Flexible jobs are the best way to maximise your student budget whilst you study. They are also great if you want to work in a field that you like.

If you’re studying at university or college, chances are you’ll be working part-time while you do it. This is because most students have to work to fund their studies and have a little extra to have some fun away from the books.

Student loans in the past used to cover the basics of paying rent, buying food, and paying tuition fees; however, because of the cost of living crisis, more and more students are finding themselves further out of pocket.

The hit of the bank balance isn’t only in effect whilst studying at university but after you graduate also. For example, graduate students in England in 2021 accumulated an average debt of approximately £45,000 in student loans, according to Statista.

That’s why it’s a great idea to go out and find a flexible job to give you some extra cash whilst working around your schedule and getting that degree.

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Here are five of our favourite flexible jobs for students:

Freelance writer
Are you good with words? Do you love writing about things that interest you?
Freelance writers get paid per word written, so you must type as much as possible. However, you can choose what topics you want to write about, which means there will always be something new to say. Since many freelance writers work from home, the flexibility of writing whilst studying should be easy.

You don’t need any experience to become a freelance writer; just start by submitting articles to online publications like Upwork and Fiverr.

Freelance writers’ payout averages around £15.39. In addition to your experience and skill, the project’s scope, word count, and deadline all play a role in determining how much money you make on a given project.

Flexible carer
Do you love being around and helping people? Are you patient and caring? If so, this could be the ideal flexible career for you. As a flexible healthcare assistant, you are not bound to a set schedule but rather pick up shifts as they become available.

Your responsibilities toward the customer you are assigned will vary widely depending on their state of health. Some of these jobs may include general cleaning and jobs around the house, cooking and meal prep, transportation, and giving the correct medication.

Product tester
Do you enjoy trying out new products? Are you interested in how technology works? If so, product testing might be the right flexible job for you.

Product testers test out new tech gadgets and apps before they’re released to ensure they’re safe and effective. They’ll usually receive free items to try out, but sometimes they may have to pay for them.

Most of the things you test are worth under £20, but sometimes they are worth more than £200. This is because how long you try the product out affects how much you get paid. Rates are between £10 and £50.

Tutor
Become a tutor and help others learn subjects that interest you. Many different types of tutoring are available, including private lessons, group classes, and one-to-one sessions. In addition, some tutors offer both face-to-face and online teaching, meaning you can fit this around your schedule.

The average base pay is £15.15 for an hour of tutoring. You can tutor almost anything from languages, mathematics, and yoga to crocheting. This way, you can locate a tutoring position that is something you enjoy and are knowledgeable about.

Virtual Assistant
Are you good with computers? Do you enjoy helping people?
A virtual assistant can aid a company in many ways, including streamlining operations through the management of tasks, communication, and scheduling. It’s a great flexible job for those who enjoy being organised and efficient.

Indeed see the average base salary as £12.90, which is perfect as you can slip in a couple of hours here and there waiting for your lectures to begin. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got no experience or loads- everyone starts somewhere. So take advantage of the flexibility and see where it takes you!

Get Help Finding a Job that Suits You
If you are considering getting a flexible job to help you through your higher education, Student Employment Services specialise in connecting students and graduates with potential employers. Contact them to get the right flexible job to suit your needs.