Londons International Students Hustle 2 in 3 work while they learn

Two-thirds of London's International students work during their studies

The UK capital's higher education association, London Higher, has released a new report titled Living and Learning in London in 2023". The report sheds light on the experiences of international and domestic students who pursue their academic goals in the vibrant city of London. According to the findings, graduating students from London value the city's post-graduation employment opportunities immensely. The report highlights that students in London undertake an impressive average of 6.41 hours of internships and placements, significantly higher than the English average of 5.57.

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According to the report, the numbers suggest that students in London tend to opt for courses that offer internships and placements, which indicates the presence of a range of employability-enhancing opportunities in the city. This trend highlights the positive impact of such programs on the overall career growth and professional development of students, thereby underscoring the significance of practical learning experiences in preparing them for the job market.

According to recent statistics,

• Students in London have shown a slightly higher inclination towards rating their course organization positively, with a 2% increment compared to the national average in 2022.
• Additionally, they displayed a greater likelihood of securing well-paid jobs, with a 1% increase compared to the UK's overall student population.
• Furthermore, London students were found to be more enthusiastic about work placement and career preparation opportunities, with an impressive 4% increase in their ratings.

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According to the report, the numbers suggest that students in London tend to opt for courses that offer internships and placements, which indicates the presence of a range of employability-enhancing opportunities in the city. This trend highlights the positive impact of such programs on the overall career growth and professional development of students, thereby underscoring the significance of practical learning experiences in preparing them for the job market.

According to recent statistics,

• Students in London have shown a slightly higher inclination towards rating their course organization positively, with a 2% increment compared to the national average in 2022.
• Additionally, they displayed a greater likelihood of securing well-paid jobs, with a 1% increase compared to the UK's overall student population.
• Furthermore, London students were found to be more enthusiastic about work placement and career preparation opportunities, with an impressive 4% increase in their ratings.

Read more on: Highest paying MS Specialisation in the UK

According to the recent report,

• London's student population is highly focused on employability, as evidenced by various small gaps in their educational and career paths.
• Although these gaps may appear insignificant on their own, when considered together, they provide a meaningful snapshot of the mind-set and priorities of London's students.
• The report suggests that London's young people are mainly driven to gain the skills and experience that will make them competitive in today's job market and are taking proactive steps to ensure their success.

The report suggests that the reason why students in London seem to prioritize employability outcomes over their student experience could be attributed to a couple of factors. One of the main factors is the presence of an older and more diverse student body, with a significant proportion of international students who have clear career goals in mind and are highly motivated to achieve them.

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This demographic tends to focus more on the practical aspects of their education and may place greater emphasis on securing employment opportunities post-graduation. Additionally, the highly competitive job market in London contributes to this trend, as students are aware of the need to develop a robust skill set and gain relevant work experience to stand out from the competition. Overall, a combination of personal ambition, external pressures, and the job market realities drives the desire for employability outcomes among London students.

• The report has brought to light a significant issue, particularly concerning the welfare of international students in London. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding generalization while discussing this group and how institutions should approach and deal with their wellbeing.
• According to Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher, "There is no 'one size fits all' student, especially in London, home to the most hyper-diverse student body in the UK, and arguably the world."
• Therefore, it is essential to conduct more in-depth investigations into the experiences of different student groups. Moreover, institutions measure student wellbeing in various ways, leading to a need for a cohesive approach across the university sector.
• Therefore, Beech highlights the need for a more joined-up approach to address this issue. By doing so, institutions can provide better support to all students, including those from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that their needs are met and their welfare is not compromised.

The city of London has always been a hub for international students, with its diverse culture, world-renowned institutions, and excellent employment opportunities. Apart from getting a quality education, international students in London are increasingly taking up paid work during their studies.

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According to recent reports,

• Nearly two-thirds of the London student cohort are engaged in some form of paid employment during their academic years, which is significantly higher than the national average of 55%.
• However, it is noted that the number of working hours for international students is relatively lower than the UK average.

This disparity is primarily attributed to visa restrictions on their working hours. Since most international students are granted visas that limit their working hours, they have to balance their academic responsibilities with their work schedules. Despite this, international students continue to contribute substantially to the UK economy and workforce.

London's institutions offer several mechanisms to support students facing economic hardship while undertaking paid employment. In addition to hardship funds, students can also avail of counselling services.

• However, there is a need to delve deeper into the experience of different student groups to identify specific challenges they face and provide tailored support.
• One approach suggested by Beech is to track student working hours as this could serve as an early indicator of students who may require additional support.

Recent research indicates that the satisfaction levels of non-EU international students are more polarized than in previous years. Only 16% of non-EU students rate their life satisfaction at nine or ten on a scale of one to ten. On the other hand, the ratio of EU students giving a similar rating has grown to 14%. This highlights the need for institutions to focus on improving the overall experience of international students to ensure their well-being and success.

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The figures paint a picture of a London student population that is particularly employability-minded.

Source: https://thepienews.com/news/london-student-experience/

Moreover, the study found that domestic students are three times more likely than their EU counterparts to rate their life experiences as "not worthwhile." This is a concerning statistic and could be indicative of a broader issue concerning the well-being of domestic students. Interestingly, the situation for non-EU students is different regarding feelings of loneliness.

• In contrast to the figures from 2022, non-EU students are now less likely than domestic students to report consistently feeling lonely.
• This change is due primarily to lifting COVID restrictions, which has allowed international students to fully immerse themselves in student life and reconnect with their families abroad as they please.
• In light of these findings, Beech, a spokesperson for London's universities, emphasized that support networks are crucial for international students.

Fortunately, London's universities are taking this issue seriously and have implemented measures to create a sense of belonging for all students, regardless of their background. These measures include dedicated international student societies and links with local community faith and cultural groups.

Read more on: Part-time Jobs/Internships in the UK

15 best part-time jobs in the UK for International students

The UK is one of the most preferred study-abroad destinations for international students, and Indians are no less in the race to occupy a significant number of work positions in the UK. The availability of part-time jobs contributes significantly to students' decisions to earn while studying. In the UK, you will find a wide range of part-time job opportunities that suit different skills and interests; whether you are into a management career, academia or any charity work, there is a job for everyone.

Here is a list of the most popular part-time jobs in the UK for international students:

For overseas students searching for part-time work, the UK is a great option. The aforementioned part-time employment in the UK for international students not only help them to fund their studies in the country but also provide them with essential experience that can help them further their careers. International students have a wide range of opportunities, including shopping, leisure, and education. These are a few of the most sought-after full-time occupations in the UK.

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