Life at university is about more than just lectures and late-night library sessions; it is also about building real-world experience and gaining independence. A part-time job has helped me to cover the costs of student life, but also acquire skills that I know will be invaluable after graduation.
What are part-time jobs at uni really like?
Part-time jobs during university can take many forms, from retail and hospitality work in the city to more student-focused roles within the University. For me, I have been lucky to work in positions that tie directly into the Durham student experience:
Durham Student Ambassador
This role involves representing the university at open days and events, sharing my own journey with prospective students. I also work on summer school events and school visits.
Content Creator for The Durham Student
As a content creator, I make blog posts and videos about student life to share with current and prospective students on social media – follow @thedurhamstudent on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest & we have a podcast!
Future Me Mentor
In this role, I provide guidance to younger students preparing for uni, through mentoring sessions and workshops.
Each role has offered me something different: confidence in public speaking, creativity, digital marketing skills, leadership, and time management.
How did I find these part-time jobs?
Durham has a fantastic internal employment system, and that is where I found many of my roles. They regularly share opportunities via email and social media that are designed to fit around your academic schedule, and many of them are exclusive to Durham students.
There is also a part-time job fair held at the university near the beginning of the term & lots of employers attend this. Once I had done one or two roles, I found it easier to build connections and pick up other opportunities along the way.
Balancing work and study
One of the most common questions I get asked is: How do you manage it all? The truth is, it is a juggling act, but the key is flexibility and honesty. The student jobs offered through the university are super understanding about exams, deadlines, and term-time commitments. You often set your own hours, and they rarely ask for more than a few hours a week.
That said, it does require planning. I tend to block out time in my calendar for both academic and work responsibilities, and I have learned to say no when I am stretched too thin. It is all about finding a rhythm that works for you and remembering that you are always a student first.
Earning during a year abroad
As part of my degree, I spent a year abroad, and I opted to work during that time! I was a teaching assistant in Italy and a translator in Spain. It was not just a requirement for my course but also a brilliant way to stay financially secure while exploring new countries. I would encourage anyone who is planning a year abroad (even if it is optional) to investigate local job opportunities. Many students I know have picked up tutoring, freelance work, or jobs in local cafés and hostels. If you are planning and open to learning on the go, it is totally viable and a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a different culture.
What about other jobs?
I am far from the only one working part-time at Durham. Some of my friends work as baristas in town, as Durham is full of coffee shops! Others help out in college bars, take on internships with academic departments, or work remotely as freelance tutors. The flexibility of student life means there is no single “right” way to earn money — it is all about finding what works for you.
Final thoughts
Part-time work has made an enormous difference to my time at Durham. It has, of course, helped me to afford nights out, train tickets home, and more coffee than I care to admit. But more importantly, it has helped me to grow as a communicator, a professional, and a person.
If you are thinking about getting a job while at university, my advice is: go for it. There are so many ways to get involved, and Durham makes it easy to find roles that support, rather than compete with, your studies. You never know where a few hours of work a week might take you. In my case, it has taken me across departments, countries, and career paths I never expected.
Discover more
Download our latest prospectus and college guide here.
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