One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a student is not having an understanding of how to earn money outside of your student job and internship, which are more than likely not going to be paying you enough to cover all of your expenses.
This guide will show you 9 different ways that you can make money while studying in college or high school that will help supplement your income so you don’t have to rely on Mom and Dad anymore.
1) Get a Part-Time Job
A part-time job is the easiest way to get your hands on some extra cash. And with so many companies hiring these days, you should be able to find one that fits your schedule and personality.
When you’re applying, it’s important to take into account how much time you can spend working and what type of hours are available.
Some companies hire students for odd shifts like evenings or weekends only. The hours may also vary day-to-day or week-to-week which can make it difficult to fit in classes and other commitments.
2) Do Odd Jobs
One of the best ways to get started is by doing odd jobs. It doesn’t take much experience, and it’s often easy to find opportunities.
Whether it’s babysitting, walking dogs, or mowing lawns, you should be able to find something in your area that matches your skills.
You can also rent out your apartment on Airbnb, buy things at thrift stores and resell them online, or even sell old textbooks.
The point is there are plenty of options out there – if you know where to look.
3) Sell Your Stuff
Selling old clothes, books, and other items you no longer need on sites like eBay, Amazon or Craigslist is one of the easiest ways to make money.
If you don’t want to spend hours listing your items on these platforms, try selling them in person at events like flea markets or garage sales.
If you have any savings bonds from an older relative, this could be an easy way to get some extra cash for school supplies.
Don’t forget about seasonal work: If it’s summertime, there are lots of options available such as lifeguarding or tutoring; if it’s wintertime, get a job with Santa!
4) Start a Side Hustle
Start a side hustle. If you’re currently in school, this may be the perfect time to take on a part-time job that you can do while completing your studies.
In fact, in the U.S., there are more than 2 million students who work and go to school, and that number is only expected to grow.
And we’re not just talking about flipping burgers at the local fast food joint.
As an undergraduate student, you might tutor high schoolers or study abroad; as a graduate student, you could pick up shifts at a bar during the weekends.
Just remember that if you make any money with your side gig, then Uncle Sam wants his cut — and often times it’s not even all of it!
5) Do Market Research
Researching the market is essential in determining the viability of your product. There are many ways to do this, but the most important thing is to speak with people who might buy your product and get their feedback on what they think about it.
For example, if you were selling banana ice cream, you would want to find out how much consumers would be willing to pay and whether or not they would buy it from you instead of from another vendor.
6) Teach Lessons
It’s not that hard to make money as a student. All you need is an entrepreneurial mindset and the willingness to start small.
And becoming a private teacher is one of the best ways to earn yourself a quick bucks.
You can tutor children on how to read and write, or you can as well use social media to teach a skill you have while getting paid for it.
7) Rent Out Your Space
You may have a room in your apartment or house that you aren’t using. If you’re willing to let someone stay in it, then you can take in some extra cash by renting out your space on sites like Airbnb or Craigslist.
Just make sure that your lease allows subleasing and that you are up-to-date on any safety precautions.
If you don’t have an extra room, try sharing a spot with a friend or post about the availability of your living quarters on the off chance that somebody wants to move into it.
If you want to make more money than just letting someone live in your spare room but still want the roommate experience, consider creating and hosting an AirBnB for cheap accommodations near where people want to visit.
8) Manage Social Media Accounts
You don’t have to have an expensive degree in marketing or communications to make money from social media.
There are plenty of companies out there that will pay you for your social media skills, especially if you’re adept with Instagram and Snapchat.
9) Participate in Focus Groups
Focus groups are often used by companies that want feedback on their products. This can be an opportunity to make some quick cash, but it also requires your time.
If you’re not interested in being involved in the company’s product development, then this might not be the best option for you.
However, if you’re looking for something short and sweet and don’t mind giving up your opinion about a particular subject matter, then focus groups might be worth checking out.
These options require much less effort and would help with school at the same time!
