By Tamara
Has your student bank account dried up? Are your parents ignoring your pleas for cash? It might be time to get creative and drum up to earn some money for college on your own by looking for ways to make money in college. Luckily, college campuses are teaming with opportunities, especially for those who are willing to do just about anything for some quick cash. No, I’m not suggesting you do something immoral or illegal, but some of these jobs may get a little dirty. Most are flexible enough to fit into your busy college schedule and some may even be a little fun. So, if you’re looking to earn some green this semester, consider one of these ways to make money in college for possible money making ventures.
1. Photography
If you have a good digital camera and love to take pictures, consider hiring yourself out for events and parties. Another option is to sell your shots online through some of the stock photography websites, such as Dreamstime.com and Shutterstock.com.
2. Donate Plasma
If you are really strapped for time or only need a small amount of spending money, consider stopping by the local blood bank and making a donation. Some agencies pay as much as $35 per pint, but you can only donate twice a week and must wait at minimum of two days between donations.
3. Tutor
If you are proficient in any specific subject area, consider offering your services to other students. Most student tutors can earn between $20 and $40 an hour, depending on the difficulty of the material. If you are an English major, there’s also money to be made editing papers. You can use the library, coffee house or another location on campus to host your sessions.
4. Note Taker
Most college campuses employ students to be note takers for students who require assistance or have a disability. You have to attend class anyway, so why not get paid to be there? Plus, you can feel good about helping another student.
5. Research Subject
Many college campuses host research studies that include live test subjects. Although some may be of the four-legged variety, many are human. You can earn, $10, $30, $60 and more, depending on the time required.
6. Food Delivery
You can make a pretty good income delivering food to other students on campus, especially if you have a reliable vehicle. Create a handy delivery menu, including fees for the items and the delivery service, and pass them around campus. During exams, you can make a killing during those late-night study sessions. Just be sure to get cash up front from your customers.
7. Mani/Pedi Service
Do you get compliments on your nails all the time? Why not help others by offering your services for a small fee. Place fliers in the gym locker room, near sorority houses and in the dorms. Even at $10 a session, you can earn quite a bit of green and make some new friends, too.
8. Laundry Service
Most of my friends hated doing laundry in college. For a small fee, usually $5 or $10 a load, I would wash and fold their clothes for them. It was easy money and I could spend the time studying while making some extra cash.
9. Cleaning Service
Clothes aren’t the only thing college students hate to clean; many are also averse to dusting, vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom. Offer to provide weekly or bi-weekly services to others in your dorm, or hit up some of the fraternity and sorority houses on your campus. You might not meet the man of your dreams, but you’ll make a decent living at it.
10. T-Shirts Sales
T-shirts abound on college campuses. Grab a funny catch phrase or inside joke and slap it on a shirt. Head over to websites like CafePress.com or Zazzle.com, upload your design and start selling. Use your connections on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to find new customers and generate more sales.
In finding ways to make money in college, if you don’t have the time for a full-time position, or you only want to earn money for college or when you need it, many of these side jobs will do the trick. Most provide the flexibility you need to work around your classes and study sessions, and the best part is that you will be your own boss. These jobs don’t require a silly uniform and you won’t have to come up with excuses for being late to work; you set the prices and your hours of availability. Just be sure that your activities do not break any campus policies and you stay focused on your college work. Otherwise, one of these may become your permanent career! So be creative every time you are looking for ways to make money in college!