No matter what school you go to or what you study, there’s one thing many college students seem to have in common—being broke.
When you’re juggling classes, activities, and a social calendar, it can seem impossible to find time to take on a part-time job. But having some cash on hand is essential, especially when you’re living away from home.
Being broke in college is an issue that students complain about all the time. Unless your parents provide you with an endless amount of money, paying for books, food, and living expenses can take a toll on your bank account.
So to help you get through your undergrad years, we’ve put together a list of some clever ways to make some cash.
Check out these five great college side jobs to make extra money without getting stressed out.
1. Become a Babysitter
If you love kids, babysitting can be a fun job. Yes, you’ll have to tend to the child (or children) and maintain a watchful eye so nothing goes awry on your watch.
But you can also play games, watch movies, and do all sorts of fun activities that might not otherwise have time to do. It’s also a job that can extend well into the summer season, even when school is out.
Check out websites such as Care.com and urbansitter.com. You can create a profile, including references, and find babysitting opportunities in your area.
If you’re a responsible babysitter with great references and experience, you’ll be making money in no time.
2. Take Online Surveys
You’re not going to get rich taking online surveys, but you can make some extra cash without ever having to leave your apartment. This is a great way to earn extra money if you already have a packed schedule.
You can take the surveys at any time of day or night, and it’s super easy to get started. Check out sites like surveyjunkie.com and opinionoutpost.com to sign up, take your first survey, and start earning some extra cash!
One of the best part about taking surveys that you can multi-task and doing it while you’re doing other things. Take a survey while you’re waiting for your friends and roommates to get ready to go to dinner.
Take a survey when you’re sitting in the campus café enjoying a cup of coffee. They’re super easy to take (and kind of fun, too).
3. Drive for Uber or Lyft
If you have a car, you’re only one step away from a lucrative side hustle. As a driver, you can choose when and how often you want to work. You can drive before classes, in the evening when classes have ended, or on the weekends.
You can set your own schedule, drive when and where you want to, and be your own boss.
Keep in mind, depending on where you go to college will determine how much money you can make.
Urban areas and populated cities will provide you with the opportunity to give more rides and earn more money. In smaller towns and rural areas, there may not be as much of a need.
4. Buy and Resell Textbooks
There are a lot of people making money by buying and re-selling textbooks online. If you want to jump on the bandwagon, here’s what you need to know about what’s involved.
First, you’ll need to research what textbooks are available online. Then you’ll need to find a buyer who wants to buy the books. It’s a side hustle that you can do from the comfort of your own apartment. But make sure you’re able to keep up with the packing and shipping of the books you buy to those who buy them from you.
You can sell books for cash and, in some cases, sell books to Amazon for Amazon gift cards. It’s key to make sure that the books aren’t heavily damaged. If the pages or covers are torn, you may not be able to resell them.
You may only make a few dollars per book, but if you buy and sell several books a day, you can make a few hundred dollars a month. For more information on buying and reselling textbooks, check out this article from The Penny Hoarder.
5. Become a Tutor
Is there a subject that you’re passionate about? Is there a class or a topic that you have a superior understanding of? If so, you may be able to earn some extra cash as a tutor.
Check with your college to see if they have an on-campus tutoring program that you can join.
As a tutor, you can make a hefty sum of money if you have solid expertise in a specific area. If your school doesn’t have a tutoring program, ask friends and classmates to spread the word that you’re available to tutor students in need.
Post your skills on social media to reach out to your friends and friends of theirs that you may not know. By being a private tutor, you can help your fellow students out in a bind and maybe even make some new friends, too.
There’s no need to go through college being broke. If you have time to commit to a regular part-time job, look for a flexible position as a barista, waiter, waitress, or retail clerk at your campus bookstore.
If you don’t want a set schedule, you’ve got to get creative and figure out a clever way to make money that works for you.
Love children? Become a babysitter. Have a car? Consider driving for Uber or Lyft. Don’t want to leave your apartment? Take online surveys. Want a side business that you can do from home? Try buying and reselling textbooks.
If you’re an A+ student in a certain subject, look into becoming a tutor for fellow students and friends.
There are lots of ways to earn extra money as a college student—you just have to try and find the job that’s right for you.
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