Sleep is fun - trust us, we know. And if the sun was shining we probably wouldn’t blame you for wanting to spend most of the summer horizontal in a park with a cold drink in your hand.

But, seeing as it isn’t, rather than staying in and moaning about the weather (which we’re sure you’re very good at) then perhaps you should consider getting yourself a summer job.

• Check out our jobs section for loads of great summer jobs - including part time work at Boots, Vue cinemas, Primark and M&C Saatchi.

As well as getting you out of the house, a summer job can be an excellent way of funding your next year at university, because let’s be honest - your student loan is never enough.

It can also provide valuable experience that will help to make your CV sparkle when it comes to applying for real, ‘grown-up’ jobs at the end of your degree.

Where to start

A good CV and cover letter are vital - whether it’s a few shifts in a café or a 9 to 5 job in a hectic office environment, no one will employ you if you don’t sound like you’re suitable or seem uninterested in the position. Click here for 8 unforgiveable CV mistakes.

Also, sending out a couple of CVs and then going back to sleep does not count as actively looking for employment. You need to send applications to anyone and everyone. You then need to chase up these applications over the telephone so you sound interested. You can even use social media such as Twitter or LinkedIn to go directly to individuals at companies you’re interested in. It may sound like effort, but we guarantee it will be worth it.

What type of jobs

Obviously there are an endless number of jobs you could apply for - it’s important to weigh up what exactly you want out of it. Money? Relevant experience? A social life? Something to end the boredom?

However there are certain jobs that you’re more likely to come across over the summer months...

Babysitting

As Alice Cooper once sang, school’s out for summer. As a result there a millions of parents up and down the country wondering what to do with their kids during working hours. Looking after children is an ideal chance to make some good money whilst often feeling like you’re not really working (after all, watching kids TV, playing hide and seek and visiting the zoo sounds like our kind of job!). For more information on becoming a babysitter, click here.

House sitting

As families across the country take their annual holiday abroad during the summer holidays they leave behind millions of empty homes. By house sitting for them you can make sure that their property is safe, feed their pets, and most importantly - feel like you’re a grown up with a big fancy house for a few days... AND you get paid for it. Sign us up. Click here for details on how to find people looking for house sitters near you.

Festival volunteering

This really shouldn’t count as a job. Yes, for a few hours at a time you have to stand there pointing people in the direction of their nearest disgusting portaloo or occasionally picking up an empty paper cup, but other than that you get to go to a music festival, watch bands, have what we in the know call ‘a ruddy good time’, and you don’t even have to pay for it. Not convinced? Read all about it here...

Tutoring

You’re at university - chances are you know some stuff by now. So why not pass on this stuff to others, and then get them to give you money for it. Clever, eh? Whether it’s school kids mid A-level or GCSE or students in lower years than you who have resits over the summer, there will always be someone who needs to know what you know. There are even agencies you can sign up to that will help you find prospective students. For the full story click here.

Where to find jobs

Studentbeans.com

As much as we don't like to blow our own horn... toot toot. Our dedicated jobs section brings you up-to-date employment opportunities at some of the biggest brands in the UK. From part time retail work at Boots or Primark to incredible paid internships at industry-leading companies such as M&C Saatchi - visit our job section and find the role that is right for you.

Gumtree

Take advantage of the targeted ‘Jobs’ search on classifieds site, Gumtree. You can search for part time jobs for students by region and insert specific keywords to enable you to narrow your search to location and skill.

Student Union

If you've stayed at university over the summer there's a good chance that your universities dedicated job shop (assuming your uni has one) will have comprehensive listings of employment opportunities in the local area. Because they are offering work to full time students, uni job shops tend to only offer part time work (16 hours or less per week) which is ideal if you're looking to maintain a social life while keeping your bank balance ticking over.

Temp agencies

Walk down any high street and you'll find a number of employment agencies. Whilst many will deal predominantly with full time employment, there are a number of agencies out there that will be able to offer you work over the summer.

Reed, Office Angels, Adecco, Pertemps, Blue Arrow and Brook Street are among some of the big-name agencies that may be offering part time jobs for students, but there are many more - and probably some that will be unique to your area.

It’s also worth checking out Graduate Recruitment Bureau as they have a section their website designed for part-time jobs for students who are looking for work during term time.

Working abroad

Working over the summer too boring? Going travelling for a few months too expensive? Solve all your problems by working abroad for the summer...

Whether it's doing a stint at a North American summer camp, becoming an Au Pair, doing bar work in a Mediterranean resort or working in a hostel - there are a number of opportunities available to you. For more information on how to go about finding a job abroad (including Visas etc.) check out our guide to working abroad.

Tags: Student summer , Earn cash , Earn money , Student Summer Made Easy