11 easy ways to make money as a college student

Being a college student can be tough, especially when it comes to finances. Between tuition, textbooks, accommodation, and other expenses, it’s no wonder that students are constantly on the lookout for ways to make some extra cash. If you’re a college student looking to boost your income, you’re in luck. In this article, we will show you 11 easy side hustles to make money as a college student.

From giving plasma at BioLife and similar companies, and getting an assistantship, to selling crafts on Etsy and offering pet-sitting services, we will cover a wide range of opportunities that can help you earn extra cash in college. Whether you’re looking to save up for a spring break trip or just trying to make ends meet, keep reading to learn how you can make money as a college student.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

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1. Become a tutor

One excellent way to make some extra money as a college student is by becoming a tutor. If you excel in a specific subject, share your knowledge and help other students succeed academically. Some departments that are usually looking for tutors are Mathematics, science, and English departments. If you excel in any of these subjects, apply for a tutoring position and start making money in college in no time.

Besides tutoring at your university, you can also offer your service to high school students in your community. You can make money as a college student by tutoring on different online platforms. Websites like WyzAnt, Preply, Kaplan, Tutor, and TutorMe are a great way to start.

2. Sell your crafts on Etsy

Another side hustle you can start to make money as a college student is selling your crafts on Etsy. If you enjoy spending your free time crafting unique creations, Etsy can be a great platform to showcase and sell your items. From jewelry to home décor to personalized gifts, there is a market for just about any craft you can think of.

To get started with Etsy, create an account, and set up your shop. Take high-quality photos of your items and write compelling descriptions that highlight their unique features. You can also offer customizations and personalized options to attract more buyers.

comeOne advantage of selling on Etsy is the low start-up cost. You can typically list your items for free, and Etsy only charges a small percentage of each sale. Another benefit is the flexible hours which come in handy for college students since they are always busy.

Selling on Etsy can also help you develop valuable skills such as marketing, branding, and customer service. By promoting your shop on social media and engaging with customers, you can build a loyal following and increase your sales.

If you’re interested in selling your crafts on Etsy, be sure to check out successful shops in your niche for inspiration and guidance. With some creativity and hard work, you can turn your passion for crafting into a profitable side hustle and start making money as a college student in no time.

3. Participate in online surveys

Online surveys are an easy way for college students to make money. Many companies are looking for consumer feedback, and they’re willing to pay for it. While you may not get rich from taking surveys, it can be a worthwhile side hustle if you’re short on time.

To get started, look for legitimate survey sites such as Survey Junkie or Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Opinion Outpost. These sites will pay you for completing surveys, watching videos, and other tasks. Be sure to do your research and read reviews before signing up for any survey sites to ensure that they pay enough and are trustworthy.

While taking surveys may not bring in a lot of money, it can be a good option if you have a few minutes to spare between classes or during a break. It’s also a great way to earn some extra cash while lounging on your couch.

4. Offer pet-sitting services

If you’re an animal lover and have some free time on your hands, consider offering pet-sitting services. As a college student, you have flexible hours and can easily schedule your time around your classes. Plus, taking care of someone’s furry friend can be a great stress reliever and a fun way to earn some extra cash.

There are different types of pet-sitting services you can offer, such as pet walking, pet feeding, and overnight pet care. You can advertise your services on social media platforms, local classifieds, or through word of mouth.

Pet-sitting can also lead to other opportunities, such as dog grooming or pet training. It’s a great way to gain experience in the animal care industry and build your network.

You can also sign up online to find more clients in your neighborhood. The following are some of the websites you can start with.

Any one of these websites can help you make money as a college student by connecting you to different clients. All you have to do is to get started.

5. Become a delivery driver

If you’re someone who enjoys being on the go and prefers a more fast-paced side hustle, becoming a delivery driver may be the perfect way to make money as a college student. With the convenience of food delivery services, there’s a high demand for drivers to help transport goods and meals from point restaurants and businesses to customers. As a delivery driver, you’ll have the flexibility to work your own hours and choose your preferred mode of transportation, whether it’s a car, bike, or scooter.

