Part-time work and volunteering

Student smiling

Start building your experience

Want to earn while you learn and help support your living costs? From flexible jobs on campus to opportunities across Hertfordshire and London, we'll guide you in finding and applying for work that fits around your studies.

We’ll also connect you with volunteering roles that support the causes you care deeply about. Our Careers and Employment team is at your side every step of the way with expert advice, practical resources and access to My Career Portal.

Student smiling in the sunshine

Volunteering

Give your time to something meaningful. Whether you're passionate about supporting people, protecting the environment or helping your local community, volunteering offers rewarding ways to make a difference alongside your studies.

Volunteering is a great way to develop transferable skills, grow your confidence and gain valuable experience beyond the classroom. Opportunities range from one-off events to longer-term roles with charities, community groups and local organisations, making it easy to find something that fits around your studies. Along the way, you’ll meet new people and expand your network. Your volunteering can also contribute to a Herts Excellence Award.

Students in high vis jackets

FAQs

Got a question? Find answers about part-time work, volunteering and the support available at Herts. 

Start with My Career Portal, where you can search vacancies from the University and external employers. Our Careers and Employment team can also help you identify suitable roles, improve applications and tailor your search around your studies.

Finding part-time work can be competitive, and opportunities can vary throughout the year. Careers and Employment can support you with your search by helping you explore options, strengthen applications and access available resources.

Many students balance part-time work with their studies. It's important to consider your timetable, workload and commitments when looking for roles, and explore opportunities that fit your availability. If you're an international student, make sure any work you undertake complies with the conditions of your visa. 

Volunteering can expand your network and skill set while giving you the chance to support causes you care about and contribute to projects tackling real challenges. It can also count towards a Herts Excellence Award, recognising your achievements beyond the classroom.

Work permissions vary depending on your visa conditions. If you are an international student, you should check the guidance available to you before taking on paid work.

Not always. Many part-time roles value enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to learn. University opportunities can also be a way to gain your first work experience. 

The Careers and Employment team offers support with applications, CVs, interview preparation and finding suitable opportunities. This can help you build confidence when applying for part-time work or volunteering roles.

If you’re interested in becoming self-employed or starting your own business, Careers & Employment’s Enterprise Team can provide advice, guidance and support. Home students may also be eligible for funding to help develop their ideas. International students can access support to plan for a future business, but students on a student visa cannot start and run a business while studying in the UK.