As the academic year winds down, many students start packing their bags and heading home for a much-needed break. But what if you stayed in your university town or city instead? Picking up a summer job where you study can be a game-changer – not just for your bank balance, but also for your personal growth and career prospects. Here’s why staying local this summer might be one of your smartest moves yet, along with practical tips to make the most of it.
Benefits of getting a summer job in your uni town.
1. Build your local network
Staying in your uni city for the summer gives you the chance to connect with local professionals, businesses, and even university staff. Whether you’re working in retail, hospitality, or in a university department, these connections can lead to internships, references, or even post-graduation job offers.
2. Less competition
With many students heading home or abroad for the summer, you’ll face less competition for part-time jobs in the area. Employers will often prefer someone who’s available full-time for several months, rather than short-term or casual help.
3. Discover the city in a new light
During term time, you’re often too busy with lectures and deadlines to really explore your uni town. Summer offers a more relaxed pace, letting you experience local events, quieter parks, or hidden cafes you never noticed before. It’s a great way to feel more rooted in the place that’s been your home away from home.
4. Save money
Living in your university accommodation, private halls or a shared house over the summer can be significantly cheaper than going on holiday or moving back home, especially if you’re also earning. Some landlords offer discounted summer rates, and university housing might allow extensions for a small fee.
5. Boost your CV
Employers love candidates with real-world experience. Whether you’re pulling pints, managing bookings, or helping out at a local start-up, you’ll be developing valuable soft skills – like teamwork, time management, and customer service – that employers look for.
6. Stay in the flow
Taking a summer job helps you maintain structure and motivation between academic years. While there’s nothing wrong with a bit of downtime, staying productive can help you avoid the dreaded September slump.
Tips for getting and making the most of a summer job
✅ 1. Start early
Begin applying in late spring (April to May), as many businesses look to hire and train before the summer rush. University career services, job boards (like Indeed or StudentJob), and local Facebook groups can be great places to search.
✅ 2. Tailor your CV
Adapt your CV to each job you apply for. Emphasise transferable skills from previous part-time work, volunteering, or even coursework that shows reliability and initiative.
✅ 3. Be flexible
Summer jobs often come with varied hours or weekend shifts. Flexibility can be a big plus for employers, and might give you a better chance of landing the role you want.
✅ 4. Explore campus opportunities
Some universities offer summer positions for students – think admin roles, research assistants, campus tours, or helping with summer schools. These roles often pay well and can align closely with your field of study.
✅ 5. Make it social
Chances are you’ll meet other students who’ve stayed behind too. Make plans together, organise weekend trips, or attend summer events and festivals happening in your city.
Staying in your university town over the summer might not be everyone’s first choice, but it can be incredibly rewarding. From earning money to making new friends and gaining career-relevant experience, it’s an investment in both your present and your future.
So before you book that train ticket home, take a moment to consider: what could this summer in your uni town offer that you hadn’t thought about?
Summer stays with Host.
Need a place stay to for summer 2025?
Want to explore the UK without the hotel price tag? – Our properties make the perfect base to see all the sights.
Need accommodation for a week or three? Attending a pre-sessional course at Uni? Want to arrive early? Or just want to experience somewhere new with your uni mates? – We’ve got you covered.
With summer student accommodation available across the UK, it’s time to make the most of your summer.
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