Side-Hustle City: Where to Find Part-Time Work in Lancaster

25 Feb 2026

Luke Williams

The hunt for a job as a student is something many choose to do to boost their budget and gain experience for after graduation. Finding part-time work in Lancaster isn’t as easy as in some larger university cities, however their are still plenty of great opportunities for those attending Lancaster University. The local economy is well-positioned for student workers, and seasonal roles are still regularly available. Let’s dive into how you can find a job this year.

Side-Hustle City: Where to Find Part-Time Work in Lancaster

Opportunity Type Key Locations Recommended For
On-Campus Roles Lancaster University Learning Zone Students seeking flexibility
High Street Retail St Nicholas Arcades & Marketgate Fast-paced social environments
Hospitality Lancaster City Centre Night owls and weekend workers

Where Can I Find Part-Time Jobs on Campus?

The main university in the city offers fabulous internal employment opportunities that are flexible and can be adapted to suit most student routines. The Employment and Recruitment Service (ERS) at Lancaster University is based in the careers department and is an excellent place to find casual or temporary work. Students often find roles as:

  • Student Ambassadors: Representing your course or wider university on open days.
  • Retail/Bar Assistants: Working in campus shops or behind the Student Union bar.
  • Administrative Interns: Positions that help you gain professional experience within a specific university department.

Thanks to the flexibility of these jobs, you are still able to prioritise your academic work when you need to and request more working hours at will.

Which Areas in Lancaster Are Best for Retail and Hospitality Work?

If you prefer to gain experience away from campus, the heart of the city is the place to search. St. Nicholas Arcades and Marketgate Shopping Centre are the two largest retail hubs. These centres house major high-street brands like Next, Boots, and Costa Coffee, all of which are known to hire student staff for weekend and evening shifts.

The city centre’s range of independent and chain restaurants ensures there is a steady demand for bar staff and servers. Areas near Lancaster Castle and the central squares are popular spots for hospitality roles due to the high footfall from locals and tourists alike.

Tips for Landing a Job

  • Register Early: If you’re going down the ERS route, make sure to sign up for updates as soon as possible.
  • Optimise Your CV: Create specific CVs tailored to different industries, making sure you showcase relevant skills and experiences.
  • Check the High Street: It isn’t as common anymore, but handing your CV into smaller shops can still work.
  • Visa Restrictions: If you’re an international student, ensure you follow the working hour restrictions stated on your Visa.

Work Hard, Play Hard

Choosing to find part-time work in Lancaster or any other UK city is a great way to meet new people and make connections that may serve you well after graduation. Whether you’re helping out on open day or serving the people of the city with their morning coffee, the right side-hustle can make your student experience even more rewarding.

To find your perfect base in the red rose county, explore our range of Lancaster student accommodation options today. 

FAQs

Where is the best place to search for a job as a student?

Like most job hunters, the best places to start are on platforms like Indeed and by looking at listings on specific companies’ employment pages. It also helps to have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile for certain roles.

How many hours can I work as a student?

Universities tend to recommend their students work no more than 20 hours per week during term time. This is so they know you’re focusing on your studies.

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