How to Find Surprising Sources of Extra Cash in College

The cliché of the poor college student is a cliché for a reason: it’s true more often than not. Between tuition, room and board, books, and maybe even some entertainment, there are so many ways to spend money in college. Grants, scholarships, and loans only go so far; fortunately, there are some innovative ways to bring in extra cash.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look around campus. Because it’s convenient, the first place most students look for a part-time job is on campus. Check with student services or just look for “help wanted” signs at the library or cafeteria.
2. Check out your favorite places. If you’re always hanging around the local coffee shop, ask whether they need a hand at the espresso machine. Not only will you be bringing in money, but you might get a discount at the place you spend the most money.
3. Put your hobby to work. If you’re a fantastic photographer (and have a portfolio to prove it), advertise your services in the student newspaper. Fellow students who are engaged may hire you for their wedding, or professors with new babies may want you to snap some photos of their families.
4. Think seasonally. There are a lot of people on campus--teachers, staff, administration, non-traditional students--who have lawns that need mowing, leaves that need raking and gutters that need cleaning. Post your willingness to help with those chores on campus bulletin boards.
5. Consider what your professors need. If your teachers have small children, let them know you’re an expert babysitter. If one of them is having surgery, offer your housecleaning services.
6. Strut your stuff. There is usually at least one subject that students excel in. Whatever that subject is, consider becoming a tutor. Ask your teacher to keep you in mind if students inquire about tutoring in that particular subject.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the college’s mailroom personnel whether you’re allowed to put notices in mailboxes. If so, you can print up half sheets of paper that include your services (photography, tutoring, babysitting, raking, etc.) and put them in the mailboxes of everyone on campus.
• No matter what service you’re offering, nobody will take you up on it if you’re known as a poor student or have a bad reputation. Faculty, staff, and even other students want to pay people they trust to take their photos or babysit their children.