Part-Time Job Opportunities at Oxford Brookes University

Balancing studies with part-time work is a common choice for students at Oxford Brookes University, offering financial support, practical experience, and skill development. Located in the vibrant city of Oxford, the university and surrounding area provide diverse opportunities tailored to student schedules. Whether you're seeking on-campus roles or local gigs, part-time jobs can enhance your university experience without overwhelming your academic commitments. The UK student visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, making it accessible for many.

On-Campus Job Opportunities

Oxford Brookes University offers a range of on-campus positions that fit around lectures and coursework. These roles often prioritize current students and provide flexible hours, sometimes including paid training. Common opportunities include:

• Library and IT Assistants: Help with shelving books, managing circulation, or supporting IT queries in the Headington or Wheatley libraries. Shifts are typically 4-10 hours per week, paying around £10-£12 per hour.
• Student Union Roles: Work at the Brookes Union as a barista in the coffee shop, event steward for Freshers' Week, or receptionist. These jobs foster community involvement and offer perks like free meals.
• Research and Tutoring Assistants: Assist lecturers with data entry, grading, or leading study sessions. Ideal for those in relevant fields like business or health sciences, with rates up to £15 per hour.
• Campus Services: Positions in catering at halls of residence, maintenance support, or administrative help in departments. These are great for building CV-worthy skills in customer service.

To find these, check the university's StudentHub portal or the dedicated jobs board on the Brookes website. Many roles are advertised through the Careers and Employability Service, which also runs workshops on CV writing and interview skills.

Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs in Oxford

Oxford's historic charm and bustling economy mean plenty of off-campus options, from retail to hospitality. The city center is just a short bus ride from campus, making commuting easy. Popular sectors include:

Job Type	Description	Average Pay	Typical Hours
Retail Assistant	Stocking shelves or assisting customers in shops like Waterstones or local boutiques on High Street.	£9-£11/hour	Evenings/weekends, 10-15 hours
Hospitality (Waitstaff/Bar Work)	Serving in pubs, cafes, or restaurants such as The Eagle and Child or modern spots in Covered Market.	£10-£13/hour + tips	Flexible shifts, up to 20 hours
Delivery Driver	Bike or car deliveries for services like Deliveroo or Uber Eats, perfect for active students.	£8-£12/hour + bonuses	On-demand, evenings
Tutoring or Babysitting	Private tutoring via platforms like Tutorful or childcare through local families, leveraging your academic strengths.	£15-£25/hour	Afternoons/evenings, 5-10 hours

Local resources like Oxford City Council's job listings or apps such as Indeed and StudentJob UK are excellent starting points. Networking at university events can lead to hidden gems, like seasonal work at the Oxford Literary Festival.

How to Find and Apply for Part-Time Jobs

Securing a job requires proactive steps. Start by updating your CV to highlight transferable skills from previous experiences or extracurriculars. The university's Careers Fair, held twice a year, connects students with employers. Online platforms include:

1. Brookes Careers Portal: Exclusive listings for students, with application tips.
2. National Student Jobs Site: Filters for Oxford locations and flexible roles.
3. LinkedIn: Follow local businesses and join student job groups.
4. Agency Work: Register with temp agencies like Blue Arrow for quick placements in admin or events.

Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions like "How do you manage time?" Tailor applications to show how the job aligns with your studies. Always verify pay meets the National Minimum Wage (£11.44/hour for over-21s as of 2024) and note tax implications—earnings under £12,570 annually are tax-free via the Personal Allowance.

Benefits and Tips for Success

Part-time work boosts your income (average student earnings: £200-£400/month) while developing soft skills like teamwork and time management. It can lead to full-time opportunities post-graduation and reduce student loan reliance. However, prioritize academics—aim for jobs under 15 hours weekly to avoid burnout.

Top Tips:

• Schedule work around your timetable using tools like Google Calendar.
• Seek roles with progression, such as from barista to supervisor.
• Utilize university support: The Student Support Co-ordinators offer advice on work-life balance.
• For international students, ensure compliance with visa rules via the International Office.

By exploring these opportunities, Oxford Brookes students can thrive both financially and professionally. Start searching today to make the most of your time in Oxford!