Student loan debt is a growing problem that isn’t going away anytime soon. There are now more than 40 million borrowers with a total debt of $1.5 trillion dollars!
Many students are in a bind when it comes to money. But there are ways for students to make money while in school. Don’t let student debt rob you of future financial security.
All it takes is a little organization and motivation and you’re on your way to paying down your debts.
Keep reading for ways for students to make money without a big up-front investment.
1. Part-Time Nanny
Do you enjoy working with kids? Don’t overlook part-time nanny jobs. Most colleges offer flexible scheduling and evening classes.
Find a part-time nanny job that works with your schedule. Depending on how many kids you’re watching, these jobs pay quite well. You might even be able to get some homework done while you’re on the job.
Don’t overlook smaller babysitting jobs either. Babysitting apps like care.com make finding jobs easy. Work when you can and make decent money.
2. Sell Your Old Stuff
You’ve heard the saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure?” It’s true!
Do you have an old junk car that doesn’t run well anymore? It may seem like junk to you, but it could be worth hundreds of dollars. Old cars are scrapped for metal and parts.
Do you have a bunch of old clothes you don’t wear anymore? There are many mobile apps for selling old clothes. Try Poshmark, Vinted, or Threadflip.
You’ll take photos of your clothes and put them on the app and wait for someone to make an offer. With apps like Poshmark, they even take care of the shipping costs.
Do you have old furniture you don’t use? Sell it through Facebook!
3. Dog Walker
Here’s a side hustle that keeps you in great shape! Walk dogs between classes.
Figure out the going rate first. Then post flyers at the local grocery store and advertise on your favorite social media platform.
Offer your services for the specific hours you have off. All you need is a few regular clients and you’re in business.
An off-shoot of the dog walker is being a human “pooper scooper.” Most people don’t like picking up poop and will pay you to do it for them!
4. Part-Time Job
The good news about being a student? Most schools offer affordable health insurance coverage. Between that and a part-time job, you can do well.
There are lots of part-time jobs in the service industry, such as waiting tables and hostessing. Look for part-time jobs in retail and local businesses as well.
Lots of mom and pop stores have part-time openings because they can’t offer benefits. They often make up for the lack of benefits by giving you flexible hours and time off for tests.
5. Tutor Other Students
Are you outstanding when it comes to math or writing? Become a tutor. You can tutor young students or even your peers.
Tutors usually work late afternoon and early evening hours when kids get out of school. You might work some weekends too but the pay is good. Do a little research on the going rate for tutors in your area.
6. Offer Local Tours
Do you live in a big city or a cool small town? Many cities and towns have interesting historical sites and fun things to see. That means tourists, and tourists need walking tours.
See if any local tour companies need tour guides. If there are no tour companies, offer tours of your own. Make the tours fun and interesting and don’t charge too much.
If you have 10 people paying only $10 dollars, that’s $100! Offer tours on your time off between classes or in the early evening. Tourists love getting inside information on the best restaurants, hotels, and sites worth visiting.
Do you love telling ghost stories? Find out if the local cemetery will let you offer ghost tours. Then make it fun by telling a ghost story or two.
7. Virtual Assistants
Are you organized and efficient? Do you like responding to emails? A part-time virtual assistant job is a good side hustle.
Virtual assistant jobs vary from person to person. Most gigs include organizing files and coordinating schedules. You might handle booking someone’s travel and organizing an itinerary.
Look for jobs with titles like:
- Virtual assistant
- Administrative coordinator
- Executive assistant
You’ll need good computer skills. You’ll also need to know how to work online video conferencing tools and be a good communicator.
8. House Sitting
Some people don’t like leaving their home empty when they travel. You can make a great side hustle out of house sitting.
Make sure you know the going rates in your area and then start your own house-sitting business. You can charge more if people have pets.
House sitting is great because you don’t have to change your own schedule. You only need to move out of your place for a week or two at a time.
Offer something unique, like stocking the refrigerator with staples before the owner returns. This ensures a loyal clientele.
9. Ask a Professor
Some professors hire students for help with lesson preparation and paper grading. Ask your favorite professor if she needs a hand. This way you’ll learn and earn at the same time.
10. Grab the Snow Shovel
Do you attend school in a cold climate? Shovel driveways in the winter. Like dog walking, this job keeps you in shape while you earn.
Put flyers in the neighborhood and in people’s mailboxes. Charge by the job or by the house, whatever seems most fair.
There Are Many Ways for Students to Make Money
There are so many ways for students to make money! Put on your thinking cap and get to work. Don’t end up weighed down by debt when you graduate from school.
From dog walking to house sitting, there are lots of things people will pay you to do for them. You make their lives easier while earning some side money.
Always do your research so your prices aren’t too high, and don’t undervalue yourself with rock-bottom rates. You can do this!
Keep reading the blog for more great ideas.
