Working Through College: On Campus Versus Off Campus
Reported by Audrey Grice
Photographed by Allison Martinet
With the rising cost of college, many students find it necessary to work while attending George Fox University (GFU). The question remains: is it better to work on campus and take advantage of the university’s employment opportunities, or pursue off-campus jobs? Several students shared their experiences, highlighting the benefits and challenges of each option.
On-campus jobs typically offer weekday hours with a 15-hour weekly limit. For some students, this schedule is ideal.
“I prefer working during my school days rather than on weekends because I really want my weekends to be me time,” said C.K., a student worker in a campus department.
For others, the limited hours pose a drawback. Natalie Wood, a GFU student working at Jersey Mike’s Subs, appreciates the flexibility of an off-campus job.
“I can work more hours, like 20 to 25 hours a week,” Wood said. “If I want more hours, I can [pick up more shifts].”
Abby Woodruff, a GFU student and lifeguard at the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, also enjoys the ability to set her schedule around sports and other commitments.
“I can work on weekends because I don’t work much during the school day,” Woodruff said. “I can get as many hours as I want there.”
One of the biggest obstacles for students seeking off-campus employment is transportation. A student cashier at the Bon said working on campus was the best option because she didn’t have a car.
“I specifically was looking for on-campus because I knew that would be the closest option,” she said.
C.K. echoed this sentiment. “I knew I wasn’t going to have a car, so I wanted to work on campus because everything is close by,” she said.
For students who work off campus, the opportunity to engage with the broader Newberg community is a major benefit.
“Being at George Fox is like a vacuum,” Woodruff said. “You’re only around Christian people [...] But I actually have at my other job. It gives me an opportunity to talk to other people and see their worldviews.”
Wood added, “I get to see people that are outside the little George Fox bubble.”
A significant advantage of on-campus employment is that supervisors are mindful of students’ academic responsibilities.
“Our bosses especially understand that we’re students, and they definitely accommodate our hours,” C.K. said.
The Bon cashier also emphasized the value of community. “It’s the community mostly,” she said. “It’s a good place to build connections at George Fox, which I think is important in college, too. It helps it feel more like home.”
Ultimately, whether to work on or off campus depends on individual needs. Whether prioritizing flexible hours, convenience, community engagement, or academic balance, students must determine what best suits their schedules and personal preferences.