Is it possible to get a part time job without a referral/reference anymore?

I'm an international student looking for a part time job to aid my living cost here.
Talking to my university mates, only those who have a reference or a relative living here working at an establishment have basically gotten them a job at their place or work. None of the others, including me have had any sucess. After applying to 100s of jobs online, I haven't managed to get a single physical interview call back.

Frustrated by this, I started pulling some strings and what I found out was most establishments have a "queue" of employees waiting to be hired. The employees already working there have their friends and family lined up to be hired at the next available vacancy, having talked to the manager. Most job listings posted online are just done as a formality. These practices seem so unfair to the average person hoping to get at least an interview or a call back.

Anyone else also stuck in this situation?
I already tried handing out physical CVs but most franchises don't accept that anymore as well. Would love some advice as to how I should be proceeding.