
Student work in Manly: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to study English at Lexis Manly, there’s a good chance you’re also planning to work while you’re here. The good news? Manly is one of the easiest places in Australia to do both, and to do them within walking distance of each other.
Located right on the beachfront, Lexis Manly sits in the heart of one of Sydney’s most vibrant hospitality and retail districts. Cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels and surf shops surround the school, and most students find jobs within just a few minutes’ walk of their accommodation and classroom.
In fact, many of our students walk out of class, turn the corner, and start their shifts.
Work Is Local — Really Local
Manly has long been a hub for Sydney’s beach tourism scene, which means there’s a steady demand for reliable staff. Bar and wait staff, kitchen hands, retail assistants, front desk roles and casual hotel work are all readily available, and employers are well used to hiring international students. Student work in Manly is available all year round, though there is a huge peak in Summer (Sydney people love to come to Manly for their fish and chips on a sunny day!).
Because everything is so close – the beach, the school, the restaurants – students don’t waste time commuting. You can live, study and work in the same neighbourhood, which is a huge advantage when trying to balance a busy schedule in a new country.
Finding student work in Manly, especially in the lead up to the very busy summer season, can be as easy as walking down the Corso with your resume, visiting shops and cafes that are advertising for workers. It’s very common to see ‘help wanted’ ads displayed at the front of shops.
And while Sydney can be more expensive than other parts of Australia, student wages in Manly tend to be a little higher than average. It’s not unusual for student work in Manly to pay well above the minimum wage, especially those who stay on longer and build up experience.
Morning Shifts, Evening Classes
Another benefit of studying at Lexis Manly is the availability of evening English classes. These are especially popular with students who land daytime jobs in cafés, hotels or elsewhere within the tourism sector and need the flexibility to work while continuing their studies.
It’s important to keep in mind that student work in Manly is not just at night. There’s strong demand for morning and lunchtime shifts, particularly in the café and breakfast scene, meaning students aren’t locked into late-night hours. You can work during the day and study in the evening. Perfect for people who like a morning surf, too!
Looking Beyond Manly? Sydney’s CBD Is 15 Minutes Away
If you’re aiming for a more professional role, or something in an office or retail chain, Sydney’s city centre is just a 15-minute ferry ride across the harbour. It’s fast, scenic and extremely reliable, and many students working part-time in the CBD still choose to live and study in Manly for the lifestyle.
The ferry also connects you to a broader network of jobs across greater Sydney, but for most students, the opportunities right here in Manly are more than enough.
So, Is Manly a Good Place for Student Work?
Absolutely. It offers a rare combination of beach lifestyle and strong local employment. There are jobs, there’s variety, and there’s support from a school that understands how important part-time work is while you study.
Whether you’re looking to improve your English, meet locals, earn some money or all three, Manly is one of the best places in Australia to do it. And with classes offered both during the day and in the evening, you’ve got the flexibility to make it work on your terms.




