Making money in college can be challenging due to the fact we as college students are so busy with classes and extracurriculars. After all isn’t this supposed to be the time of our lives? We should be able to have time for fun activities with our friends, going out and trying new things. So the question is how can we go to class, have fun, and make money all at the same time? 

First, you should know there are many opportunities on campus to make money. These can range from more active jobs like working at a daycare on campus (which is what I currently do) to working a desk job on campus, which I have done in the past. I would have to say the desk job was the easiest job I have ever had. I was basically paid to sit and do my homework. Who doesn’t want that?

This brings me to my first point.

 

1. Find Work-Study or Wage Payroll Jobs on Campus

  

Your school should have a website completely dedicated to finding jobs on campus. If you happen to go to Penn State like me, our website is jobs.psu.edu. On the website, there should be an option to filter out the type of jobs you are searching for.

So, you would make your criteria work-study or wage payroll. Wage payroll is just a not so fancy way of saying you work for a certain department within the university, on their payroll. While work-study funds are limited and come from the federal government on a need basis.

Next, you would search the job that you want; once you find the perfect one you will either be able to directly apply on the website or you will have to email the department about your interest in the position. They will determine if you are right for the position and you’ll move on from there.

2. Apply For An Internship or Research Assistant Position

This here is a double whammy. Ultimately, we are in school to be able to find a great job when we graduate. This option lets you get the experience in your field while possibly getting paid for it. When searching for positions pay close attention to whether it is paid or not. It’s best to find one that already offers payment because it’s one and done.

However, if you find an internship or research assistant position that really interests you, your school may provide enrichment funds for this opportunity. You would need to secure the position first and then apply for the funds separately. Do your research and find out what your school offers!

 

3. Make A Product and Sell It

Find something that you are good at making and monetize it. Are you great at drawing, making jewelry or clothing? College is the perfect time to start a business! You may be thinking how can I deal with school and a business at the same time. I believe you make time for what is important to you. Is making money important to you?

Of course, being in school can sometimes be difficult but you need to step back and analyze what you are actually spending your time on. There are so many hours in a day! Are you spending countless hours on your phone, watching Netflix or lounging around complaining you’re bored? You can use that time to start a business plan or create something you enjoy.  I am guilty of all of the wasting of time I just mentioned but I am making a constant effort to be more productive. A good way of doing this is to make goals and have deadlines for them which can be used as motivation.

A LITTLE MOTIVATIONAL SIDE NOTE

There are so many excuses in the book but if you prioritize and just begin, you have the opportunity to see your passion flourish and make money from it! I say your passion because I do believe that you should not jump into something as serious as starting a business just because of the possible income you could gain.

You will spend countless hours and energy on it, so you should love it! We all have the ability to start something great, but we just need to start. Excuses are for those who do not think they can succeed. You need to believe in yourself because you can definitely do whatever you set your mind to. My mother has ingrained in me that persistence is key. So, if it doesn’t work, try try again.

My brother once asked, “you go to school and you work, but what do you do for you? How do you get your creativity out?” Ask yourself these questions and you will figure out what one of your passions may be. 

4. Provide A Service Not Readily Available In Your Area

This is similar to the last tip but it is slightly different. First, you need to analyze what your area needs; what services are lacking? I go to a predominately white institution (PWI), so subsequently, the town that I live in has many white businesses. If a black female wanted to get her hair done by someone who knows how to do black hair properly, it would be pretty difficult in our town. This is where the opportunity comes in for you to make some money.

How to Make Money from Offering a Service?

If you know how to do hair you could offer your services at an affordable price (because after all, we are college students.) Once one person gets her hair done by you she will spread the word to her friends and your clientele will begin to grow. If you are one of two people providing a certain service such as hair braiding, taking graduation pictures, or doing nails, most people will not have much of a choice but to go to you.

5. Sell Things You No Longer Use

Now I know that you probably have many pieces of clothing in your closet that you say you are going to wear one day but that day seems to never come. Instead of taking up space in an already small dorm room or apartment. You should sell it on one of the second-hand clothing sites, such as Poshmark, Mercari, and Depop, just to name a few. Or you can go to a store like Platos Closet that buys second hand clothing. 

Conclusion

These are just a few opportunities to mention among many. As I said above, do your research and find out what is available in your area; even better make an opportunity for yourself that will help you past your college years.

Once you make all of this money you will need tips on how to save it, click here for my tips on how to save money in college.

Thanks for reading and I hope this was informative. If you have any additional tips please comment down below so we can all help each another out! 🙂