Preston, a vibrant city in the heart of Lancashire.
It's a great place for students to live, study, and work.
Home to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), one of the largest universities in the UK, Preston has a buzzing student community with plenty of opportunities both on and off-campus.
Whether you’re looking to gain valuable experience for your CV or earning extra cash to manage your expenses, a part-time job can be a game-changer during your time at uni.
From flexible shifts that fit around your lectures to roles that offer a taste of the professional world, the job market in Preston has something for everyone.
As businesses in sectors like retail, hospitality, and customer service look for student workers, there’s a high demand for motivated part-timers.
And with more companies offering flexible work schedules, it’s easier than ever to find the right balance between earning money and staying on top of your studies.
Preston boasts a diverse and thriving job market.
It's an ideal spot for students looking to secure part-time work.
Whether you're interested in retail, hospitality, or customer service, there are plenty of opportunities across the city. Preston’s economy is built on a range of industries, meaning there’s always a demand for part-time workers, especially students looking for flexible hours.
From bustling high street shops to lively restaurants and local businesses, employers are keen to hire students who bring energy and fresh perspectives to the workplace.
While Preston's proximity to Manchester means you’re never far from even more job opportunities, there’s no need to leave the city.
Fishergate Centre and Friargate Centre are packed with businesses that offer part-time roles, often just a short walk from UCLan.
These student-friendly areas are perfect for finding work that fits around your schedule, with no need for a long commute.
Whether you’re seeking weekend work, evening shifts, or something that allows you to juggle uni life, Preston is a hub of opportunities that cater to the student lifestyle.
Retail is one of the most popular sectors for students in Preston, offering a wide range of part-time opportunities that fit perfectly around your study schedule.
With key shopping hubs like St. George's Shopping Centre and Fishergate Shopping Centre right in the city centre, there’s no shortage of well-known high street brands looking for student workers.
Popular retailers such as Primark, H&M, and Boots frequently hire for positions like sales assistants, cashiers, and stockroom associates, providing flexible shifts that suit your availability.
Working in retail also comes with some great perks, including employee discounts - these can come in handy when shopping for essentials.
Beyond the financial benefits, retail jobs help you build transferable skills that will serve you well in any future career.
Customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving are just a few of the skills you'll develop, making retail an excellent choice.
Whether you’re looking for evening work or weekend shifts, Preston’s retail sector is a fantastic place to start your part-time job search.
The hospitality sector in Preston is a great option for students seeking part-time work, with plenty of opportunities at local cafes, restaurants, and eateries.
Popular spots like The Adelphi and local independent cafes are often on the lookout for part-time staff, making it easy for students to find roles close to campus.
Whether you’re interested in being a barista, waiting tables, or working as a kitchen assistant, hospitality offers a variety of roles that can accommodate your busy student schedule.
One of the major perks of hospitality jobs is the flexibility.
Evening and weekend shifts allow you to work around your lectures and coursework, and many jobs offer tips, providing a nice boost to your earnings.
Plus, working in a social environment like a cafe or restaurant can be a lot of fun.
You’ll meet new people, build your communication skills, and thrive in a fast-paced setting—perfect for students who want to gain experience while staying active.
Preston offers a range of part-time opportunities in customer service, with companies like Homes for Students (which manages student accommodations across the city) and Capita, a major local employer with call centre operations.
These businesses frequently hire students to handle inquiries, provide technical support, and assist with customer issues.
Common positions include customer service representatives, technical support agents, and call handlers, all of which provide flexible hours that can fit around your university schedule.
Many of these companies also offer the possibility of remote work, giving you the freedom to work from home or your uni accommodation while still building essential communication and problem-solving skills.
With roles that often involve handling inquiries, troubleshooting issues, or guiding customers through processes, these jobs are ideal for students looking to gain professional experience while earning some extra income.
For students with a strong academic background, tutoring is a fantastic way to earn money while helping others.
At UCLan, peer tutoring programs offer opportunities for students to assist their classmates in subjects they excel in.
