University of Exeter Part Time Jobs for Students: Best Roles
Your complete guide to finding high-paying, flexible part-time work in Exeter, from on-campus roles to city-centre retail.
Updated 6 min readUniversity of Exeter
Succeeding with University of Exeter Part Time Jobs for Students
Securing a part-time job while studying at the prestigious University of Exeter is an excellent way to support your lifestyle, build an impressive CV, and make new friends. Whether you are living on the gorgeous, leafy Streatham Campus, the historic St Luke's Campus, or studying down in Cornwall, Exeter offers a diverse range of employment opportunities tailored to fit around a challenging Russell Group academic schedule.
However, balancing a rigorous degree with employment requires planning. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore where students actually get hired, walk through the essential legal frameworks you must follow, and highlight the most lucrative and flexible roles available on and off-campus.
Understanding the Legal Rules of Student Jobs in the UK
Before you begin sending out your CV to local boutiques on Gandy Street or applying for roles at the Guildhall Shopping Centre, you must understand the official legal framework surrounding student jobs UK. These regulations are in place to ensure your studies remain your primary focus.
The 20-Hour Work Limit for International Students
If you are in the UK on a Student Visa, you are subject to strict immigration laws. The most critical of these is the 20 hour work limit per week during term time. This limit is cumulative and includes any paid or unpaid work you undertake across all employers.
Key UK Part Time Work Rules to Keep in Mind
Both domestic and international students must navigate specific part time work rules and regulations:
- Term Time vs. Vacation: You can work full-time (usually up to 40 hours per week) during official university vacation periods, such as Christmas, Easter, and the summer break. Always verify the official term dates on the University of Exeter academic calendar.
- National Minimum Wage: All workers in the UK are legally entitled to the National Minimum Wage, which is determined by your age. Employers are legally obligated to pay this rate or higher.
- Tax-Free Allowance: You can earn up to £12,570 per year (subject to change) before you have to pay any Income Tax, making part-time work incredibly tax-efficient for students.
The Holy Grail: On-Campus Jobs at Exeter
For convenience and flexibility, nothing beats on campus jobs at the University of Exeter. These roles are specifically designed to accommodate your academic workload, and supervisors are incredibly understanding of exam stress and assignment deadlines.
1. Student Ambassador Roles
Student Ambassadors are the face of the university. Your responsibilities will include leading campus tours up and down Exeter's famous hills, assisting with Open Days, and speaking to prospective students and parents about your course. It is highly rewarding, social, and offers excellent hourly pay rates.
2. Working for the Students' Guild
The Exeter Students' Guild is a major employer of students. From pulling pints at the Ram Bar or working the door at the Lemon Grove (the 'Lemmy'), to serving coffee in the Forum or working at the Guild Shop, there are dozens of retail and hospitality roles available directly on campus.
"Working at the Ram Bar was the highlight of my second year. They scheduled my shifts around my lectures, and it was the perfect way to wind down and meet people outside of my course." - Chloe Chen, BSc Business and Management3. Campus Services and Administrative Support
The university often hires student staff for library support, IT service desks, gym reception roles at the Sports Park, and temporary administrative support within academic departments. These roles are quiet, structured, and ideal for maintaining a healthy work-study balance.
Off-Campus Job Hotspots in Exeter City Centre
If you want to step away from the campus bubble, Exeter’s vibrant city centre offers a wealth of opportunities for term time employment. The city is highly compact, meaning you can easily walk or take a short bus ride from campus to your shift.
High-Street Retail at Princesshay
Princesshay is the modern retail hub of Exeter, home to massive national brands like Apple, Zara, Next, and Reiss. These retailers frequently hire seasonal staff starting in autumn, making it the perfect destination for autumn term job hunters. High-street retail roles offer structured shift patterns and often come with generous staff discounts.
Hospitality on the Historic Exeter Quay
The picturesque Exeter Quay is packed with busy bars, independent coffee shops, and popular restaurants like On The Waterfront. While these spots are busy year-round, they experience a massive surge in popularity during the warmer months, offering excellent weekend and holiday shifts for student bartenders, baristas, and waiting staff.
Gandy Street Boutiques and Independent Venues
For those seeking quirky, independent vibes, Gandy Street is a cobbled lane filled with boutique shops, cocktail lounges, and indie cafes. Working here offers a closer-knit team environment and a chance to truly integrate into the local Exeter community.
Average Earnings and Student Budgets in Exeter
When searching for the ideal University of Exeter part time jobs for students, it is helpful to know what you can realistically expect to earn. While some specialized roles pay more, most student jobs hover comfortably above the National Minimum Wage.
| Job Role | Average Hourly Rate | Typical Weekly Hours | Estimated Weekly Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Ambassador (On-Campus) | £11.50 - £12.50 | 4 - 8 hours | £46 - £100 |
| Guild Bar / Café Staff | £10.42 - £11.44 | 8 - 12 hours | £83 - £137 |
| High-Street Retail Assistant | £10.50 - £11.50 | 12 - 16 hours | £126 - £184 |
| City Centre Bartender / Waiter | £10.42 - £12.00 + tips | 10 - 15 hours | £104 - £180+ |
How to Find and Secure the Best Student Jobs in Exeter
Finding the right role requires a strategic approach. Because Exeter is a student-heavy city, competition for the best vacancies can be fierce, especially during the first few weeks of the autumn term.
Your Job Application Action Plan
- Register on Handshake: The University of Exeter uses Handshake, a dedicated career platform. Hundreds of local employers and university departments advertise student-friendly vacancies here daily.
- Visit the Career Zone: Located in the Forum, the Career Zone staff can review your CV, run mock interviews, and help you find exclusive on-campus vacancies.
- Apply Early for Christmas Retail: Retailers in Princesshay start recruiting for the festive season as early as late September. Do not wait until December to look for holiday work!
- Get Your Documents Ready: Keep copies of your share code (for international students), passport, and National Insurance (NI) number ready to ensure a swift hiring process.
Final Thoughts: Striking the Perfect Balance
While earning extra cash is fantastic, your degree must remain your priority. Academics at Exeter can be demanding, so look for roles that offer shift flexibility. Prioritize employers who understand the constraints of student life, respect your study boundaries, and allow you to scale your hours down when exam season approaches. Happy job hunting!