Christmas comes this time each year, so the song goes, and so do dozens of opportunities to earn extra cash to help support you through student life. There are thousands of temporary jobs available in the run up to the festive season. Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of Christmas jobs for students.
What's great about a Christmas job
Shops, bars and cafés often need extra staff before, during and after the busy festive period. You may have seen posters in shop windows advertising seasonal roles. Sites like indeed are a good place to look too. These can offer great pay, and often exclusive staff discounts. Ideal for your Christmas shopping!
The great thing about these types of roles is that there are often so many of them, that you are likely to find something for you. They are often easy to apply for, and because staff are needed quickly. The whole process from application to starting a job doesn’t take very long.
With them being seasonal roles, you could take it as a chance to only have to work through part of your studies. You’ll be saving money for spring and summer, when you’ll have more free time to spend your hard-earned cash.
If you’re struggling to find a permanent role, a Christmas job is a good way to come into a role, impress your boss, and be offered a permanent role at the end of your contract. The more effort you put in when you’re there, the better your chances of bagging a permanent contract are!
What's not so great
However, Christmas jobs are not always ideal for students. Many roles, especially those in retail, require you to work long or unsociable hours. Many contracts may also require you to work on Christmas Eve and/or Boxing Day. Bear this in mind when looking for roles. Some employers may be flexible on days and hours, but it is a good idea to check first before you apply.
You also need to consider whether or not a Christmas Job as a student will harm your studies. If you’re working most of your time during November and December, will you have enough time to put in the effort on your assignments? And will you be able to prepare effectively for your exams, once you return to university in January?
Something to consider is whether or not you may be able to take a Christmas Job. Many universities recommend that you only work a certain number of hours a week whilst you study. Some may not allow students to work during term time. It’s best to check with your institution first before you apply for a Christmas job with potentially long hours.
Another thing to consider if you are an international student is if you can work in the UK, and for how long. For example, international students on a Tier 4 visa are currently only permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time. Again, to make sure you don’t fall foul of any rules and regulations. It is best to check with your institution beforehand.
These are the pros and cons of getting a Christmas Job
Christmas jobs might be great for some students, but not for others. We hope that our article has helped you decide if a Christmas job is for you. Looking for student accommodation for the new year? Check out our website for more.