One of the great advantages of this side hustle is that it doesn’t require any specific skill sets or education, making it accessible to anyone who meets the minimum requirements. Depending on the company you choose to work for, you may need a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a clean driving record. Keep in mind that while the pay may vary, you can earn tips and bonuses based on your performance, and some companies offer guaranteed hourly rates. Oh, you might also get free food on some days such as every Friday.

How to start making money in college as a food delivery driver?

If you’re interested in becoming a delivery driver, start by researching the companies in your area that offer delivery services. Some well-known ones include Uber Eats, GoPuff, Favor Delivery, GrubHub, Postmates, and DoorDash. Make sure to read their driver requirements and expectations before applying. Once you’ve found a company you’d like to work for, sign up, and begin the onboarding process. You’ll likely need to attend an orientation and pass a background check before you can start accepting delivery requests.

Being a delivery driver can also lead to other opportunities, such as working in logistics or supply chain management.

How much can you make as a food delivery driver?

Your pay rate will depend on the company that you work for and the number of hours you work. For example, GrubHub can pay you up to $15/hour while DoorDash can pay as high as $25/hour. Furthermore, Roadie pays food delivery drivers up to $15/hr while GoPuff pays up to $21/hr.

According to Indeed, the average delivery driver’s salary in the United States is $17.80/hour. So, you can see that there is money to be made as a college student in the food delivery sector.

Even if the salary might be low for some companies, the bonuses, and other extra benefits you get with the job make all the difference. For example, some companies offer free food on a certain day, others let you keep 100% of your tips. You might also get bonuses every once in a while which can help to offset the low pay rate.

6. Offer photography services

Another great way to make money as a college student is by offering photography services. If you have a passion for capturing beautiful moments and have a decent camera, this could be the perfect side hustle to make extra cash in college. Start by advertising your services on social media and spreading the word to friends and family. You can offer to take photos for events such as weddings, parties, and graduations, or even take portraits for individuals.

There are countless opportunities to utilize your skills as a photographer. The income potential can also be quite lucrative. Plus, this side hustle could lead to other opportunities in the field of photography, such as working with local businesses or starting your own photography business.

You can also take photos and sell them online to make money as a college student. The following are some of the top websites to sell photos online.

All you have to do is to get started and start sharing great photos with the world. You will be surprised by how many people will appreciate your work and/or purchase your photos.

How much can you make as a college student offering photography services?

The average salary for photographers in the United States is $46,621/year, according to ZipRecruiter. In this industry, the average hourly rate for photographers is $22/hr. Photographers usually range between $33,000/yr to $51,000/yr according to Glassdoor.

7. Do freelance writing

Freelance Writing can be a great side hustle for college students who have a knack for writing. With numerous opportunities available to both beginners and experienced writers, freelancing can help you earn some extra cash on the side while you’re studying.

One common form of freelance writing is content writing for websites, social media, and blogs. Many businesses and startups need regular content to keep their online presence engaging, and that’s where the freelancers come in. You can also offer your services for academic writing, such as essay writing, thesis writing, or research papers.

Apart from these, you can also explore writing for magazines, newspapers, and other publications. While the process may be more rigorous, this type of work can provide an excellent platform for building your reputation as a writer.

Additionally, you can also get paid to write reviews for products, services, and even movies or TV shows. Some companies pay individuals to write reviews to help their products gain traction or to get feedback. Whatever your interests, freelancing offers a great opportunity to make as a college student.

If literary prose is not your strong suit, you can also explore other areas of writing like copywriting, technical writing, or editing. The possibilities in this field are endless.

Once you start building your portfolio and making connections, you might even land a long-term client or project, making freelancing a reliable source of income.

How to get started with freelance writing?

To get started as a freelance writer, stick to well-established freelance sites. Many websites and platforms make it easy for freelancers to find work. Upwork, Freelancer.com, Gengo, and Fiveer are just a few top-rated websites where you can sign up and start browsing for freelance writing jobs.

