London on a Budget: Tips for Making Extra Money

Photo Courtesy: Suzy Hazelwood, Pexels

Are you a student feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis? Is freshers week putting an additional strain on your wallet? You are not alone! According to a survey by the National Union of Students (NUS) 96% of students are cutting down on spending due to the ongoing economic situation. With student accommodation prices soaring by 61% over the past decade and inflation currently at 6.3%, the struggle is real. The financial strain has even led to some students missing classes, or cutting back on extracurricular activities in an attempt to save money, as revealed by another NUS survey.

But fear not fellow scholars! Many UCL students take on part-time work alongside their studies to help fund their busy student lives living in London, which can be very expensive. There are plenty of flexible job opportunities waiting to help you bridge the financial gap. And the good news is that you can balance these alongside your studies. 

Here are some tips to make your job search a breeze:

1. Join the Gig Economy with Hospitality Agencies 
   Companies like High Society, Flutes, HOST Staffing, and Stint allow flexible shift patterns at events all over the city. It’s easy to apply as no prior experience is required, and you can expect to earn the London Living Wage. Most shifts take place at cool events such as BST Hyde Park or the Chelsea Flower Show. Meals are often included, and you can even earn tips. The process is simple: register online, attend an induction day and then you can start working!

2. Keep an Eye on UCL JobShop 
   UCL JobShop updates its listings regularly with new job opportunities, be that a Photojournalist for the Students Union, working in a UCL Café, or an external business looking to hire students part-time. Stay in the know by checking their page regularly, or signing up for their newsletter. Henrietta, a History of Art student, recently started working at a UCL bar, and she says, “the job helps me keep organised and in control of my schedule, and I also really enjoy it. I love that I can work on campus as well and don’t have to travel far after class for a shift.”

3. Participate in UCL Focus Groups
   Share your valuable feedback to your department to earn Love2Shop vouchers, for popular brands such as Waterstones, Argos, and River Island. Make sure to regularly check your inbox for newsletters advertising these opportunities.

4. Become a Student Ambassador
   Showcase your love and show off your insider knowledge of UCL and all things London by signing up to become a student ambassador. You will advise new and prospective students, and help out on open days, and at graduation ceremonies. It’s fun, casual work with no minimum time commitment which means you can work when you have the time.

5. Apply to become a Transition Mentor
   In your second year, consider applying to become a Transition Mentor for your department where you will guide first-year students during their first term at UCL. Applications are usually advertised in May and you can even apply to become a Senior Mentor in your third year or return as a Transition Mentor. As 3rd-year Data Science student Phillip says, the role “helped [his] leadership skills and planning skills.” These skills are highly transferable and sought-after by future employers. 

6. Utilise Job Search Platforms
   Handshake, Unitemps, LinkedIn and the UCL Careers Service are great platforms to assist you in your job search.

7. The Old School Approach
   Lastly, don’t be afraid to try it out the traditional way! Look in your local area for opportunities listed in shop or restaurant windows, or go in and ask the owner if they are looking to employ someone. You never know: they just might be!

Gaining work experience while studying is an excellent way of demonstrating your skills for future employment. Student jobs build teamwork, leadership, and time-management skills which are highly valued in the job market. So as you embark on your job search journey, keep these tips in mind, and may the odds be ever in your favour. 

Best of luck in your job search!