Updated On: April 15, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

Ever wondered what the best part time or temporary hospitality roles for students are? In this article we will give you our top recommendations as well as what every job entails!

The hospitality industry is a fantastic avenue for part time or temporary work. Hospitality businesses are always on the lookout for outgoing, driven part time and temporary staff who are willing to work unsociable hours and operate on a flexible work schedule.

If you are a student and you think that part time hospitality work might be a good avenue for you to explore, read on to see what roles are available for entry level staff across the industry.

Here are the Best Part-time and Temporary Hospitality Roles for Students:

Waiter/Waitress

This is one of the most in demand roles across the entire industry. From hotels and restaurants through to bars and diners, the wait staff are the front line of the customer service team in any food or drink establishment. 

Wait staff are often paid minimum wage, however they usually benefit from customer tips. Tips are often pooled, which means all the wait staff bank their tips and split them out evenly at the end of a shift. Depending on the type of establishment you work in, your tips could end up almost doubling your wage!

One of the key benefits of working part time as a waiter or waitress is the flexibility it allows from week to week. If you need to take a month off to finish assignments for university, most establishments are understanding and will be happy to facilitate this.

Bar Staff

Bar staff are always in demand, especially in larger cities with lots of bars and restaurants. Part time bar staff are often responsible for taking drinks orders, making drinks and cocktails, 

Due to the nature of the work, bar staff work highly unsociable hours, but for many students who are in college or university during the day this works out well, allowing them to work a shift after they finish their classes for the day.

Bar work is generally quite reliable in terms of scheduling, as the busiest nights are generally a Friday or Saturday in most establishments. The only exceptions to this would be bars and clubs that have midweek offers on that would draw a large crowd.

Bar work pays well in general, and while tipping is not as common as it is in wait staff positions, you may get a generous customer who tells you to keep the change. Bar staff rarely pool their tips, meaning if you are lucky to get a tip you get to keep it all!

Event Stewards

Event stewards and staff often work on an ad-hoc basis, helping to staff festivals, large scale events and conferences. Responsibilities may include inspecting tickets, event security checks, directing crowds, and cleaning up after the event is over.

Due to the nature of the work, work in this sector may be sporadic and unreliable as a main source of income, but it is perfect for students looking to make some extra spending money on top of their student loan.

Most event steward work happens during the summer months when there are festivals and large scale outdoor concerts on. This makes it perfect for students who have finished their studies for the summer.

Temporary Christmas Staff

Christmas is the busiest time of the year in the hospitality industry, with Christmas dinners, staff nights out and Christmas shopping being the main drivers of this boom.

Many hospitality establishments will take on extra staff from November to January to make sure they can cope with the increase in demand. Roles include front of house staff, kitchen porters, bartenders and many others.

A temporary Christmas job is often perfect for a student as it provides a fairly consistent and reliable job for a few months, allowing students to make some money before getting stuck into their second semester classes in January.

If you are thinking about applying for a temporary Christmas role, it is best to start looking in September or October to ensure that you can apply for the best roles before they get filled. Most temporary roles are filled by the end of November, so if you start looking too late you’ll miss the opportunity!

Barista

With the proliferation of coffee culture, the demand for skilled baristas has soared, making it an attractive option for students passionate aboutpassionate about coffee and hospitality. As a barista, your primary responsibilities revolve around preparing and serving coffee beverages and maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of the coffee shop or cafe.

Working as a barista offers a unique blend of creativity, customer interaction, and technical skill as you master the art of espresso-making and experiment with different brewing methods and flavour profiles. Additionally, many coffee shops provide training programs for aspiring baristas, equipping you with valuable expertise that can be applied within the hospitality industry and in speciality coffee establishments worldwide. Moreover, the friendly nature of the role facilitates connections with regular customers and fellow coffee enthusiasts, creating a sense of community and camaraderie within the workplace.

Hotel Receptionist

Working as a hotel receptionist is an excellent part-time option for students interested in the hospitality industry. Hotels, hostels, and guesthouses require front desk staff to greet guests, check them in and out, answer inquiries, and handle reservations. The role of a hotel receptionist is crucial as they are often the first point of contact for guests, representing the establishment’s brand and providing a warm welcome to visitors.

This position offers various benefits for students, including flexible shifts that accommodate academic schedules. Additionally, working in a hotel environment exposes you to different aspects of the hospitality industry, such as housekeeping, concierge services, and event management, providing valuable insights into the sector.

Furthermore, the skills acquired as a hotel receptionist, such as organizational abilities, attention to detail, and problem-solving capabilities, are transferable to many other professions. Whether you’re considering a career in hospitality management or exploring opportunities in customer service, working as a hotel receptionist can provide you with valuable experience and networking opportunities.

Front-of-House Staff

Front-of-house roles are ideal for students who enjoy interacting with people and have excellent communication skills. Whether greeting guests, taking reservations, or assisting with customer inquiries, front-of-house staff are crucial in providing excellent customer service. These roles are often available in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bars, making them accessible to students living in urban areas with a thriving hospitality scene.

One of the key benefits of working in a front-of-house role is the opportunity to develop valuable interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Students will learn to remain calm under pressure, multitask effectively, and resolve customer complaints efficiently – all highly transferable skills applicable to various industries. Additionally, front-of-house roles often offer flexible hours, allowing students to balance work with their academic commitments.

Conclusion

The hospitality industry offers a wide range of part-time and temporary roles well-suited for UK students. Whether you prefer the fast-paced environment of a coffee shop, the elegance of a fine-dining restaurant, the welcoming atmosphere of a hotel, or the excitement of event work, there are plenty of opportunities to gain valuable experience, earn income, and develop essential skills while pursuing your studies. By exploring these options and seizing the opportunities available, students can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding experience in the hospitality sector.

For a further read, why not check our ultimate guides to Front of House Job Roles and Back of House Job Roles!