8. Rent out your car

Renting out your car is another excellent way to make money as a college student. If you have a car that you don’t use every day, you can rent it out to people in your community who need a ride. Being a college student also means that you are always busy. Unless you live far away from the school, you don’t need a car to get around the campus. That is why it is economical to rent out your car and start making money as a college student.

Several online platforms like Turo and Getaround allow car owners to rent out their vehicles for a daily or weekly fee.

Just make sure to read the terms and conditions of the rental platform carefully. Also, ensure that you have proper insurance coverage in case of any accidents.

If you’re not comfortable with the idea of renting out your car, or if you don’t have a vehicle, don’t worry. There are still plenty of other side hustle options available for college students which we will explore in the next few paragraphs.

9. Get an assistantship

Getting an assistantship at your college or university is a great way to gain work experience and earn some extra cash. Many departments offer assistantship opportunities to students who are willing to assist with research and administrative tasks. These positions typically pay an hourly wage and can be a great way to build your resume as well as make some money on the side.

In addition to providing financial benefits, assistantships can also offer valuable networking opportunities. You’ll be working closely with professors and staff members, which can help you make important connections in your field of study. You may even be able to secure a recommendation letter or future job opportunity through the relationships you form while working as an assistant.

Tips to get the right assistantship

If you’re interested in exploring assistantship opportunities, start by researching departments within your college or university that align with your interests and career goals. Reach out to professors and staff members to inquire about available positions and what qualifications are required. Be sure to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have that would make you a strong candidate.

While an assistantship may not offer the same flexibility as some of the other side hustles on this list, it can provide a steady income and valuable experience that will benefit you in the long run.

10. Get a part-time job at your school

Another option to consider when looking for ways to make money as a college student is getting a part-time job on campus. Many universities offer various positions for students, including working in the library, bookstore, or cafeteria. These jobs typically come with a regular paycheck and can offer a great opportunity to gain work experience while still in school.

Another benefit of working on campus is that you will be able to easily balance your work schedule with your class schedule. Employers on campus understand that students have academic responsibilities and are often willing to work around class times. This means that you can earn money without sacrificing your studies. In addition, working on campus sometimes comes with extra benefits such as free food for those who work in the cafeteria which save you a lot of money on dining-related expenses.

How to get a part-time job on campus?

To find part-time job opportunities on campus, start by checking your university’s job board or career center. Many schools also have student employment offices that can help connect you with job openings. When applying to jobs, be sure to highlight any relevant experience or skills you have that would make you a strong candidate.

While a part-time job may not offer the same flexibility as some of the other side hustles on this list, it can provide a steady income and valuable experience that will benefit you in the long run.

11. Give plasma to make up to $280/month

Do you want to make easy money as a college student? Start giving plasma. That is right. Many businesses pay you to give plasma and you can earn as much as $280 per month.

All you need to do is to become a plasma donor with one plasma bank company. Contact them to book an appointment. Before you can give plasma, you will first pass a medical exam, pass a background check, have no transmissible viruses such as HIV, and meet the diet requirements. You also have to meet the minimum weight requirements which are 110 lbs. Furthermore, you must be at least 18 years old to give plasma.

You can give plasma 2 times in 7 consecutive days. Typically, you get paid about $20 on your first visit and between $30 to $50 on your second visit.

If you are interested in donating plasma, sign up at one of the following companies.

Giving plasma typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. To make the processes simple and faster, always drink enough water or liquid.

The bottom line

Being a college student doesn’t mean you have to struggle financially. By exploring the tips we discussed in this post, you can easily start earning money as a college student. Ultimately, finding the right side hustle or part-time job as a college student will depend on your interests and schedule. Whether you choose to take on freelance work, start a business, or work on campus, there are plenty of opportunities out there to help you earn extra money and gain valuable experience. With some hard work and dedication, you can turn your college years into a time of growth, both personally and financially.