At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in their accommodation journey and provide front-line assistance.
- Company: Bournemouth University, a leading institution focused on student experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Fixed-term role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills required.
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.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Acting as a key point of contact for students, parents and landlords, providing advice and guidance on accommodation matters
- Supporting the day-to-day operations of the Accommodation Office and University residences (“front of house”)
- Assisting with rent collection, financial administration and database management
- Supporting summer accommodation bookings and peak operational periods
- Providing administrative support to Senior Housing Officers and the wider team
- Assisting with analysis of occupancy and void rooms to support service improvements
- Helping to maintain accurate accommodation information across university systems and websites
- Supporting students with diverse needs, including international students and those requiring additional support
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in a customer service and/or administrative environment
- Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Is confident working with a wide range of people and situations
- Has strong IT skills, including experience with databases and Microsoft Office
- Can work accurately and manage competing priorities in a busy environment
- Demonstrates a positive, professional and team-focused approach
Why join us?
You’ll be joining a supportive and collaborative team that is committed to delivering an outstanding student experience. The role offers excellent exposure to housing management, student services and university operations, with opportunities to develop your skills and career. This position is available on a fixed-term basis until 18th July 2027.
About the department
Our Estates & Facilities team are a multi-disciplinary department that create inspirational and sustainable environments in which teaching, research, sport, enterprise and living can thrive. We offer a range of diverse roles as we continue to develop our sites and help to drive BU’s Climate & Ecological Crisis Action Plan. At BU, sustainability is a key component when undergoing works to improve our estate. This involves increasing biodiversity around our campuses and taking inspiration from the non-human world to live in harmony with nature.
About us
Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross-section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community. BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society.
To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
More than just a job!
Working for BU provides you with access to a fantastic range of benefits.
Core Package:
- PAY– a competitive salary with opportunities for pay progression
- PENSION– a 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 dependant)
You will also have access to a wide range of voluntary benefits:
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee assistance programme, dental care scheme, health cash plan
- Financial & Discounts: Discounts including a reduction of fees for family members who study at BU
- Travel: Cycle to work scheme, secure bike stores, showers and lockers, free bus travel between campuses, discounted bus travel
- Sports & Activities: Sport BU has a wide range of activities which staff can access
- Family: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, on-site nursery with discounts for BU staff
- Modern, vibrant campus locations: Bright and flexible work and meeting spaces, with on-site food outlets and coffee shops
Housing Assistant (Internal Only, Fixed-Term) in Poole employer: Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the student experience. As a Housing Assistant, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and flexible working arrangements, all while being part of a diverse team dedicated to creating sustainable living spaces for students. With ample opportunities for professional development and a commitment to work-life balance, BU is an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in student services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Assistant (Internal Only, Fixed-Term) in Poole
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Bournemouth University on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for housing assistant roles. Think about how your customer service experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your IT skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with databases and Microsoft Office during the interview. We love candidates who can demonstrate their tech-savviness, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Bournemouth University.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Assistant (Internal Only, Fixed-Term) in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Customer Service Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in customer service. We want to see how you've helped others and resolved issues, as this role is all about supporting students and landlords.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Housing Assistant role. We love seeing genuine interest!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth University
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Housing Assistant and what Bournemouth University is all about. Familiarise yourself with their residential services and think about how your experience in customer service and administration can contribute to supporting students effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Housing Assistant, you'll be the go-to person for students and landlords. During the interview, demonstrate your excellent communication skills by providing clear and concise answers. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully resolved issues or provided guidance.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect situational questions that assess how you'd handle various challenges in a busy environment. Think about times when you've managed competing priorities or supported individuals with diverse needs. Prepare specific examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities and team-focused approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the university. You might want to inquire about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional development, or how they support students with additional needs. It’s a great way to show you’re proactive and engaged!
