Trying to rack up some quick cash for that last minute spring break trip? Earning money in college can be hard, especially when you have bills to pay and are taking classes full time. Fortunately, there's a lot of little-known opportunities to make some easy money, even when you need flexible hours.
1. Become an Uber driver
No plans on Friday night? This is your golden ticket (if you have a car on campus). Work whenever you want just by logging into the app and seeing who is requesting a ride. Campus is always crawling with people just looking for a ride. Not to mention, the stories you'll have will be priceless.
2. Participate in a taste test
Dreams really do come true. What could ever possibly be better than getting paid to eat free food? Plus, companies are willing to dish out big bucks just to get your thoughts on a new dish. Head to FPI to join the database and get started.
3. Get a credit card
Okay, so this might not be the quickest way to make a ton of money, but it certainly is easy. Many credit cards offer special student cards, making it easier to qualify, even if you haven't built up a lot of credit. Once you get your card, most major credit cards offer you a percentage of what you spend using the card in cash, vouchers for stores or restaurants or airline miles. Many credit cards also offer a good student reward such as Discover, who gives you $20 every school year your GPA is above 3.0. Just remember to pay on time every month. Even the good student reward isn't worth a tanked credit score.
4. Participate in research studies
Almost every department at major research universities conducts studies. Studies can range from answering questions online to intensive medical trials. Compensation also ranges from extra credit points for qualifying classes to cold, hard cash.
5. Become a brand ambassador
Many up and coming companies love getting the word out to college students and there's no better way than to have a college student do it for them. Most brand ambassadors get paid and/or get a ton of free swag for their efforts. Brand ambassadors usually promote brands on social media and may even host events throughout the semester.
6. Become a teacher's assistant
For many introductory classes, professors look for undergraduate students to work as TAs. This often entails attending lectures, grading assignments and being available for office hours to help students understand class concepts.
7. Sell your textbooks
You might never need your "Ancient Civilizations of Rome" textbook again, but someone else does. University bookstores often have a sell-back program, where you can bring your books in and receive up to 50 percent of what you paid for the book. You can also sell books to other students on Facebook pages or on Half.com, which doesn't charge you a fee to put your textbooks on their site.
8. Deliver for a courier service
Courier services, such as Postmates, deliver food and goods from stores and restaurants in your city. You simply purchase the goods and deliver them to the buyer. Plus, you're loaded with options, such as biking or even walking, to and from destinations. So even if you don't have a car on campus, you can make it work. You also get to keep 100 percent of the tips you make.
9. Tutor your peers
Was Biology 101 a breeze for you while you watched the rest of your class suffer in confusion? Help them out! You can set up your own tutoring service or visit sites like this to work at UMN Library drop-in hours. You might even have a chance to get caught up on your own homework if it's slow.
10. Bring your old clothes to a consignment shop
We know how much you loved that Abercrombie & Fitch shirt in eighth grade, but now is the time to let another middle schooler feel as cool as you did in it. Take all of the clothes you don't wear anymore to a consignment shop, such as Plato's Closet. They will look through your clothes and give you cash on the spot for items that are still in pretty good shape.
11. Sell t-shirts
Brands like University Tees look for campus managers to request designs, set up orders and promote their business. You often get to keep commission on every order you create!
12. Freelance an article
Is there something you're really passionate about? Do you wish your blog was seen by more than just your best friend and your mom? Go ahead and write about it and submit it to news, magazine or online outlets. If accepted, many major news organizations will compensate you for your content.
13. Sell your art
If you're super crafty, this could be the job for you. Sell your creations to friends, family or other students. You can also branch out and post your creations on sites like Etsy to reach a larger consumer base. Check out this article for tips on getting started and being successful. Who knows? Maybe this could be the start of a new career path.
