Yes, It’s Possible!
Before I started at the University of Florida, I was completely resigned to become a microwave-ramen and penny-pitching college student. After all, that was the only thing I’d been told about college finances- that they were tight. And while these habits have definitely proven more than a stereotype through the years, my presumption that all college students were, by definition, broke, wasn’t entirely true. As it turns out, there are actually a ton of ways that you can make money in college, all while being a full-time student.
Of course, you should always consider whether or not you have the time to fit a job in with your academic schedule. For some students, the freedom to decide whether you can work and study at the same time is not a given. If you do have the ability to decide, however, you should be wary of overbooking yourself.
On-Campus Opportunities
There are significant benefits to seeking employment on-campus. First of all, you don’t have to worry about a long commute to and from work, especially if you don’t have reliable transportation. I know that, especially during my first few years of college, having no car would have seriously stunted my job search. But fear not! Most campuses offer a wide range of positions in almost all areas of campus, across a variety of disciplines.
Some jobs on campus can even help you gain experience in your chosen field, and therfore make a great addition to your resume (or a fantastic talking-point in a job interview). One important thing to note when trying to find a job on campus is the Federal Work-Study Program. If you are available for a work-study position through your school, there are likely even more on-campus opportunities that you can apply for. If you do not qualify for a work-study position, make sure to note whether or not a position is a designated work-study job before you spend time applying.
Although on-campus jobs differ at every school, here’s some positions you will likely encounter…
- Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (TA)
- Almost every department will have TAs that assist professors in conducting their classes. TAs can have a wide variety of responsiblities. Depending on the department and class you’re TAing for, you might be expected to assist in lectures, host office hours, and/or grade papers and exams. If you’ve performed well in a class, or have a strong relationship with your professor, you should inquire about their available TA positions for future semesters.
- Library Attendent
- Library attendents usually help keep order and quiet in the library, answer student questions, and assist library attendees in finding certain resources and materials. From what I’ve seen, it’s usually a pretty calm job, and may even give you an opportunity to get some homework done while on the clock!
- Residential Assistant (RA)
- As far as on-campus jobs go, the RA position is pretty involved. Your responsibilities as an RA are typically to assist your residents in any way possible, whether they’re passed out in the hall bathroom, or locked themselves out of their room. You’re usually expected to sign up for on-call shifts, in which any resident issues will be directed to you. Being an RA can also be a lot of fun, though. You are free to choose the themes of your area’s decor, and make real connections with your residents! Beyond this, most RAs also have their housing and meal plans paid for by the school.
- Campus Food Worker (i.e. barista, host/hostess, or waiter/waitress)
- Entering an unfamiliar position can be intimidating, but don’t fret- there’s plenty of jobs on-campus that you may even have previous experience in. Food service is just one! Being a barista, line cook, or waiter would definitely be a job to keep you busy. But, if you love a job where you can turn your brain off for a few hours, this might be for you.
- Administrative Assistants
- Administrative assistants serve in many academic departments, completing tasks such as answering phones, responding to emails, working front-desks, and filing papers. If you’re partricularly interested in or involved with one department, become an administrative assistant at the designted building of that department can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
Part-Time Jobs
Despite the benefits that having an on-campus position might bring, there’s inarguably less options to make money in college unless you branch out to the surrounding area. Though part time jobs vary from city to city, there’s a couple of consistent part-time positions that are popular among college students.
Additionally, just because you cannot find a job through your University doesn’t mean that it can’t have career relevance. There’s tons of positons that can still give you great experience for your future career. By the same token, you can also choose a job that you simply know you’ll enjoy, even if it doesn’t have a lot to do with your professional aspirations.
Some part-time jobs that are popular with college students…
- Receptionist
- Cashier
- Bartender
- Book store clerk
- Lifeguard
- Bank teller
- Tutor
Side-Hustles
Perhaps a traditional job isn’t your style. That’s okay, too. There’s no shame in pursuing side-hustles for some extra cashflow. While side-hustles offer you more flexibility in your hours and workload, you might also find new passions in pursuing them! In fact, that’s how Subject Saviors started…
Some side-hustles we suggest…
- Become a food/grocery delivery driver
- Becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft
- Sell your clothes on Depop or Poshmark
- Housesit
- Petsit
- Babysit or nanny part-time
- Get a dataentry job
- Donate plasma (safely, of course!)
- Find opportunities as a freelance audio transcriber
- Fill out online surveys
Balancing Your Budget
Once you actually start to make money, it’s important not to blow it all on $5 lattes and groceries from Whole Foods. Figuring out (and sticking to) a feasible budget can be a great asset in becoming financially savvy.
Of course, college itself comes with fees. Purchasing materials and paying tuition is definitely unavoidable, but there’s certain ways you can minimize your spending as much as possible, while still ensuring that you have all the materials you need for your classes. There’s tons of websites that offer free PDFs of textbooks (my personal favorite is Library Genesis). My best advice? Check before you buy!
One mistake that most college students tend to make in their budgets lies in food. Although food is certainly going to be a large part of your budget, you should plan to limit the number of times you eat out per week. It also might prove less expensive in the long run to spend a little more at the grocery store, and try to cook at home as much as possible. For me personally, I like to shop at Aldi or Walmart, since I usually find the prices a lot cheaper. I also try my hardest to only eat out a couple times a week. If you’re struggling with this, I suggest meal-prepping!
Last (but not least!), I recommend giving yourself a spending-limit on entertainment and shopping. Although going out with your friends is one of the more fun aspects of the college experience, it certainly doesn’t have to break the bank. Plan your activities ahead of time, and plan accordingly! If you know you have an expensive outing on Friday, it might not be a good idea to hit the movies on Monday.
As always, feel free to let us know what we missed in the comments below!
