At a Glance
- Tasks: Support international students with activities and help them settle into life in the UK.
- Company: Loughborough University, known for its vibrant community and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, and access to fantastic facilities.
- Other info: Residential role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience while making a real difference in students' lives this summer.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and ability to work flexibly in a team.
The predicted salary is between 24794 - 26230 £ per year.
This role is suitable for current Loughborough University undergraduate students or recent Loughborough graduates only (graduated since October 2025). The International Student Experience team is looking for current Loughborough undergraduate students or recent graduates who want to gain valuable experience working within an international setting this summer.
Student Support Assistants provide dedicated support to international pre-sessional students when they are not attending classes or lectures, running a range of extra-curricular activities, providing a friendly face on campus and generally helping them settle into life in the UK. The role will help successful candidates to develop and broaden a range of transferable skills including intercultural communication, event planning and delivery, time management and more.
The Pre-sessional Programmes are delivered by the Academic Language Support Service. These programmes are for international students who are hoping to study at Loughborough University and whose English language has not reached the level required for entry to the University or who feel they need some practice in using their English before the start of their main course.
Student Support Assistants ensure that all pre-sessional students receive a warm welcome to the University and the UK and to deliver practical and pastoral support as required throughout the programme. This includes organising and delivering a social orientation (including trips), monitoring student welfare and relevant administrative and associative tasks. Student Support Assistants will also participate regularly in out-of-hours duties and activities/tasks on a pre-arranged rota. Substantial evening and some weekend work will be required in this rewarding post.
Candidates should have good interpersonal communication and diplomacy skills. They need the ability to interact with and establish relationships with a variety of people from different cultural backgrounds, and with varying levels of English language. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate that they can work flexibly as part of a team, use their own initiative, and that they can deal with demanding situations in a calm and professional manner. Good time management, organisational and administrative skills are also required. Previous experience in a similar role would be an advantage.
Candidates must be available for the full duration of the contract from Thursday 25th June to Saturday 19th September (with a possible extension to Friday 25th September). Due to the nature of the role, candidates are required to be residentially based for the contract (non-catered accommodation will be provided with SSAs catering for themselves) this is non-negotiable.
For full details please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification. For further details please contact Lucy Meakin, International Student Experience Coordinator.
Our Benefits
- Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Student Support Assistant - Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Assistant - Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your fellow students, professors, or anyone in the field. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in campus activities! Join clubs or volunteer for events related to student support. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you meet people who can help you land that Student Support Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on showcasing your interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and how to stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Assistant - Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Student Support Assistant. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Show Your Personality: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your written application. We’re looking for friendly, approachable candidates who can connect with international students, so a bit of warmth goes a long way!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got any previous experience in similar roles or working with diverse groups, make sure to mention it! We love seeing how you’ve developed those all-important interpersonal and organisational skills.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Student Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the tasks like organising social activities and providing support to international students. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role requires strong communication and diplomacy skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interacted with diverse groups. Think about times when you helped someone settle in or resolved a conflict, as these stories will resonate well during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Initiative
The job involves working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Be ready to discuss how you've managed similar situations before. Highlight your ability to adapt and take initiative, especially in demanding scenarios, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the types of activities you'll be organising, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.