At Cambridge Education Group, we understand the importance of balancing studies with work experience. Part-time jobs offer students a chance to earn money, gain practical skills, and enhance their CVs while studying. Whether you're an international or domestic student, there are numerous opportunities tailored to flexible schedules. Below, we'll explore the types of part-time roles available, benefits, regulations, and how to get started.

On-Campus Part-Time Jobs

Working on campus is convenient, allowing you to stay close to classes and accommodation. These roles often prioritize current students and provide a supportive environment. Common positions include:

• Library Assistant: Shelving books, helping with research queries, and managing circulation. Typically 10-15 hours per week, paying around £10-12 per hour.
• Student Ambassador: Guiding tours for prospective students, promoting events, and supporting open days. Flexible shifts, ideal for outgoing personalities, with earnings of £9-11 per hour.
• Café or Catering Staff: Serving food and drinks in campus dining areas. Weekday evenings and weekends suit most schedules, offering £10-13 per hour plus staff discounts.
• Administrative Support: Data entry, filing, and assisting academic departments. Suited for organized students, with 8-12 hours weekly at £11-14 per hour.
• IT Helpdesk Technician: Basic troubleshooting for students and staff. Tech-savvy individuals thrive here, earning £12-15 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.

These jobs are posted on the university's internal job portal, and many departments hire directly through student services.

Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs

venturing off-campus opens up more variety in the vibrant city of Cambridge. Local businesses value the reliability of students. Popular options include:

• Retail Sales Assistant: In shops along King's Parade or in malls. Involves customer service and stock management; shifts are 10-20 hours weekly, paying £9-12 per hour.
• Barista or Waitstaff: At coffee shops or pubs in the city center. Fast-paced roles perfect for evenings, with tips boosting earnings to £10-14 per hour.
• Tutoring or Freelance Work: Offering academic support to school pupils or online gigs via platforms like Tutorful. Flexible hours, often £15-25 per hour based on subject expertise.
• Delivery Driver: For services like Deliveroo or Uber Eats, using a bike or car. Great for active students, with potential earnings of £10-18 per hour including tips.
• Event Steward: At conferences, festivals, or college events. Seasonal work with short shifts, paying £11-16 per hour.

Off-campus jobs can be found on sites like Indeed, StudentJob UK, or local Cambridge job boards. Networking through university career fairs also helps.

Benefits of Part-Time Work

Engaging in part-time employment while studying at Cambridge Education Group brings multiple advantages:

• Financial Independence: Cover living expenses, books, or travel without relying solely on loans or family.
• Skill Development: Build communication, time management, and teamwork skills transferable to future careers.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and peers, potentially leading to internships or references.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hours ensure you can maintain academic performance; many roles accommodate exam periods.
• Cultural Integration: Especially for international students, jobs promote immersion in British work culture and language practice.

Studies show that students who work part-time often perform better academically due to improved discipline and real-world perspective.

Work Regulations and Visa Information

Understanding legal aspects is crucial, particularly for international students on Tier 4/Student visas. UK rules limit non-EU/EEA students to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. EU/EEA and UK students have no such restrictions but must comply with minimum wage laws (£9.50 per hour for those 21+ as of 2023).

Key Requirements:

• Obtain a National Insurance Number (NIN) via the local Jobcentre Plus.
• Check your visa sticker or Biometric Residence Permit for work permissions.
• Report earnings to HMRC if over the personal allowance (£12,570 annually).
• International students: No self-employment allowed; stick to sponsored roles.

Violating these can jeopardize your visa status, so consult the International Student Office for advice.

How to Find and Apply for Part-Time Jobs

Securing a role is straightforward with these steps:

1. Update Your CV: Highlight relevant skills, education, and availability. Tailor it to the job.
2. Search Platforms: Use the Cambridge Education Group career portal, LinkedIn, or apps like Reed.co.uk.
3. Attend Events: Join job fairs or workshops hosted by the Student Union.
4. Apply Online: Submit applications with a cover letter explaining your student status and enthusiasm.
5. Prepare for Interviews: Practice common questions; emphasize your ability to balance work and studies.
6. Follow Up: Send thank-you emails to show professionalism.

Start early in the term to align with peak hiring seasons like September and January.

Sample Part-Time Job Listings

Job Title	Location	Hours per Week	Hourly Pay	Requirements
Library Assistant	On-Campus	10-15	£10.50	Attention to detail, basic computer skills
Retail Assistant	City Center	12-18	£11.00	Customer service experience preferred
Tutor (Maths)	Freelance/Online	5-10	£20.00	Strong academic background in subject
Café Barista	On-Campus	15-20	£10.75 + tips	Energetic, team player

These examples reflect typical opportunities; actual listings vary by season.

In summary, part-time jobs at Cambridge Education Group enrich your university experience. They provide income, skills, and connections while fitting around your studies. Visit the Careers Service for personalized guidance and start exploring today to make the most of your time here.