What should an evening student job offer?
Before comparing the different options, let’s look at the criteria that really matter when you’re a student:
Flexibility: choose when you work
Accessibility: no qualifications required
Earning potential: a genuine source of income
Freedom: work whenever you want, with no long-term commitment
Simplicity: no equipment or upfront investment needed
Keep these points in mind: we’ll use them to assess each option.
Option 1: Food delivery (Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat, etc.)
Food delivery is often the first thing that comes to mind when students think about flexible work. It has a reputation for being one of the most flexible ways to earn money.
Advantages
- You can choose your shifts hour by hour
- Quick and easy sign-up through an app
- Potential to start earning relatively quickly
Disadvantages
- You need your own equipment: a bike, scooter or car in good working order, plus the associated maintenance costs
- Earnings can vary significantly depending on the weather, location and time of day
- Limited employment protection: you are usually self-employed rather than employed, meaning no employment contract and no payslips
- Exposure to the elements: rain, cold weather and icy conditions can make winter evening shifts particularly challenging
- High competition in larger cities, where the most profitable time slots are often snapped up quickly
Verdict: Food delivery offers maximum flexibility on paper, but earnings can be unpredictable and the working conditions are not always ideal. It’s best suited to students who already have the necessary equipment and live in an area with strong demand.
Overall rating: 3/5
Option 2: Retail assistant or checkout operator
This is the traditional student job that has been around for decades. Supermarkets and major retail chains regularly recruit students on fixed-term or part-time contracts.
Advantages
- Employee status with all the associated protections and benefits
- Stable and predictable income
- Valuable work experience to add to your CV
Disadvantages
- Fixed schedules: you do not choose your working days, as shifts are assigned by your employer
- A minimum commitment is often required, such as several months of work or a set number of hours each week
- Not always compatible with exam periods, when you may need complete flexibility
- Repetitive work with limited opportunities for progression
- Recruitment can be time-consuming, often involving an application, interview and probation period
Verdict: A secure and reliable option, but one that lacks flexibility. It can be difficult to balance with the changing timetable and demands of student life.
Overall rating: 3/5
Option 3: Babysitting and childcare
Babysitting is a popular choice for students and can be a great option if you build a good reputation with local families. Opportunities can be found through platforms such as Babysits or through word of mouth.
Advantages
- Hourly rates are often attractive, typically ranging from £10 to £15 per hour depending on the area
- Generally enjoyable working environment
- In some cases, you can study while working if the children are asleep
Disadvantages
- Your income often depends on maintaining a relationship with a particular family; if they no longer need your services, the work can disappear overnight
- No guaranteed regularity, as families may cancel at short notice
- Limited earning potential, as you can only look after a certain number of children at one time
- Some families prefer candidates studying education, childcare or healthcare-related subjects
- Finding families can take time and requires active searching and networking
Verdict: A pleasant and well-paid option when it works out, but it relies heavily on individual family relationships, making it less dependable as a long-term source of income.
Overall rating: 3/5
Option 4: Paid online surveys and research studies
Paid surveys are often talked about on social media: platforms offer money or points in exchange for answering questionnaires.
Advantages
- No fixed hours: you can complete surveys whenever you like, from your sofa
- No travel required
- Open to everyone, with no specific requirements
Disadvantages
- Very low earnings: even in the best-case scenario, you can expect around £1 to £5 per hour of survey time
- Irregular availability, as studies matching your profile are not always available
- Low earning ceiling: even if you put time into it, earnings remain very limited, often no more than £20–£30 per month
- No CV value, as this experience is not professionally recognised
- Some platforms use unclear practices, such as non-convertible points or high withdrawal thresholds
Verdict: Fine for passing the time, perhaps, but certainly not a reliable way to fund your studies. Of all the options on this list, it offers the poorest return for your time.
Overall rating: 1.5/5
Option 5: Stocktaking shifts with Fairson Job
Now for the option that many students still overlook, despite ticking almost every box.
Fairson Job is a mobile app that allows you to apply for flexible stocktaking shifts in shops, warehouses and retail outlets near you. Most shifts take place in the evening, typically last between four and six hours, and offer a straightforward way to earn extra income around your studies.
Advantages
Real, predictable earnings
You are paid on the basis of the National Minimum Wage, with additional bonuses available depending on your level within the Talent Factory programme. A five-hour shift provides genuine earnings you can rely on, not points or rewards with limited value.
Complete flexibility
You choose which shifts you want to take. Got exams coming up? Simply don't apply for any shifts. Free a few evenings this month? Pick up a few shifts that suit your schedule. There is no manager assigning you hours or creating a rota on your behalf.
No equipment required
No bike, no car and no specialist equipment needed. Just turn up on site and all the tools required for the shift will be provided. Your only requirement is a smartphone to register and apply for shifts.
A genuine employment contract
Every shift is covered by an employment contract that can be signed electronically through the app, with payslips available directly within your account. You are employed rather than self-employed, which provides greater security and can also add value to your CV.
A progression programme that rewards commitment
Unlike the other jobs on this list, Fairson Job includes a loyalty and progression programme called the Talent Factory. The more shifts you complete reliably and consistently, the further you progress through the levels: Auditor, Specialist, Expert and Top Gun.
As you move up, you gain access to practical benefits such as priority access to shifts, enhanced bonuses and recognition for your performance.
Teamwork and hands-on experience
You're never working alone. Shifts are carried out as part of a team under the supervision of an Inventory Supervisor. It provides genuine workplace experience across a variety of environments, including supermarkets, specialist retailers and logistics warehouses.c
Disadvantages (let’s be honest)
- Shifts often take place in the evening, with start times frequently between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm, so they may not suit everyone
- The number of available shifts depends on where you live: opportunities are plentiful in large cities and busy retail areas, but may be more limited in rural locations
- The most popular shifts are filled quickly, so it pays to be responsive and keep your notifications switched on
Verdict: Genuine flexibility, reliable pay, no equipment costs, a real employment contract and a structured progression programme. For students looking for an evening job during the week, it is one of the most complete and attractive options available.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Ready to find your first evening job?
If you're a student looking for a flexible evening or weekend job and want to earn decent money without buying equipment or committing to a long-term contract, Fairson Job's stocktaking shifts could be exactly what you're looking for.
Signing up takes less than 10 minutes and your first shift could be just around the corner.