Oxford Travel Forum

Hello - my daughter's college roommate is taking a 6 week course (May & June) at Oxford and wanted my daughter to go with her so the two girls could travel together on weekends and for a few weeks after the class ends.

Is it possible for my daughter to get a part-time job (she is a US citizen) at a fun, safe place like a coffee shop in Oxford? What permits are required? What about lodging? Are there good, safe hostels for a girl staying by herself?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks - David

Hello there, any US citizen can apply for a six month work visa to work on England at any place. You can look at a company called BUNAC their website might be bunac.org (not sure). I am moving to London to work as a social worker and I am going through BUNAC to get my work permit.

Lizzeth

It is REALLY hard getting a job anywhere in England. First of all, she'll need a stamp on her passport, allowing her to get a parttime job (20 hours a week) and that's ONLY if she can get a letter from her school proving that she's a FULL TIME student. (I don't know if this applies, if it's a summer program). She wouldn't be able to work after her classes end.

Also, she would need a National Insurance number, which is a REAL PAIN to get. She has to show her passport, a letter from her educational institution (original school, NOT oxford), a statement of permanenet location, another form of I.D., and a letter from her employer saying she's already hired. The thing is, most employers don't hire unless the employee already has an NI number...and the NI agency won't assign numbers until the employee HAS a job ALREADY. It's a very confusing system.

If anything, she could try working in a pub, under the table, although less and less pubs are hiring illegally because of the penalties incurred if the gov't finds out.

There are plenty of safe hostels, especially around Oxford, which are mostly students anyway.

Otherwise, it would be best if she worked in the States and saved up money. Almost no chance of getting a job here. :-/ (It sucks...especially with the recent exchange rates!)

What Therese says is right. Lived there last year and getting a part time job is a total hassle is you are not a local, an EU citizen or an Oxford student. Remember that Oxford has a very large university student population, and they will be given preference to part-time jobs for two reasons: the period (they stay for 1-3 years) and because of the law (only Americans pusuing studies for more than six months in UK are entitled to work part time).
The BUNAC program seems a legit six-month job program for Americans in UK. This may be an option only if your daughter considers working as the main purpose of her travel. If she has her own agenda (touristic travelling on weekends and after six weeks) then fullfilling the requirements of this program may offer as much or even more trouble to prepare the trip.
As for the rest, Oxford is a lovely, safe place for a girl going by herself.
HOpe this info helps.
Regards,
Flor de Maria

Hi there
I live in oxford, and the above statements are all correct, getting a job in oxford (even a bar or cafe job) is impossible, there are too many students who will do the work for less money! and even if there are jobs advialble employees wont employee americans ( oxford has some very strick rules ) its too risky! Secondly your daughter will need accomodation and the pay will not cover oxfords rent! The average pay is £5 , and the average rent is £400 , you do maths :-(
Sorry to be the barer of bad news!

hi there ive jsut reread your question and you are asking about hostels?
im afride that oxford only has one that i know of, the backpackers on bridge street but this is NO place for children , or ladies on there own if im honest! its has a bad rep and it open all night for drinking etc!!
so sorry, save up and come on holiday for 2 weeks instead!
xx

I can't tell you about work permits for US citizens, but I've recently moved to Oxford from abroad & can help with your other questions. It is very easy to find work in Oxford - I found a job on the first day I arrived, and so did my friend whom I'm travelling with. Every second cafe/bar has 'help wanted' signs in the window. Although it is a student town, very few students have part-time jobs - it is not encouraged by the university and most students here don't have the time (or don't need the money). There are two backpackers in Oxford: one is very run down & I wouldn't recommend it. But the YHA is extremely clean & well run, one of the best hostels I've stayed in. It is expensive (£16.50 per night for students), and they have a 7-night maximum stay policy. You could find out about short term lets; the best place to find out more about this is www.dailyinfo.co.uk - it has lots of information about Oxford & accommodation listings.
Oxford is a beautiful place & very convenient for visiting other parts of England. I'm sure your daughter would have a great time here.