Part-Time Side Hustles for Students in the UK: Flexible Jobs That Pay Well

Balancing studies with earning money is a challenge for many students, but a part-time side hustle in the UK now offers more flexibility and better pay than ever before. Through Pioneering People, students can access flexible opportunities, online side hustles, and part-time side hustles without compromising academic success. 

This blog explores the best part-time side hustles for students in the UK, while focusing on flexible jobs that pay well and can be done from anywhere and at any time.

Why Side Hustles Are Ideal for UK Students

Side hustles allow students to earn income, gain practical experience, and build employable skills. Unlike traditional part-time jobs, many side hustles let you choose your hours, work remotely, and scale your earnings based on effort and skill. With part-time side hustles, students can modify their schedules. 

Key benefits include:

• Flexible working hours
• Opportunities to work from home
• Skill development for future careers
• Potential for higher hourly earnings than standard student jobs

Best Part-Time Side Hustles for Students in the UK

Many Students, especially international students, are searching for part-time side hustles in the UK, making extra income streams necessary for today’s rising living costs around the world. Here, we list out some part-time side hustles for your convenience. 

1. Virtual Assistant (VA) Work

Virtual assistants support businesses with admin tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data entry. This role offers flexible part-time evening jobs, with typical pay ranging from £10–£25 per hour.

2. Handmade Crafts and Baking

Selling handmade jewellery, candles, art, or baked goods through online marketplaces or local events is a good side hustle. Salaries for handmade crafts and baking roles range from £12 to £14 per hour, depending on their experience.

3. Photography and Videography

Students with photography or videography skills can sell images or videos online or offer editing services to clients. Generally, they get paid in the range of £50–£100 per hour to £200–£400+ per hour, depending on their work efficiency.

4. Hotel & Event Services Staff

Support hotels and events with guest services, setup, coordination, and on-site assistance during functions and conferences. Roles are flexible and often available as part-time evening jobs. The salary for this role ranges from  £10–£13 per hour to £14–£18+ per hour, depending on which organisation you are working for.

5. Hospitality Staff (Bar Staff, Waitstaff, Mixologist)

Work in restaurants, bars, hotels, and events serving food and drinks, managing guests, and ensuring smooth service. Pays vary from  £10–£13 per hour to £14–£18+ per hour during busy shifts.

6. Bookkeeper (Entry-Level / Freelance)

Handle basic financial records, invoices, expenses, and reconciliations for small businesses or freelancers, often as remote or online side hustles. Suitable for students with accounting or finance knowledge. General salary varies from £12 to £15 per hour,while that of experienced ones is £15 to £20+ per hour.

If you are interested in exploring high-paying online side hustles in the UK, and a list of the top 10 side hustles in the UK, just check it out.

Where to Find Best Side Hustle Jobs in the UK

Students can find side hustle jobs through:

• Freelance platforms such as Pioneering people.
• Student job boards focused on part-time jobs for students
• Direct outreach to local businesses
• Social media and networking

How Pioneering People Empowers Best part-time side hustles in the UK

The Pioneering People plays a key role in connecting individuals with flexible part-time side hustles in the UK that fit around studies or full-time work. This specific site provides access to trusted opportunities across online, evening, and part-time side hustle roles, helping students make extra money with confidence. 

By bridging talent and businesses, Pioneering People supports skill-building that can grow from a side hustle into long-term career opportunities.

Conclusion

Part-time side hustles give UK students the freedom to earn while studying, whether through online side hustles, creative ventures, or flexible part-time jobs. With options ranging from Virtual Assistant and videography or photography to bookkeeper and event work, students can choose roles that match their skills, schedules, and way to achieve their income goals.

By starting early and selecting the right opportunities, students can build experience, earn consistently, and make money on the side without sacrificing academic success.

FAQs

1. What are the best part-time side hustle jobs for students?

Photography or Videography, bookkeeping, hotel events staff, Virtual assistant work, and hospitality staff are among the best part-time jobs for students due to flexibility and pay.

2. Can students really earn £50 per hour from side hustles?

Yes, skilled roles such as a Virtual assistant, freelance consulting, or capturing high-level videos or photos can earn £50+ per hour or per project.

3. Are online side hustles better than traditional part-time jobs?

Online side hustles often offer more flexibility and higher earning potential, especially for students with digital or creative skills.

4. How many hours should a student work alongside studies?

Most students work 10–20 hours per week to balance income with academic performance.

5. Are side hustles legal for international students in the UK?

International students must follow UK visa rules, usually limiting work to 20 hours per week during term time.