By Patricia Obawole

2nd year BU Student, LLB (Hons) Law

Okay, so student loans, they are basically these god-sent gifts from the government that makes life just that little bit easier when you move off to university. They help you through thick and thin and will somehow become your best friend. So it’s all fine and dandy having a student loan, but what about those sometimes harsh months in between (yes, you heard me correctly, months!!)

Well, your student loan is dispensed to you at three points during the year (which is probably for the best for some people) this means that you have two choices as to what you can do. The first is budget so very well that you become notorious for it at the uni. Or, get a job. Yes the latter does sound a bit boring and makes you feel that little bit grown up, but trust me when I say, that it’s totally worth it.

A job you say? In this economic climate! How am I supposed to find one of those? Well this is the best part, you don’t need to search far or wide as every year Bournemouth University hire vast amounts of students to become their ambassadors. This is a job that encompasses anything and everything. Through this job, I have done everything from campus and bus tours, helping to set up equipment for open days, chaperoning graduations, written blogs (eehemmm!!)  to even calling graduates to find out what they are doing six months after they have left Bournemouth University. It’s great all round experience.

What’s the best thing about the job? Well, I would say the flexibility, it is completely down to you when and if you decide to work, the only commitment they require is that you show up to a shift that you have put your name down for (as is common courtesy). I love the fact that the staff understand that you are at the uni first and foremost to get your degree which means they never pressurise or guilt trip you in to working and you have plenty of time to get your assignments done.

Oh and did I mention the astonishing pay rates (I’m sorry but a lady must not tell…) this makes working well worth your time and effort, even if sometimes it’s an early morning event.

For some people who are a bit anxious as this might be their first job, don’t be, this is a fantastic opportunity to really get stuck into the uni as you learn so much about it and how it functions. Also, you get to meet great people who you wouldn’t necessarily meet as it is a range of students, from different schools, courses and years. Plus you get to see a different perspective on open days (the awe-struck potential students that you once were).

So what am I trying to say? Well I am promoting being a Student Ambassador, remember the name and sign up.