As expenses start to climb, it can be tough to fully enjoy your time in college. Many students like you are searching for the best ways to make extra spending money to cover things like textbooks, student loans, rent, food, gas, and fun activities with friends.
The good news is, there are plenty of easy ways to make extra cash. Whether it be a traditional method or a new, innovative strategy, you have options.
Here are some of the best ways you can make extra money while in college:
On-Campus Jobs
Securing an on-campus job is one of the best ways for college students to make extra money. You can work close to your dorm or apartment and will likely have flexible hours that fit well with your busy schedule.
These jobs, known as the work-study program, offer a wide range of positions like:
Desk Attendant
Whether you sit at the desk in the gym, library, information center, or at the entrance to a dormitory building, you can rack up plenty of on-campus work-study hours.
Typically, as a desk attendant, all you have to do is:
Answer phones
Let people in and out of buildings
Answer questions
It’s a simple yet effective way to make extra cash.
Tutor
Put your hard work in the classroom to work by becoming a tutor. If you excel in a certain subject, you can get paid to help other students learn the topic through the work-study program.
Resident Assistant (RA)
If you live in a dorm, consider becoming an RA. RA’s are also paid through work-study and provide support to other students.
Campus Tour Guide
By now you know your way around campus and have probably picked up on some of the fun facts and stories about your school. You can put this knowledge to use by becoming a campus tour guide. You’ll be tasked with showing prospective students around campus and get paid for doing it.
Remote Jobs
Remote jobs aren’t limited to post-graduates. You can find part-time work now, as a student, to make extra cash.
Freelance Writer/Graphic Designer
Freelancing is a great option for busy college students. You can work on writing or design projects based on your skill and schedule.
To land a gig like this, check out freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. All you need to do is create a profile explaining the kind of work you offer and people will hire you to complete projects.
Virtual Assistant
If you’re a great organizer and have the flexibility to work remotely throughout the day, becoming a virtual assistant may be the right choice for you. A virtual assistant is similar to a personal assistant position, but all tasks are done entirely online.
Transcription
Being a fast typer has its perks. There are plenty of online sites that will pay you to transcribe audio files to text. As a transcriber, you’ll be able to work as much as you want, from wherever you want.
Finding a Job Through an App
A popular way for anyone, not just college students, to make extra money is through an app. And if flexibility is important for you, this is a great option. Here are a few jobs that you can land through apps.
Driver
If you don’t mind driving, consider signing up for a service like Uber or Lyft. As a driver, you can choose your own hours, plus these services are in high demand in college towns.
Grocery and Food Delivery
If you don’t like the idea of driving people around, DoorDash or Instacart could be a better fit. All you’ll have to do is pick up prepaid orders from a grocery store or dining establishment and deliver them. Again, with this option, you’ll have the flexibility to do it whenever you want and for however long you want. It’s a great option for college students!
Dog Walker
If you’re a dog lover, signing up for an app like Wag! or Rover is a great way to make extra money. With these apps, you can sign up to walk people's dogs and get paid - it’s a win-win! The perk of these apps is that they’ll connect you with clients, you don’t have to find them on your own.
Making Money While in College
If you’re a college student searching for ways to find extra money, working on campus, remotely, or from a popular app will give you the opportunity to fill your wallet while enjoying your experience.
Give one of these suggestions a try, and if it doesn’t work out, move on to something else. There are plenty of ways you can make extra money while in college!
