When you move to London as an international student, the first thing you might realise is that expenses can add up fast, from rent and groceries to travel and tuition. The second thing that hits you is how different the professional culture feels. You suddenly realise that the way people work, communicate and even perceive creativity is completely new to how they were back home.
For me, part-time jobs became the bridge between these two worlds. They helped me manage my finances and at the same time understand how the UK market functions, especially coming from a marketing and customer experience point of view. My first (and favourite) role was as a MORA Content Creator, working with the central marketing team at Imperial. It felt surreal to be paid to create content for one of the world’s leading universities and the experience positively shaped my entire year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Supporting the team and creating content seen by more than 700,000 people across Imperial’s social media channels made working with the MORA team nothing short of a dream. It wasn’t just about filming or writing – it was about storytelling and sharing the student experience, learning how large institutions communicate and understanding the kind of tone and authenticity that resonates with diverse audiences.
Through this role, I got opportunities I never imagined as a student, such as interviewing public figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t said “yes” to that small opportunity when it first came my way. The MORA team is warm, encouraging and gives you the creative space to experiment. If you love storytelling and want to be involved in interesting content projects, I believe this is one of the best part-time roles you can find at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are plenty of ways to find part-time work while studying at Imperial. I found mine through Imperial’s internal job boards on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. The key is to keep your CV tailored to the type of role you’re applying for and to show enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can help you work on your CV, conduct practice interviews and generally support you with finding jobs. Also, keep in mind that most part-time employers aren’t just looking for experience, but they also want someone reliable, proactive and friendly.
Balancing work and study
Balancing work and classes takes planning. I always made sure to take on shifts only when my class schedule was lighter that week. Remember that your degree is the main priority, but a well-chosen part-time job can complement your studies rather than distract from them. My marketing coursework for instance felt more meaningful when I could see how those concepts played out in real-world jobs.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Over the course of my Master’s, I wore many hats and tried out different jobs like a waiter, event manager, barista and even a bartender. Each role taught me something unique. Working in hospitality helped me understand what real customer service means, learning patience, teamwork and how to stay calm when everything seems to be happening all at once. Those lessons and skills have stayed with me far beyond the café counter.
Financial independence and visa rules
Financially, my part-time roles were a lifesaver. I managed to cover my rent, travel and living expenses through the work I did and even saved a bit. As an international student, I was allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, which was more than enough to balance income and rest.
It’s crucial to follow your visa regulations strictly, because exceeding the working hours limit can affect your visa status. Imperial provides clear guidance about this, and it’s always wise to double-check your conditions before accepting any job.
Final thoughts
Looking back, my part-time journey at Imperial was more than just a way to earn money. It was about building confidence, learning professionalism in a new culture and connecting with people from all walks of life. Whether you’re brewing coffee or creating digital campaigns, every role teaches you something valuable which you can take forwards into the future.
So, if you’re stepping into your Master’s and wondering how to manage finances while gaining real-world exposure and experience, I’d recommend starting to explore part-time roles early. You never know, the small “yes” you say today could open doors to experiences far bigger than you could ever imagine.
To find out more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.
