Besties, I get it. I did 2 majors and a minor during college, so I know what it’s like to be BIZ-ZEE. I also worked a ton of odd jobs to be able to afford tuition, gas, food, and all the other extra college costs. (Did I need a $7 iced coffee every day? No. Did that stop me? Also no.)
Look, dinner does not have to be three granola bars for the fourth night in a row, my Kitelings! Let’s break out of this cycle!
Good news: I’ve rounded up the best ways to make money without selling your plasma (again). I wish I knew about these odd jobs in college, because there are a lot more flexible gigs than you’d think! Maybe you might even learn something useful along the way… 😉.
1. Pet Sitting / Dog Walking
Obviously, this had to be #1. What could be better than both serotonin and a little spending money?
Apps like Rover let you get paid to hang out with pets. It’s the dream job… unless you’re allergic to joy (or dander). You can customize your prices, too!
I used Rover to pet-sit for two summers during college, and I have no regrets! The app gives you all the details on the doggies, including age, breed, and any special needs they may require.
Pro tip: look for houses that have pools. (Just joking. But for real, though… 😉)
2. Tutoring
As stressful as these hardcore college courses feel, remember that you still graduated high school! You’re basically Einstein to a struggling 16-year-old.
Sites like Wyzant – or even your campus bulletin board – are great places to start. Be sure to stay on the lookout for families/companies posting ads for tutoring positions.
Bonus points if you can explain algebra without crying!
3. Delivery Apps
DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates – they may be the last 3 charges to your debit card, but they can also be a way to earn money, too!
Picture this: you set your own hours, blast your Beyoncé playlist (it’s been a while since I mentioned the queen, so we’ve got some ground to make up), and get paid to deliver burritos.
If you’ve got your own car, you might consider trying this out as a side hustle. Even if it’s torture to smell all that yummy food without being able to eat it, it’s worth it!
4. Resell Thrifted Finds (The “Main Character” Side Hustle)
Thrift store treasure hunting isn’t just for fashion majors. If you’ve got an eye for vintage vibes, flipping finds on Depop or Etsy can bring in some extra cash.
Head on down to your local Goodwill and get to work! This side hustle might require you to build up your credibility online, which can take some time.
BUT: now you can say “I run a small business” on LinkedIn and actually mean it!
5. On-Campus Jobs
Of course, no one understands college students’ crazy schedules like your campus itself! There are a ton of part-time on-campus opportunities with flexible hours.
At my university, there was a recruitment fair in the beginning of the year for places like the library writing center and the campus community garden.
You’re bound to find something that fits into your schedule and doesn’t overwork you to death.
6. BTW – Don’t Sleep on Scholarships 😴💸
Side hustles are great and all, but don’t forget: free money > earned money.
Take a quick a sec to check out Red Kite – we make it super easy to find scholarships you actually qualify for. Like, “scrolling while waiting for your coffee” easy.
We personalize your scholarship results to bring you opportunities that are relevant and interesting! So click that logo at the top to start exploring over $27 BILLION in scholarships, grants, and loans.
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You don’t need to pull all-nighters to survive college. A good side hustle fits your schedule, funds your boba habit, and maybe even sparks a passion project.
My friend who worked at our campus community garden part-time now owns a thriving garden herself. All the knowledge about plants she accumulated ended up turning into a new hobby!
So go forth and hustle – smart, not hard. And hey, treat yourself to guac next time. You’ve earned it.
Check out Red Kite today! www.myredkite.com
