. But with the right café, it’s a vibe. Morning shifts before class, chill co-workers, and free coffee? Not bad.
Just be careful during exam season—some cafés expect weekend availability, which can clash with deadlines.
5. Resident Assistant / Dorm Leader
Pay: Free housing + stipend
Flexibility: High (built into your life)
Best for: Students who live on campus and want to save on rent
RAs usually get discounted or free accommodation in exchange for supporting fellow students and organizing events. It’s a bit of responsibility, but you’re not clocking in and out like a regular job.
If you’re social, organized, and don’t mind helping mediate a noise complaint at 2AM—it’s a massive money saver.
6. Retail (with Student Perks)
Pay: $15–$22/hour
Flexibility: Medium
Best for: Students who want a steady schedule and staff discounts
Retail gets a bad rap, but working somewhere like Apple, Lululemon, or a bookstore can come with benefits: discounts, team bonuses, and even networking. Just make sure the store hires students regularly (they’ll be more flexible).
Pro tip: avoid seasonal retail unless you're okay with holiday shifts and high stress.
7. Research Assistant (RA)
Pay: $18–$30/hour
Flexibility: High
Best for: Students interested in academia or postgrad study
Professors are often looking for research help—collecting data, transcribing interviews, proofreading papers. If you’re good at detail work and interested in the subject, RA gigs can lead to paid postgrad work or glowing references.
Ask your department or slide into your lecturer’s inbox (politely).
8. Campus Ambassador
Pay: $15–$25/hour or performance-based
Flexibility: High
Best for: Outgoing students who don’t mind talking to strangers
Brands like Red Bull, Bumble, and Apple hire student ambassadors to promote them on campus. You might hand out freebies, host events, or rep them on TikTok.
It’s part job, part social life—and if you like networking, it can lead to full-time marketing roles later.
9. Social Media Manager (Student Edition)
Pay: $18–$50/hour
Flexibility: 100% remote
Best for: Students who already spend hours on Instagram or TikTok
Small businesses and uni societies desperately need someone to handle their socials. If you can create Canva posts, edit Reels, and keep engagement up—you’re valuable.
Build a portfolio with a few mock posts and start offering your services to local brands, cafés, or student orgs.
10. AI-Powered Study Assistant (Yes, This Is Real)
Pay: Indirect (saves you time = lets you work more)
Flexibility: Built into your routine
Best for: Students juggling study + work
This one’s not a paid job—but it lets you do your actual uni work faster, freeing up time for paid work.
Duetoday.AI is an AI notepad built for students. It transcribes your lectures or YouTube videos, generates perfect notes, builds flashcards and quizzes, and even turns your content into PowerPoints. You can chat with your lectures and ask anything—like a tutor built into your study material.
So instead of spending 3 hours rewriting lecture notes, you can let Duetoday handle it in minutes—and use that time to earn.
Try it free and use it between work shifts to stay ahead.
Honorable Mentions
Dog walking / pet sitting: Flexible and peaceful
Delivery gigs: Good money but weather-dependent
Transcription / captioning: Pays well if you type fast
Campus event staff: Easy, short-term work with free food
Uni social media creator: Some universities pay students to make TikToks now (!)
What to Avoid (Unless You’re Desperate)
Shift work with unpredictable hours
Anything that requires daily travel across the city
Jobs that expect full-time availability
Toxic work cultures (trust your gut)
Your job shouldn’t ruin your student life. If it’s affecting your sleep, grades, or health—rethink it.
How to Land These Jobs (Even With No Experience)
Leverage your student status: Many places want students
Use your uni network: Career office, professors, group chats
Build a tiny portfolio: One good example beats a blank resume
Be honest about your schedule: Managers appreciate it
Follow up: A second email can land the interview
FAQ
what’s the best part-time job for students?
Tutoring, campus jobs, or freelancing tend to pay the most and offer the most flexibility. But the “best” job is the one that works with your schedule and doesn’t kill your energy.
how many hours should a student work per week?
Most unis recommend 10–20 hours/week max. Enough to earn money, but not so much that it tanks your grades or wellbeing.
how do i get experience without having any?
Start small—volunteer, help a friend, or do one free project. Use that as proof you can deliver. Most student jobs care more about reliability than a stacked resume.
can ai help me balance work and study?
Yes—tools like Duetoday.AI automate your note-taking, quiz-making, and lecture summaries so you can focus your energy on earning or revising. Total time-saver.
should i get a job in first year?
If you need the money, yes—but start slow. First year is about adjusting. Choose flexible roles and don’t burn yourself out trying to do everything.
