Your Guide On How To Not Be Poor In College
Picture this, it’s March, the holiday season is over and even though you are still rocking those new Doc Martens, you’re about halfway through the 2nd semester and your bank account is about as empty as you are on the inside.
You just burned your last $20.00 on a 24 pack of Keystone and you’re thinking now if it was really worth it for a slight buzz and 15 trips to the bathroom. Don’t worry we’ve all been there in some way or another.
Well, now you’re officially broke and have contemplated becoming a stripper at least once. But you still have your dignity and have resorted to finding other ways on how to make money in college.
I am happy to tell you there is hope. You don’t have to sell your soul just yet because there are actually plenty of ways to earn money in college. Here’s how to do it:
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College Jobs That Pay Well For The Intellectually Superior
If you are blessed with the gift of being naturally smart or are just an extremely hard worker, there are plenty of ways you overachievers can make some extra cash in College.
1.) Become A Tutor In Your Area Of Expertise
If you excel in a certain area of expertise there are bound to be plenty of tutoring jobs available in your subject of choice. Students will pay a hefty price for any help that will raise their grade or help them pass a class.
If you know a subject well apply to be a tutor for your university or hold tutoring sessions on your own. If you’re someone who doesn’t get easily agitated with people who aren’t as smart as you, then tutoring is for you.
2.) Become A Teacher’s Assistant
This can be controversial to some because you are adding another class to your already packed school schedule. However, becoming a teacher’s assistant is a gig that pays well and will look great on your future resume.
Typically, you apply to become a teacher’s assistant for a class you have already taken. If you think this is a solid option for you, find a class you have enjoyed and apply. If you already have an idea for a class you want to be a TA for it’s best to get on the professor’s good side before applying.
Expect to sit in this class for a maximum of three days a week. Also, expect to do any work the professor doesn’t enjoy such as attending office hours, grading papers and responding to students who feel like they are entitled to a better grade.
3.) Apply to Be A Freelance Writer
A little different from the first two, but still requires a significant level of intelligence, becoming a freelance writer is a hot trend for making money during college.
There are plenty of online websites where you can apply to become a freelance writer. Most jobs require a little bit of research on your end, especially if they only provide you with a topic. Content marketing agencies, research firms and even blogging websites outsource some of their writing.
How To Make Money In College Without A Job
This is a little misleading because no matter what, making money in going to take a little bit of work. Here we will be focusing on more flexible jobs for college students that won’t really feel like work at all.
4.) Become A Intramural Ref
To some, this might seem like an actual job, but in reality, it is probably one of the easiest gigs you can get in college that will pay well and is flexible.
Most colleges and universities have an intramural sports program that students can join. With that comes the necessity for referees to control and monitor the game.
Being a ref combines a sports lovers passion with the benefits of pay and a side bonus of getting to yell at other students who get on your nerves. The intramural seasons are usually short but working only two-three days a week is an easy way to get a paycheck each week.
5.) Become A Graphic Designer
Now, the idea may seem like a stretch for some, especially for those who lack the necessary skills or software. However, if you have just a smidge of creative ability you can make money as a graphic designer.
You don’t have to be a master at design programs like Graphic Illustrator or Photoshop to succeed at this. Knowing the basics is all you need. Create some cool designs and sign up on websites such as redbubble.com, etsy.com and society6.com.
Website such as these are platforms where you can sell your product. These platforms handle the entire manufacturing and production portion. All you have to do is create a few designs, upload them and hopefully, some people will buy them.
6.) Become A Dog Walker/Pet-Sitter
An easier flexible job that won’t feel like work is being a dog walker or pet sitter. Everyone likes animals right? So, search online for anyone near or on your campus that is in need of someone to walk or take care of their pets.
It only will take a couple of hours out of your week and time will fly by especially if you like being around pets.
7.) Become A Mystery Shopper
There are some businesses out there that will actually pay you to shop. It might seem crazy but companies do hire people to go out, shop and rate their experience.
It is popular among research agencies, advertising firms and marketing companies who are collecting data on the consumer experience. It is a fun side hustle that won’t take up much of your time.
8.) Find A Company That Will Pay For Your Opinion
I am sure you have seen advertising for something like this before, but just like becoming a mystery shopper, companies will pay for your opinion.
You can expect to spend your time taking several surveys. There are quite a few downsides to this because most of these companies require you filling out a lot of surveys in order to get a decent payout.
Check online for any companies that offer these benefits. Netflix even pays for people to watch and rate movies.
Ways For How To Make Extra Money In College Even Though It May Not Be Worth It
Don’t like any of the previous options? Well, I am sorry but you might take a job that may not be worth it.
9.) Apply To Campus Jobs
From front desk assistance to working in a cafeteria, most colleges and universities offer stable jobs that are flexible.
Like every job, however, a job is going to cut into your studies and free time. It is exhausting but if you can handle it, the best option for making extra money in college is to actually work for the school.
Most managers are understanding and can work with you in finding a medium between work and your actual life.
10.) Sign Up For A Delivery Service
If you have the privilege of having a vehicle on campus a great option is to become some form of delivery service. Mostly anyone can sign up to be an Uber driver or Postmates delivery driver. Hell, there are even options today for people to become weed deliverers.
With all these opportunities you can set your own schedule and work as you please. The pay is worth it if your car can handle the wear and tear from driving around a few extra hours each week.
11.) Become A Bartender Or Server
Everyone should be a server at least once in their life and college may be the perfect opportunity for it. Serving at local campus restaurants is a toss-up, however, because you are risk receiving low tips from other broke college students.
On the other hand, being a bartender can have a serious payout. Students will pay top dollar for you to keep serving them watered-down drinks. The biggest downside is the possibility of long nights and seeing other people have fun while you’re stuck making Becky her eighth vodka cranberry.
Our Executive Summary For How To Make Extra Money In College
Let’s face it, working can suck. All the options listed are ways you can earn more money during the school year, however, our main advice to any broke college student is to find a side hustle they enjoy.
Doing something you enjoy and can make money off of is the best way to make some extra cash. So, find your niche. Whether it be selling crafts online or driving students around campus there are endless creative ways to make money in College.