How Can a College Student Make Money Online? Expert Tips and Ideas
College students often look for ways to earn money while studying. Sometimes, it's all about having a little extra money for leisure activities; in other cases, it's about improving personal finances.
No matter the reason, you can find a part-time job that offers you the balance you need between work and school.
The Importance of Having a Source of Income While in College
As a college student, you have a lot of living expenses to cover, including tuition, textbooks, housing, food, transportation, and more.
Having a source of income can help you cover some of these costs and reduce some of the financial burden. That's why part-time jobs on campus and online are becoming increasingly popular among many college students.
Some other important benefits of having extra money during college are:
Becoming financially independent
Building good personal finance habits early on
Gaining valuable work experience for your future career
Avoiding debt from student loans or credit cards
Improving mental health by reducing financial stress
Learn How College Students Are Making Money
There's no need to put your studies on hold. Many part-time jobs pay well and are flexible enough to achieve good grades.
We've created a list of money-making opportunities that might be the perfect fit for you! These options don't require experience, which makes them even better for students who need to make money while in college.
#1 Take online surveys
Online surveys have become increasingly popular among college students to make money in their spare time.
Forthright is one of the most reliable sites online to take online surveys. On this platform, all you need to do is sign up, complete your profile, and then you can start taking surveys! You'll get reimbursed with either rewards or cash for taking a few minutes to complete a survey. Would you like to give it a try? This is your chance to make extra money.
If you want to make money while studying, this is an excellent choice.
#2 Review apps & websites
If you're good at using a web browser or like to explore apps and learn how they can solve different issues, this is one of the best ways to make more money as a student.
Unlike other jobs, there are usually no requirements for prior experience or education to review sites and apps, making it an accessible option. Additionally, you can set your own schedule, which makes it ideal when juggling classes and other responsibilities.
Websites like UserTesting, Trymata, and Userlytics pay users to test and review both websites and apps. As a college student, you can sign up and complete the tests in your free time.
#3 Be a research assistant
If you have research and analytical skills, being a research assistant can be an excellent way to make money, gain experience, and still have time to study.
You need a good understanding of tools like Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and project management software to succeed. A reliable internet connection, a computer with a webcam and microphone, and a dedicated workspace are also essential.
To find remote research assistant positions, visit platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and FlexJobs. You can also check campus job boards to see if any openings offer flexibility.
#4 Become a virtual assistant
Being a virtual assistant has become a popular full-time and part-time job in recent years. Why? Because it's flexible enough, you only need access to a computer and an internet connection. This option is perfect for college students who must work around class schedules.
Many virtual assistant jobs offer competitive hourly rates or project-based pay. To tackle the job, you will be responsible for various tasks such as administrative work, social media management, email correspondence, and scheduling appointments.
Some platforms to explore include Indeed, Glassdoor, Upwork, and Workana.
#5 Start tutoring younger students
Offering tutoring services is a great way to improve your teaching skills while helping others. You don't necessarily need to have in-person encounters; you can use video conferencing tools like Zoom to meet with other students.
Identify where you are more knowledgeable and how your skills and knowledge can help others improve their abilities or get better grades at college. All you need to do is spend a few hours planning and teaching your classes.
#6 Buy & sell furniture
The turnover on college campuses is high. Every year, there is a large influx and outflow of new students, which results in the exchange of furniture and appliances. You can make money by buying and selling items in your college town.
To inform fellow students about the items, create an online marketplace and use social media to promote it. A platform like Shopify is a great choice for the job. Keep in mind that for this job, you'll need to have cash on hand.
#7 Sell t-shirts online
Selling t-shirts online can be a fun and creative way to earn money. If you have graphic design skills, you can create and sell your designs online on platforms like Etsy. You can draw inspiration from anything you like!
Create t-shirts featuring lyrics from popular songs, iconic quotes from TV shows, or designs inspired by your college mascot. Once you have your designs, you can use print-on-demand services like Printful or Printify to ship your t-shirts directly to customers.
#8 Freelance writing
If you have writing skills, taking on freelance writing jobs can be an excellent way to earn a few extra dollars while gaining valuable experience. To be a freelance writer, you need a portfolio with writing samples. You can include writing tasks from school or college that you feel proud of.
You can pitch freelance writing jobs on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. Additionally, consider choosing a niche to focus on a specific topic or industry.
#9 Be a social media manager
Nowadays, many companies are looking for ways to increase their online presence. If you enjoy content creation, this might be for you. As a social media manager, you can create and manage content for social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Local businesses, local restaurants, or small business owners in your area might need more resources to hire someone full-time to handle their social media platforms. Therefore, they might be open to hiring college students to do it.
To find social media management job opportunities, search for job postings on platforms like Glassdoor, Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. With this job, you can gain valuable experience in digital marketing and start building your professional network while earning money.
#10 Start a blog
If you have a passion for writing or enjoy a specific topic, starting a blog can be an excellent way to earn extra income.
Choose your niche and build a site using platforms like WordPress or Wix to get started. Once you have created your blog, start creating engaging content and promoting it on social media and other online channels.
In the long run, you can monetize your blog through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Some excellent platforms include Amazon Associates.
Here Are the Tools You Need to Maximize Your Earning Potential in College
Having the right tools to start a job makes a big difference. In addition to having the skills and knowledge, there are essential tools that can help you make the most of your time and skills while in college.
Here are the tools you need to make money in college:
A reliable computer: Invest in a good-quality device with enough processing power and storage capacity to handle your work.
Internet connection: With a stable and high-speed internet connection, you can complete online tasks effectively.
Headset & microphone: A good quality headset or microphone is essential for clear communication with your clients.
Camera: Whether you plan on selling products online or managing social media accounts, having a good camera to take high-quality product photos is important.
Ready to Start Earning?
There are countless ways for college students to earn money, but not all opportunities are the right fit. Some people might deliver food, start a dog-walking business, or become a virtual teaching assistant.
Whatever they choose, having a job with enough flexibility is key when juggling a heavy course load, extracurricular activities, and any other responsibility.
Explore all your options today and choose the one that best fits your routine, interests, and future career!