EU StudentsGaining Work Experience in the UK

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Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, working whilst at university will benefit you in a number of ways, providing an opportunity to:

• Improve your English language skills• Learn new skills for your future career• Get an insight into the UK working culture• Meet new people/make friends• Gain experience to enhance your CV

How many hours can I work whilst in the UK?

The University strongly advises that you should work no more than 20 hours per week, although there are no such legal restrictions on you as an EU student. Our recommendation is with your best interests in mind - your studies should be the main priority.

National Insurance Number:

This is a unique personal number which is used to record your National Insurance (NI) contributions. You must obtain one in order to work in the UK. You can apply for an NI number by calling the National Insurance number application line on 0345 600 0643. You may be required to attend an interview and show documents such as your passport/birth certificate. Full details are available online from:www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

Working in the UK

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Part-time Work and Placements

The Careers and Employability Service offer support to EU students who are looking for work whilst they are at university. Their advisers can help you with:

• Finding placements, internships and part-time work opportunities• Writing effective CVs and applications• Interview preparation and skills

They run a drop-in service for quick queries or longer sessions which can be booked in advance. If you are unable to see them in person, they have an online service (e-guidance). To find out more, call into their office or visit them online - see back page for details.

What should I be doing?

• Prepare a UK style CV - our CV guide will help you; www.beds.ac.uk/studentlife/careers/cv• Look at the jobs section of local newspapers for opportunities in the area where you are living.• Register with the Careers Service to receive job details; www.beds.ac.uk/careers/jobsearch• Use our online job board to find current vacancies; www.beds.prospects.ac.uk• See our ‘Guide to Finding Part-time Work’ at: www.beds.ac.uk/careers/jobs/part-time

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Luton Campus (Located on the ground floor of the Campus Centre):Careers and Employability ServiceUniversity of BedfordshireUniversity SquareLuton, Bedfordshire LU1 3JUTel: +44 (0)1582 489293

Bedford Campus (Located by the SID Desk, 1st Floor, The Gateway):Careers and Employability ServiceUniversity of BedfordshirePolhill AvenueBedford, MK41 9EATel: +44 (0)1234 793072

Students can also use e-guidance: www.beds.ac.uk/studentlife/careers/advice

For further information and opening times: www.beds.ac.uk/studentlife/careers

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