The first week of college is right around the corner, and whether you're a freshman or an upperclassman, you know the struggle of what it's like to be broke in college. Ramen noodles seem to be an every night occurrence and trying to eat out is like trying to convince your mom that a guy with tattoos and piercings is the right guy for you ... it just doesn't happen.
And the worst part about is you don't have your car to rely on.
Not having a car means limited transportation and limited transportation means limited job options. What can you do when the one thing that you relied on all summer can't come with you during school? You're going to need something in your wallet to pay for all those crazy bar nights and pizza dinners. And you're also going to need a job that's not going to cut into your academic and social life.
Here are some tips for jobs that will keep you and your wallet happy!
1. Tutoring.
You might think I'm crazy, but some universities will pay student tutors $8 to even $15 an hour. All you have to do is either have taken a previous AP course or perform so well in class that the professor recommends you to the tutoring center. Or it can be as simple as going down there applying yourself. It's easy, and they will gladly work around your class schedule, so you can help out your fellow students.
2. Proofreading.
If you don't have the confidence or the grades to tutor another student in a subject maybe proofreading is your safer route. If you're a good writer or proofreader, look to the writing center when it comes to accessible schedules and easy money.
3. Taking notes for students who can't due to injury.
This is another awesome opportunity that can completely work around your class schedule. Depending on what they are called at your university, the tutoring center will send out a list of classes that students are enrolled in that need help taking notes. At my university they pay $300 a class, if that's not easy money, I don't know what it is.
4. Do you have a bar or student Café on campus?
Why not apply for that? Normally the student union looks for those willing to give up maybe one Wednesday or Thursday night to help out at your local café or bar. Plus, you also receive tips!
5. Don't feel like dealing with drunk college students or having to work every other night? IT, library, or even school departments will take students who are willing to take care of all the dirty work that no one else wants to do. And most of the time after you're done filing numerous amounts of papers, you can do your homework.
6. This might sound crazy but sometimes professors will look for students to either be babysitters or help them within their field of study.
With the babysitting gig, they already trust you because you're one of their favorite students and sometimes they can even provide transportation because they understand your struggle as a student. With their field of study, you can help them in their labs, offices or even in the classroom, plus you get to know them better on a more personal level.
7. Are you in a sports organization, sorority or fraternity, or club on campus? Well networking with your peers is the best way to get an off-campus job.
8. Now if no one's going to drive you, don't forget that almost every single college in America has a shuttle system. It might be a tight time squeeze, but if your shuttle system drops you off in an area where there are a lot of restaurants or boutiques, it doesn't hurt to go and ask and inquire about a job.