You can also find part-time tutoring roles through the university’s Study Skills Support services, helping fellow students with exam preparation, essay help and subject-specific tutoring.
In addition to on-campus opportunities, online tutoring platforms like Tutorful and MyTutor allow students to connect with learners both locally and across the UK.
These platforms enable you to teach subjects you’re passionate about, from maths and science to language and essay writing, all while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
Tutoring offers several key benefits, including flexible hours that you can easily schedule around your university timetable.
It comes with higher hourly pay than typical part-time jobs.
On top of that, tutoring allows you to leverage your academic skills while developing your teaching abilities, communication, and leadership skills—making it a rewarding and profitable option for students in Preston.
Freelancing and gig jobs are becoming increasingly popular among students in Preston, offering a wide range of flexible opportunities that allow you to work independently and even build your own business.
If you have a talent for writing, graphic design, or social media management, local businesses in Preston are often on the lookout for freelancers to help with content creation, branding, and digital marketing.
Preston’s thriving small business scene, with many independent shops and startups, creates a strong demand for freelance services, offering a chance to work with clients close to home.
The gig economy offers roles that allow you to earn on your own terms.
Delivery jobs, such as working for Uber Eats or Deliveroo, are popular options in Preston.
These roles offer the freedom to choose your working hours, making it easy to fit around your study schedule.
Plus, with Preston being a relatively small city with a busy student population, food delivery services are in high demand, ensuring plenty of job availability.
Freelancing and gig jobs also give you the potential to grow your side hustle into something bigger.
Whether you're building a portfolio as a freelance writer, creating custom designs for local businesses, or developing a strong social media presence, these jobs allow you to gain valuable experience, make industry connections, and earn extra money—all with the flexibility to manage your own time and workload.
For students who value independence and want to explore self-employment, Preston's freelance and gig economy is a perfect fit.
Finding part-time jobs in Preston is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of resources tailored to help students like you. Here are some key avenues to explore:
Local job boards, such as Preston Jobs and community websites, can also provide listings tailored to the area, often featuring roles that might not appear on larger platforms.
Don’t overlook popular online job portals like Indeed, Reed, and Totaljobs.
These sites aggregate job listings from various sources, making it easy to search for part-time opportunities in Preston.
You can filter your search by job type, location, and industry to find the positions that suit your skills and availability.
One of the best starting points for students is UCLan’s job portals. The university offers a dedicated platform where students can access campus-based positions and part-time job listings specifically suited to their needs.
From roles in administration and support services to tutoring and research assistant positions, UCLan’s job board is a treasure trove of opportunities.
The university often hosts job fairs and recruitment events that allow students to connect directly with employers seeking part-time staff.
Another effective way to find part-time work is through local recruitment agencies that specialise in placing students in flexible positions.
Agencies like Reed Recruitment, Adecco, and Gi Group focus on connecting job seekers with part-time and temporary roles across various industries.
They often have established relationships with local businesses, allowing them to offer you exclusive job openings.
Working with a recruitment agency can save your time and provide personalised support in your job search.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking and word of mouth.
Talking to friends, classmates, and professors can lead to hidden job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.
Attend university events, workshops, and local networking meetups to connect with potential employers and fellow students who may have insights into job openings.
Building relationships in your community can open doors to part-time positions that align perfectly with your skills and schedule.
By leveraging these resources, you’ll be well-equipped to find a part-time job in Preston that not only fits your lifestyle but also enriches your student experience.
Balancing work and study can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for students in Preston.
With effective strategies and the right mindset, you can manage your coursework while gaining valuable work experience.
Here are some tips to help you successfully juggle both responsibilities:
Effective time management is crucial when balancing a job with your studies.
Start by creating a detailed weekly planner that includes all your classes, assignment deadlines, and work shifts.
Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and set specific goals for each study session.
Techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique—where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break—can help improve your focus and productivity.
Prioritise your tasks based on deadlines and importance, ensuring that you allocate sufficient time for both work and academic commitments.
