Let’s face it: Being a “student” is often synonymous with being “broke.” After all, you should be focusing on getting your education and that leaves little time for much else.
But being a student doesn’t have to mean that you live off ramen and pinch pennies all the time. In fact, there are many unique and easy ways for students to make money without sacrificing their study time.
1. Sell Your Stuff
Who are we, a storage company, to tell you to sell your stuff? Well, here we are: it’s one of the best ways to make quick cash fast. Thanks to Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Craigslist, and a whole host of other websites and apps, selling your stuff – be it clothing, furniture, or even services – has never been easier. If you’re a college student, timing can be crucial too – try to save your for sale listings for the beginning of each semester, when new students are looking to buy.
2. Use Apps that Help you Save
You know that feeling when you find a $20 bill in your pocket? That’s what savings apps are like! Tip Yourself, Qapital and Digit are just a few of the apps that help you automatically save money over time. You don’t have to think about, and you don’t have to manage it. Suddenly you’ll be asking yourself where that extra $500 came from.
3. Be a User Tester
Websites are constantly looking for real people to test their site and offer feedback. UserTesting.com is a great way to earn money while helping companies make their websites better for actual humans. You’ll earn $10 for every test that you do.
4. Drive a Rideshare
If you own a 4-door car, you’re over 21, and you’re confident about your driving and navigation skills, consider being a driver with Uber. It’ll be on your own time, plus you get to get to know your city better.
5. Do Odd Jobs
It’s not glamorous, but it’s a pretty risk-free way to get some extra cash from the people who know you best. Ask your family, friends, and neighbors if they’d pay you to do chores like housework, petsitting, cleaning, yard work, cleaning the family car and so on.
6. Use Online Resources
There are a ton of resources online for helping you save. Reddit, in particular, is full of legitimate crowdsourced advice from people who have been there and done that. Start with r/frugal, r/personalfinance, and r/financialindependence – these subreddits are chock full of helpful hacks to get the most out of a frugal lifestyle.
7. Transcribe TV Shows
Do you love watching TV? Why not get paid to do it? Do a quick search on Indeed, and you’ll find a ton of job opportunities for TV or Film transcriptionists. Get paid to watch shows and transcribe what people are saying. It’s a perfect gig for someone who’s a fast typer and keen listener.
8. Rent Out Your Space
If you have your own space, consider renting it out on Airbnb often, or when there are special events going on in your city. Stay with a friend and offer to give them some of your earnings.
9. Use Referral Programs
If you’re an avid fan of a service, see if they have a referral program in place. Most referral programs give you money if you refer a friend and they sign-up. Some of the best continue paying you every time your friend makes a purchase or uses the service. For example sign up to trade stocks on RobinHood and you can get a free stock for every friend you refer.
10. Be a Runner
On-demand food delivery services are all the rage right now. Sign up to be a runner for a service like Favor, Amazon or Postmates and get paid to deliver food around town. All you need is reliable transportation and a good sense of direction. The plus side is you can set your own hours.
11. Publish Your Own Book
If you grew up writing stories, loved writing fanfiction, or just want to try your hand at publishing for yourself, writing and publishing your own ebook is a great way to go. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform has made it super simple to write and upload your content quickly. Plus, once you’ve published your book, you can earn money on it anytime.
12. Take Advantage of Odd Jobs in Your Community
Check your local Craigslist for non-sketchy jobs – you’d be surprised at how many films are looking for extras (these gigs typically pay anywhere from $50-$200 a day, plus free food!).
13. Be a Tutor
There are probably a handful of subjects or skills that you’re really good at. Why not make them work for you? Advertise yourself as a tutor in your local community, or go virtual by signing up with Chegg, University Tutor, Tutor Me, and more.
14. Be a Freelance Writer
Is there a website or blog that you absolutely adore? Reach out to the editors (you can often find their contact info in the masthead or contact section) telling them why you’d be a good fit. It’s always a good idea to include samples of your work, too.
15. Fill Out Online Surveys
Companies like Swagbucks and VIP Voice pay you to take surveys online. It’s a great way to pass the time if you’re going to be watching a movie at home or doing something that requires little attention.
16. Apply for Small Scholarships
Sure, there are the big scholarships. But what about the smaller ones that you’d never think about? If your university has a scholarship portal, take some time to search for keywords that apply to your lifestyle and identity. In many cases, these smaller scholarships get buried underneath the big ones that offer thousands of dollars. Still, smaller scholarships are easier to win and can add up. Plus, they’ll look great on your CV!
