College is expensive. Whether you have scholarships or grants, or pay all your tuition with loans, you are going to be short on cash in some form or another. Being a broke college student has become the norm, but it doesn’t have to be. There are always opportunities on campus, online or locally that provide quick ways for students to make money. Even if you have a full course load, there are options you can use to add funds to your bank account. These are a few of the most common methods below to get started making money while enrolled in college.
1. Work Study on Campus
When submitting your FAFSA application, you may find that you qualify for a work-study position on your college campus. A work-study is a part-time job that is funded by the government. It gives you time to work and complete your studies while employed. Common positions include completing administrative work for campus offices or working at the front desk in a common area.
This type of employment is perfect for a busy student as it is on campus and allows for ample study time. Consider this option if you have a full course load but need to make extra cash.
2. Tutoring Services
Another option that uses the campus is tutoring. Are you super-smart in a particular subject? If so, consider offering tutoring services. You can ask fellow classmates if they need help or advertise on a student website or around campus. Once you get started, word of mouth will help you find more students to tutor, which will only add to your earnings. This is an employment opportunity that can serve you well throughout your college career. Simply offer services year-round and help students who need assistance in subjects you specialize in, such as math or science.
3. Lyft or Uber Driver
If you have a car and a good driving record, consider becoming a Lyft or Uber driver. This job is flexible and will allow you to offer driving services when it’s convenient for your schedule. You will earn a percentage from the fare and you can also earn tips. In a busy college town, your services could bring in big bucks. Transporting college students to and from parties can be a great way to earn extra cash. Every driver must meet certain requirements, such as having insurance on your vehicle, before approval is given to begin offering rides. Once you meet such requirements, you will be well on your way to using your free time and vehicle to earn extra cash on your own schedule.
4. Online Money Skill Games
Students that are good at skill games like poker can also use their knowledge to make money online. Sites that offer real money online gaming provide cash games and tournaments where players compete against others. Be warned that only a few are successful in creating an actual career or generating steady income. Forex and binary options are another option that fits in this category. Not a game but both online money games and trading are high risk investments that can be managed as a side income.
5. Deliver Food
Another great way to use your vehicle while attending college is to deliver food. Apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats are constantly hiring people to pick up orders and deliver them. In a college town, there are always hungry students. You can easily stay busy by driving around town picking up orders and delivering them to students on campus. This is another employment position you can do on your own time, easily scheduling your work time around classes.
6. Become a Mover
With people moving in and out of the dorms all the time, as well as the needs of local apartment renters and homeowners, moving furniture is a great way to make extra cash. Moving companies often hire college students because they can work certain hours and are in shape to lift heavy furniture. This employment option is one that should work with your school schedule and can allow you to make extra money to get you through the school year.
7. Resume Writer
You might not believe it but being a resume writer can equal big bucks. Freelance writing is already a lucrative market and with resume writing, you always have a client base. Fiverr reported a survey by CareerBuilder that showed that 54% of those seeking employment sent out a generic resume, which is not helpful in standing out among the competition. If you have the right skills, you can turn job seekers’ resumes into works of art, helping them to land a job quickly.
Build a strong portfolio of people you have helped with resume writing and you are well on your way. You can offer your services on sites such as Fiverr and use word of mouth to get employment as a resume writer. With this option, you can work when you like, setting your own deadlines. This is extremely helpful when considering you can plan your writing around schoolwork or exams.
8. Social Media Manager
Do you spend most of your time on social media sites like Instagram and Facebook? Do you consider yourself an expert in social media? If so, consider using your skills to manage social media sites of local businesses or entrepreneurs. This position can be fun and a great way to make extra money. You basically create social media posts, be it images or updates, that reflect what the company is doing currently.
You help promote the brand via their social media page and get paid to post! It seems crazy but this is a legit opportunity that you can use to make extra money while in college.
9. Teaching/Library Assistant
Another on-campus position that can be a money earner is a teaching assistant. Professors often need help with certain tasks such as grading assignments or completing research. You can look for TA jobs on campus via listings or speaking to the teachers directly. Look for this type of position at the beginning of the school year. Students often grab TA positions quickly, so you will need to act fast to be considered.
In line with a teaching assistant, you can also find work on campus as a library assistant. Working at the library requires putting up books and assisting students with questions. While working in this position, you will have plenty of quiet time, so you can use the job as an option for studying as well.
10. Campus Dining
College campuses offer dining to students on-site. Cafeterias can consist of homemade food as well as fast-food choices. The dining areas need employees to serve students and this can be a great way to find employment on campus. You will be required to fill out an application as well as learn about proper food handling and the local health codes. Once you are hired and complete training, you will have a part-time or full-time position at the campus, serving food and earning money during your spare time.
These are just a few examples of ways that college students make money. As a college student, be creative and use your local resources. Every college campus is different, so what is available at one campus might not be an option at others. Before the new semester begins, think about ways your local campus provides employment. Ask around and do your homework, finding ways to make money that work for you!
