Finding part-time work to support my studies

Part-time work can be a useful way to earn money and gain experience while at university. Child Nursing student Abbi talks about finding work that fits around her studies, through ARU's campus employment bureau.

Being at university, especially doing a nursing course, can mean there is very little time for a part-time job and earning money. However, when I started at ARU, I was advised by other students to go the campus employment bureau, ARU Temps. They offer part-time work which is flexible and works well alongside studying.

I decided to go along and see what I could get involved with. I spoke to someone who explained all of the events I could get involved with, and the induction form.

The process was very quick. I had to fill out the induction form and take my passport in, then I could start working. I didn’t even have to have an interview, which was great. (However, there are some roles for which they ask you to go along for a quick interview after you apply.)

So, what sort of work is available? There's lots of part-time work for students, including the following roles.

• Campus tour guide: this involves giving potential students and their families a tour of the campus including, sometimes, the accommodation, and talking to them about your experience at the University.
• Open days: potential students and their families come along to see the university, and you may be asked to register guests, take them on campus tours, and tell them about your experience at ARU.
• Interviews: throughout the year potential nursing students have their interviews, just like we did to get here. Tutors need lots of help in order to pick the right candidates. The role involves signing applicants in, talking to them about your experiences and reassuring them about the interview process.
• Test days: some courses require students to complete a test of some kind. This role involves being in the exam, being a marker, reassuring the students, and helping to give out and take papers back after the exam.
• External jobs: there are also lots of external jobs that we can get involved in, plus external companies such as Into University, who bring school children into the university and teach them all about what higher education is and what they can do whilst here.
• Digital Student Ambassador (this is what I am doing now!): this involves writing blogs, talking to potential students on Facebook and supporting students with any concerns they may have about starting university.

I have worked at a number of events now including open days, nursing interviews, nursing test days, Reach for the Stars school outreach events, Into University events, and campus tours. I am currently a Digital Student Ambassador.

I would strongly recommend getting involved, as I have met lots of people through these events and I feel I have become so much more confident since doing so.

If you would like more information about part-time work at university, visit the Careers and employability web page.

Explore ARU

Abbi studies BSc (Hons) Child Nursing at ARU. Find out more about this, and other degree courses, at one of our Open Days.

If you're getting ready to join ARU this year, check out our helpful guide to preparing for university.