At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with accommodation queries and assist with financial administration.
- Company: Bournemouth University offers a vibrant campus and a collaborative Residential Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a defined benefit pension.
- Other info: This fixed-term position is available until 18th July 2027.
- Why this job: Join a proactive team dedicated to enhancing student living experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and strong IT skills are essential for this role.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Residential Services – Bournemouth University
Full time (37 hours per week)
Are you a highly organised and customer-focused individual looking to develop your career in student services? Bournemouth University is seeking a proactive Housing Assistant to join our Residential Services team. This is a varied and fast‑paced role where you will play a key part in supporting students throughout their accommodation journey—helping to ensure they have a positive, safe and supportive living experience. As a Housing Assistant, you will be part of a small, collaborative team working across both university‑managed accommodation and private sector housing. You will provide front‑line support to students, landlords and colleagues, alongside delivering essential administrative functions.
Responsibilities
- Act as a key point of contact for students, parents and landlords, providing advice and guidance on accommodation matters
- Support the day‑to‑day operations of the Accommodation Office and University residences (“front of house”)
- Assist with rent collection, financial administration and database management
- Support summer accommodation bookings and peak operational periods
- Provide administrative support to Senior Housing Officers and the wider team
- Assist with analysis of occupancy and void rooms to support service improvements
- Help maintain accurate accommodation information across university systems and websites
- Support students with diverse needs, including international students and those requiring additional support
Qualifications
- Experience in a customer service and/or administrative environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Confident working with a wide range of people and situations
- Strong IT skills, including experience with databases and Microsoft Office
- Ability to work accurately and manage competing priorities in a busy environment
- Demonstrates a positive, professional and team-focused approach
Eligibility & Work Terms
This position is available on a fixed‑term basis until 18th July 2027. The role is open to Bournemouth University staff and agency staff currently working at Bournemouth University only. This position does not meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route within the UK Visa and Immigration service’s Points Based System. Therefore BU will not be able to sponsor individuals who require permission to work for this position.
Benefits
- Core Package: competitive salary with opportunities for pay progression
- PENSION: valuable defined benefit pension with generous employer contributions
- HOLIDAY: annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays and winter closure (pro rata if part time)
- WORK LIFE BALANCE: flexible working arrangements including opportunities for hybrid working and flexitime (role dependent)
- Voluntary benefits: employee assistance programme, dental care scheme, health cash plan
- Discounts including a reduction of fees for family members who study at BU
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme, secure bike stores, showers and lockers, free bus travel between campuses, discounted bus travel
- Sports BU has a wide range of activities which staff can access
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, on‑site nursery with discounts for BU staff
- Bright and flexible work and meeting spaces, with on‑site food outlets and coffee shops
Housing Assistant (Internal Only, Fixed-Term) employer: Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University provides a modern campus with flexible workspaces and on-site amenities. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and enhanced family leave policies. The Residential Services team is committed to supporting diverse student needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Assistant (Internal Only, Fixed-Term)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Bournemouth University. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Bournemouth University before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Assistant (Internal Only, Fixed-Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Bournemouth University:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Bournemouth University specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Bournemouth University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth University
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
