Part-Time Job Opportunities at Loughborough University

Loughborough University, renowned for its excellence in sports, engineering, and business studies, offers a vibrant environment for students seeking part-time work. Balancing academics with employment is a common pursuit here, as the university's campus in Leicestershire provides numerous opportunities both on-site and in the surrounding area. Part-time jobs not only help cover living expenses but also build valuable skills, enhance CVs, and foster networking. With a strong student community and proximity to Nottingham and Leicester, students have access to diverse roles. This guide explores available positions, application processes, and essential tips to succeed.

On-Campus Job Opportunities

The university prioritizes its students for part-time roles, making on-campus jobs convenient and flexible around lecture schedules. These positions often align with term-time availability and can be found through the university's dedicated job portal, LOOK (Loughborough Opportunities Online Knowledge), managed by the Careers and Employability Centre.

• Library and IT Support: Assist with shelving books, customer service at help desks, or basic IT troubleshooting. Ideal for organized students; pay starts at £10-£12 per hour.
• Catering and Hospitality: Roles in campus cafes, bars, or event catering through Loughborough Students' Union (LSU). Shifts are evenings and weekends; average £9-£11/hour.
• Administrative and Reception Roles: Help in departments like Student Services or academic offices with data entry, filing, and front-desk duties. Suited for detail-oriented individuals; £10-£13/hour.
• Sports and Fitness Assistants: Given Loughborough's world-class sports facilities, positions include gym floor staff, coaching aides, or event support at the Sport & Exercise Centre. Perfect for active students; £11-£14/hour.
• Research and Teaching Support: Undergraduate research assistants or peer mentors in labs or tutorials. These build academic credentials; pay £12-£15/hour, often with flexible hours.

Many roles are advertised seasonally, especially during freshers' week or exam periods. The university employs over 1,000 students annually in such positions, ensuring a supportive work culture.

Off-Campus and Local Opportunities

Beyond the campus, Loughborough's location in the East Midlands offers plentiful off-campus jobs. The town boasts a mix of retail, hospitality, and tech sectors, bolstered by the university's economic impact.

Job Type	Description	Typical Pay & Hours	Location Tips
Retail Assistant	Stocking shelves, customer service in shops like Tesco or local boutiques.	£9-£11/hour; 10-20 hours/week	High Street or Epinal Way; evening shifts available.
Bar/Waiting Staff	Serving in pubs, restaurants, or cafes around the town center.	£9-£12/hour + tips; weekends/flexible	Near campus for easy commute; check LSU for student discounts.
Delivery Driver	Food delivery via apps like Deliveroo or Uber Eats; requires bike/car.	£10-£15/hour incl. tips; peak evenings	Campus outskirts; ideal for independent workers.
Tutoring or Childcare	Private tutoring in subjects or babysitting for local families.	£12-£18/hour; after-school slots	Use platforms like Childcare.co.uk; network via uni groups.
Seasonal Work	Farm picking or event staffing during holidays (e.g., Charnwood Festival).	£10-£13/hour; short-term bursts	Rural areas nearby; great for summer breaks.

International students should note UK visa rules: Tier 4/Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Always verify with the International Office to avoid compliance issues.

How to Find and Apply for Jobs

Start with the university's resources:

1. Register on LOOK: Create a profile to access exclusive listings and CV workshops.
2. Visit the Careers Centre: Located in the Pilkington Library, it offers drop-in sessions, job fairs, and CV reviews every weekday.
3. LSU Job Board: The Students' Union posts casual roles and runs a job agency for temp work.
4. Online Platforms: Use Indeed, StudentJob UK, or LinkedIn, filtering for "Loughborough" and "part-time." Local Facebook groups like "Loughborough Students Buy & Sell" often share gigs.
5. Networking: Attend society events or chat with lecturers for departmental openings.

Applications typically require a tailored CV (1-2 pages) and cover letter. Highlight transferable skills from studies, like teamwork from group projects. Interviews are often informal; prepare by researching the employer.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits include financial independence—average earnings of £500-£800/month can offset rent (£400-£600 in shared houses)—and skill development. Many jobs offer training, references, and even discounts on campus facilities. Long-term, these experiences boost employability; Loughborough graduates report higher starting salaries partly due to work experience.

Challenges like time management are real. Tip: Use the university's planner app to schedule shifts around deadlines. Seek roles with the Living Wage (£10.90/hour minimum) to ensure fair pay.

Tips for Success

• Prioritize Flexibility: Choose jobs with adjustable hours to maintain a GPA above 2:1.
• Build a Routine: Limit to 15 hours/week initially to avoid burnout.
• Leverage Support: Join the Student Wellbeing team for advice on work-life balance.
• Tax and NI: Earnings under £12,570/year are tax-free; register with HMRC if needed.
• Upskill: Free courses via FutureLearn (partnered with Loughborough) can qualify you for better roles.

In summary, Loughborough University equips students with robust part-time job avenues, blending convenience, relevance, and growth. Whether on campus or locally, these opportunities enrich your university journey while preparing you for future careers. Explore early and stay proactive—your ideal role is just a click away!