8 Ways to Make Extra Cash as a College Student

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If your expenses are rising now that you’re living a more independent life in college, it might be time to learn ways to earn extra money. Some side income can help you afford your basic living costs plus a little extra for fun purchases, and you may have cash left over for saving and investing as well. We’ve put together a list of ways to make extra cash—and because they offer flexibility, require little to no experience, and are easy to do, they’re perfect for college students.

1. Work on campus

Colleges and universities often hire students for a variety of jobs around campus—and because the jobs are reserved just for students attending that school, you may have a better shot at getting hired. Many of these roles provide flexible hours and a short commute from your dorm room, which could be a good fit for your schedule. You can also learn practical skills and develop networking contacts to help when you’re searching for jobs after graduation.Head to your university’s “Careers” page, where you may need to filter out the student-specific positions. Some of these jobs may include:

  • Peer tutoring
  • Student ambassador
  • Residence advisor (RA)
  • Campus tour guide
  • Shift workers for places like the gym, cafe, library, textbook store and dining hall
2. Deliver food, on your schedule

If you want a part-time job but can’t commit to a regular schedule, consider working for an on-demand food delivery service. Companies like Instacart, DoorDash and Uber Eats hire workers as young as 18 years old (19 in some cases) to deliver food by foot, bicycle, scooter or car. You can log into the app and work whenever it’s convenient, whether it’s for an hour, a weekend or throughout the week.

3. Sell your stuff

If you’ve got clothes, textbooks, electronics and other stuff you’re no longer using, consider selling it for extra cash. Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Chegg, Swappa and OfferUp make it easy to list items for sale online, or you can visit your nearby consignment store and ask about selling your items there. Just be sure you won’t need any of the items you’re selling, and consider how you’ll arrange any private transactions. For instance, if you’re meeting a buyer in person, you can meet up in a safe space like a local police station or library.

4. Get paid for doing simple online tasks

Yes, it’s true: Many websites, such as Swagbucks and InboxDollars, will compensate you for things like watching movie trailers, playing video games, reading marketing emails and taking online surveys. Companies are willing to pay you for these services because it helps them develop market research, sell ad space or earn sponsorships from brands they feature.This can be a quick and easy way to earn cash or gift cards—but keep in mind, you might never earn more than a few dollars here and there. The app or website may also track and collect your personal data, so you’ll need to know whether you’re trading some of your privacy in exchange for that money.

5. Take advantage of rebate apps

Other websites provide cash-back rebates when you shop at eligible stores through an online portal. This can be a great way to earn money on things you were already going to buy—like groceries, clothes and personal-care items—along with bigger purchases like travel and electronics. For instance, Rakuten gives you cash back every time you shop with an affiliated retailer on the Rakuten app, through the portal or using the browser extension. Rakuten says the company receives a commission from affiliated brands every time you spend money with them. Other similar websites include Ibotta, Capital One Shopping and Upside.

6. Become a house-sitter

There are also websites that can help connect you with people who travel for work or take vacations. These people need someone to stay at their home or check in from time to time while they’re gone. You may be asked to do simple tasks, like care for a pet, collect the mail and water the plants. The pay scale can vary widely, but it typically involves little work and a very flexible schedule.

7. Run errands

You can also complete odd jobs for people who are busy (like working parents), homebound (like retirees) or just need an extra hand. Market your services to people in your network, or sign up for an app like Taskrabbit. Users post tasks they need done, and you can sign up to complete them. You may be asked to go grocery shopping, clean the house, pick up orders, drop off packages, walk dogs and more.

8. Become a virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who provides administrative support remotely. Many companies and entrepreneurs hire these people to do things like answering emails, scheduling appointments, managing social media accounts and booking travel. While college students often lack the experience of a full-time job, anyone can transfer their “soft skills” to a virtual assistant position. So you may excel at this type of work if you’re good with organization, time management, problem-solving and communication.

Ma Qing
October 7, 2024

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