When searching for part-time work, prioritise jobs that offer flexible hours or remote options.
Many employers in Preston, especially in retail, hospitality, and customer service, are used to working around student schedules.
Look for positions that allow you to set your own hours or have a variety of shifts available.
Roles in the gig economy, such as delivery jobs or freelancing, can also provide the flexibility you need to accommodate your studies.
Having the ability to choose when you work can significantly reduce stress and help you maintain a better work-life balance.
It’s essential to prioritise your health and well-being while juggling work and study.
Set aside time for self-care, whether that means engaging in physical activities, spending time with friends, or simply taking breaks to relax.
Be mindful of your workload; if you feel overwhelmed, consider reducing your hours or taking a quick break from work to recharge.
Incorporating stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can also help you stay centered and focused.
Remember, maintaining a healthy balance is key to your success, both academically and professionally.
Take advantage of the resources available to you at UCLan.
The university offers a range of services designed to support students in managing their academic and work commitments.
UCLan's career services provide guidance on finding part-time jobs, crafting CVs, and preparing for interviews.
Look for workshops on time management and study skills, which can equip you with techniques to optimise your study time.
These resources are not only valuable for job searching, but for learning how to manage your responsibilities as a student.
Working part-time in Preston comes with a range of perks that can enhance your student experience, both financially and professionally.
Here are some of the key benefits of securing part-time employment while studying:
One of the most appealing perks of part-time work is the array of employee discounts you can enjoy.
Many local retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues offer discounts to their staff, which can significantly reduce your living expenses as a student.
For example, popular stores in Fishergate & St. George's Shopping Centre may provide staff discounts, allowing you to shop for clothes and essentials at a lower price.
Similarly, restaurants and cafes often offer discounted meals or free drinks during your shifts, making dining out more affordable.
Entertainment venues, such as cinemas and theaters, frequently extend discounted tickets to employees, giving you the chance to enjoy local events without breaking the bank.
These discounts can make a big difference in managing your budget, allowing you to save money while still enjoying the perks of student life.
Part-time work provides invaluable networking opportunities that can benefit your career in the long run.
Working in local businesses allows you to meet and connect with professionals in your field of interest, giving you access to potential mentors and contacts who can guide you on your career journey.
Many local employers value student employees for their fresh perspectives and eagerness to learn, which can lead to positive references and recommendations for future job applications.
Engaging with colleagues and customers can also enhance your interpersonal skills, making you more adept at building professional relationships in the future.
In today’s competitive job market, having relevant work experience on your CV can set you apart from other candidates.
Part-time jobs not only provide you with practical skills but show your ability to manage responsibilities while pursuing your studies.
Roles in customer service, retail, or tutoring all showcase valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—attributes that employers highly seek.
The experiences you gain from working in Preston can also help you clarify your career goals, allowing you to make informed decisions about your future path.
Part-time work can provide you with concrete examples to discuss during interviews, helping you to articulate how your work experience has prepared you for your desired career.
Part-time jobs provide a source of income to help manage living expenses, and offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional development.
From employee discounts making life more affordable to networking possibilities paving the way for future careers, working part-time allows students to gain essential skills while still focusing on their studies.
Additionally, the experience gained from these roles can bolster your CV, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market after graduation.
As you navigate your student life, it’s crucial to explore the myriad of part-time job opportunities available in Preston.
Take the time to assess your skills and interests, and look for roles that align with them while accommodating your academic commitments.
Balancing work, study, and personal time can be challenging, but with effective time management and prioritisation, it’s entirely achievable.
Remember, finding the right job can not only provide financial support but also enrich your university experience.
To maximise your chances of securing a part-time position, consider these final tips:
Tailor Your CV - Highlight relevant skills and experiences for each job application.
A well-crafted CV shows your attention to detail and commitment to the role.
Apply Early—Many employers begin their search for part-time staff well before busy seasons, so getting your application in early can give you an edge.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking; engage with peers, professors, and local professionals to uncover hidden job opportunities.