If you’ve been in college for a while, you’ve probably realized that it’s always nice to have extra money, whether to buy textbooks, a pair of new shoes, or that dirty chai latte that’ll keep you from falling asleep in class.
Many students stress about earning money in college, but in reality, making extra cash is easier than you think.
On-campus part-time jobs
If you’re a dorm student, getting a part-time job on campus might seem like the obvious first option to earn some extra money. Usually there are always on-campus job offers for students. Positions vary from being an usher to a custodial assistant.
Cool jobs that don’t require a lot of effort and that allow for study time include being a host or monitor at an academic building or in the Davis Field House. These jobs are very sought-after, so apply quickly.
Maybe you’re a more active kind of person. Working for Aramark at The Den or at the Dining Common might be a better fit for you.
On-campus jobs are very accessible if you’re a dorm student, but there’s a downside. The vast majority are minimum wage, and this can disappoint you if you’re looking to make more than $7.25 an hour.
Off-campus part-time jobs
For those of you with cars, this might sound like a better option. Off-campus jobs normally pay better than their on-campus counterparts. Sure, it’ll take time and money to get to your job, but maybe it’ll be worth it with the higher pay.
And Greenville has dozens of places you could work at. A church friend of mine works at a store in Haywood Mall. One of my classmates is working at a coffee shop, and another friend regularly does catering jobs that pay fairly well.
People always need someone to do things like babysitting and yard work for them. In Greenville there won’t be a shortage of off-campus job opportunities for you.
Paid internships
Getting a paid internship over the summer is another good option for earning extra money. Apart from helping you pay for college and personal expenses, paid internships will boost your resume.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), a paid internship improves your chances of getting a job after graduation.
Paid internships are also a great option because they tend to pay more than other jobs. A NACE survey found that the average pay for an undergrad-level internship is $17.20. Now that’s a smart way to earn money!
Sell old electronics and clothes
Have you recently upgraded to a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old one? Have you recently renovated your wardrobe and don’t know what to do with all your old clothes? Consider selling them.
Second hand clothing stores like Plato’s Closet and Clothes Mentor will give you cash for used clothes that are still in good condition. Also, companies like Buy Back World will give you cash when you trade in your old electronics.
You’ll be getting back some of the money you originally spent on these items. True, in some cases it won’t be a lot, but it’s better than nothing, right? And you can always sell your stuff on eBay or Facebook Marketplace if these stores’ offers don’t convince you.
Sell/rent your used textbooks
Every semester the story repeats itself. You buy expensive textbooks, most of which you’ll use only for a few months, and when the semester ends, you have a pile of unwanted books sitting on your desk. What to do with them?
If you really want to get rid of your textbooks then I suggest selling them. You can sell them through the BJU Textbook Exchange page on Facebook. If you want to get most of your money back, you can also try selling your books on pages like Books Counter and Amazon.
When it comes to large textbooks for core classes, many students choose to rent them out. Renting books for several semesters will not only ensure you get your money back, but it will also allow you to earn even more money than the book was originally worth.
Tutor students
Is there a class you’re particularly good at or that you enjoyed a lot? Have you ever thought about tutoring? Maybe the idea seems a little too out there for you, but even though you may not be an education major, you can still help students understand subjects they’re struggling with.
Becoming a tutor is rather simple. You must fill out a registration form and meet certain requirements, like having a GPA of at least 3.0 and a referral from a faculty member. Unfortunately, international students can’t tutor because of visa restrictions.
Tutoring is a pretty cool job. It benefits the tutor and the tutored. Plus, it pays better than most campus jobs.
Scholarships
Although scholarships aren’t jobs, they’re great ways of getting extra money to help pay for tuition and other college expenses. There are tons of scholarships out there, waiting to be claimed by college students in financial need.
College is expensive, and because of that, we students are always looking for ways to make some extra cash to help with expenses. Next time you’re looking to earn a little more money, try one of these!
