Student who cant find a job. Help?

Question

I really cant. I am in first year law school and I want to work part time. Im not from the Uk, but I heard we have to get something called a National Insurance number in order to work her. Is his true? Also, Ive been in stores such as Topshop and the bodyshop and the workers didnt seem very friendly and they didnt seem as if they wanted me to work there. What should I do. By the way Ive been to the stores at Blue water and Canary wharf..oh, and in Woolwich as well. Thanks
P.S. I really want to work because I am nearly completely broke and Im just 19. My mom cant afford to support me any more (she's going through a bad divorce). I have bills to pay.

Answer 1

Hello Anna. If you are in this country on a student visa, then you cannot have a National Insurance Number. If you go to big-name stores (like the one's you've tried) then they will not employ you. If you go to a JobCentre as a foreign student, they will know that you are trying to work illegally, so that visit might not be such a good idea!

However, there are people who WILL employ you, but it will be illegal. Don't worry too much about this, because there are hundreds of thousands of people here working illegally. You need to look for jobs with SMALL businesses in low pay jobs such as chip shops or restaurants (possibly restaurants that are from your country?). They will pay less than if you had an NI number, but it's all money to you.

Be careful. Do NOT go to 'massage parlours' or sleazy bars such as those in Soho. This is prostitution and is highly-dangerous in every way.

Other jobs that you could consider (you could have more than just one job) are cleaning for private houses (look at adverts in post office and shop windows) and also delivering free papers on a Friday evening for £10 or more in cash.

It all adds up. £10 here and £20 there comes to a good bit of money in a month. Don't take on too much work and spoil your law studies. Have a balance. Keep thinking about the money you'll earn when you qualify!

Good luck!

PS: I have assumed that you do not have British Citizenship. If you DO have citizenship, then you need to contact your nearest Social Security office and they will give you an NI number. Then you can apply for ANY job!

Answer 2

Your uni should have a student support centre. These centres usually have a big list of jobs that are specifically suitable for students and the hours they need to work. They can also clear up your eligibility to work in the UK and help with other financial matters if you find yourself in a right pickle. I'm having same trouble but am just hanging around until summer to get a full time job.

Answer 3

Oh my god!! it's not just you then. I'm a second year student and have been looking for ages!!!!
You do need a national insurance number to work, that's true.

The best thing you can do is go to the nearest job centre, they have the best jobs for students, and if you go now, ther'll be quite a few coz the summer jobs are coming up.
They'll also give you advice on the national insurance number issue aswell.

Best of luck xx

Answer 4

Go to your university's Student Services Building - they often have on-campus jobs as well as info for local businesses that are hiring. The on-campus jobs are usually the best since they work around student schedules.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Welcome to the realities of life! I've been through the same. I would not recommend working through term time. It will only affect your studies. If you are having serious problems now contact student advisors at your university or college.

Answer 6

Hi Anna,

You need to talk to your student advisor at the university. They will be able to give you all the information you need about employment.

Good luck.

Answer 7

go to your local job centre they will help you
there loads jobs out there if you willing to work for 5 quid n hour
good luck

Answer 8

the local job centre