WanderWithMo - Tips and advice from an Erasmus student

It is not obvious for international students to find the best way to approach the UK job market, especially because of Brexit. Job opportunities for students are numerous, whether for a summer job or a part-time job in the UK. I will list the procedure in 3 steps that you will meet, it should be known that for the moment these procedures are simplified for international students from the European Union in any case until the official implementation of Brexit.

1. Open a bank account

International Student Job Open Bank Account

If you are an international student and you want to work in the UK, opening a bank account is highly recommended. Nothing complicated, there are many banks (HSBC, RBS, Santander, Barclays, TBS etc.), all will offer the same basic service namely a current account 'debit card'. One of the benefits of having a UK bank account is that it is TOTALLY FREE! Subscription to a supplementary insurance will be payable.

For my part, the opening of my bank account at HSBC was fast, I went there for the first time at the beginning of the week, I had to make an appointment and I was asked to come back with my passport and proof of address. Honestly, I was a little stuck on my proof of residence because I live in a flatshare with 'all bills included' so difficult for me to have bills with my name. Finally, my university provided me with proof that the bank accepted.

You can also decide if you need an overdraft, for my part I took an overdraft allowed only £150, and I do not regret it because it saved my life several times, even if you exceed a little bit the overdraft, the fees are minimal.

You will receive your credit card after one week or a little less. You will be able to manage your account online with ease. A tip for international students who wish to transfer money from their current account to their UK account, it is better to use TransferWise, the exchange rate of this platform is very interesting, the fees are 8 times less than the fees that you charge traditional banks. Finally, it will take you 1 day open to see less to receive the transfer.

2. Get Your National Insurance Number (NINo)

National Insurance Number Internatinal Student Job

The National Insurance Number (NINo) is very important because it's mandatory to have it if you want to work in the UK. This is a number that will serve you for so many things, so once you get it, keep it with you. The NINo is nothing more than a personal number, which will serve to identify you fiscally against taxes, health services and, in the future, will allow you to collect your well deserved retirement. Having the National Insurance Number is a fundamental requirement to be able to legally work in the country.

For International Student from Europe it is very easy to get this number. Just call 0800 141 2075 (UK), or +44 345 600 0643 if you're out of the UK, ask to make an appointment by phone saying you want to get a National Insurance Number, they'll ask you a few questions related to your current situation, and will give you an appointment at a Job Center closest to you. For this appointment, you will need one of the following : Passport, ID, driving license, residence permit etc.

It seems to me that it takes 3 weeks to 1 month before receiving his NIN by post, the Job Center will give you a provisional document proving that you have made the request, you can use it for your job search while waiting to receive your final number.

3. Find a job

All means are good to find a job in the UK. Regarding your resume, don’t forget to comply with local requirements (highlight your professional experience for example, adapt your school or university to local standards). Write your cover letter to the British standards also in a clear and concise manner, highlighting your motivation and aspirations in relation to the position for which you are applying. Don't hesitate to directly apply for the companies you have targeted.

You can browse thousands of full and part-time jobs, upload your cv and manage applications on many of these UK-wide websites :

Just a one last little tip, even if mobile plans have evolved on this aspect and allow roaming everywhere in Europe and other areas, it is strongly recommended to have a UK number, including to open your bank account and be more easily contacted for your job searches. Personally I have a VOXI mobile plan, a subsidiary of Vodafone UK that offers mobile plans at low prices (£ 10 to £ 20), only for young people under 25, and it is no contract! There is also Giffgaff in the same style, look and compare according to your needs.

With all these tips, I think you're ready to start your job searches ! Good luck !