14 Ways To Make Money While In University

Jul 24, 2018

If you’ve ever studied at university then you’ll know that as well as dealing with the stress of assignments, you will probably find yourself feeling skint.

Unless you have very rich or generous parents, or you’re able to live rent-free with your parents while studying full-time for your degree programme, then you will definitely find yourself with some financial struggles. Plus, let’s be honest: living on the student loan is just not sufficient enough.

But being a student doesn’t mean that you have to tolerate being penniless 24/7. There are many ways to make money so that you can have an extra bit of cash, put away a tidy sum or make a pretty cool income.

Here are some of the sustainable, financially viable and profitable ways to make money.

Please note, these techniques are legal and will make you good money, not pennies. Also, these tips are not ‘get-rich-quick’ projects or multi-level marketing/pyramid schemes. A lot of these suggestions will require time, effort and hard work, but it will be worth it.

1. Part-time work

This one is kind of obvious, but it’s the best way to make good money. Many companies offer part-time roles so get looking. You can check out retail, call centre or receptionist jobs.

2. Claim your taxes back

Whenever you start a job (that fall under the ‘Pay As You Earn’ category) you will be taxed by HMRC straight away. If you earn under the tax threshold in a tax year then you can file a tax return after it ends.

3. Brand ambassador

Some universities offer paid student ambassador roles, so if you love talking about your university and/or course, you’re confident and you like speaking to the public, then apply. Some companies also offer paid ambassador roles, which would involve you promoting a brand or a campaign. The best thing about working as an ambassador is that you can represent a brand (or a series of brands) or university, and unlike a part-time job, ambassador jobs are flexible so you can fit it around your schedule.

4. Freelance

If you have a particular skill or a level of expertise in a certain field (i.e. graphic design, copywriting or software development), then start freelancing. You can check out opportunities on job boards online and sell your services. Alternatively, you can pitch yourself to companies within your industry.

Even though it comes with its challenges, freelancing is a great way to make extra money and it’s a good option if you’re a little bit entrepreneurial, and you won’t need much startup capital. You can fit your freelance work around your studies and you can build up your skills and your experience level, so that you have a lot to showcase on your CV, portfolio and/or LinkedIn profile. For some people, freelancing during university has helped them to get a graduate job straight away, or it’s helped them get onto the path of entrepreneurship after finishing university.

Whatever your reason for freelancing, it can set the tone for your future career.

5. Intern

Internships often get a bad rap because they can be unpaid and exploitative, but some companies offer paid work placements that will grant you proper wages. A paid internship is a great way to get on the career ladder of your dream role, build up your level of expertise and enhance your CV.

6. Start a blog or YouTube channel

These days, running a successful blog or YouTube channel is a great way to make an income, as long as you put in the time and effort and treat it as a business. Bloggers and YouTubers make money via a number of monetisation schemes, including selling a digital product (such as a course or an eBook), selling advertising space, affiliate marketing, brand ambassadorship and sponsored posts or videos.

7. Become a social media superstar

If you love using social media (especially Instagram) and you have a lot of followers, interaction, and engagement, then you can charge companies for sponsored posts and promote their products and services.

8. Sell your stuff

Many of us have items lying around at home that we hardly ever use, so start selling your stuff! You can set up a stall at a boot sale and sell your objects (such as books, games, CDs, and DVDs). Alternatively, you can sell your stuff online via websites such as eBay or MoneyMagpie.

9. Set up an online shop

If you’ve always dreamed of running your own shop and you’re an aspiring businessperson at heart, then why not set up your own shop. Setting up a shop may require a little bit of startup capital but with an online shop, you don’t have to deal with physical overheads and rental fees, which can be costly. You’d have to pay seller fees but this would work out cheaper than paying for a shop front. If you’re creative then you could set up a shop on Etsy, and you can sell physical or digital products.

10. Become a tutor

Put your subject area to good use and make money by becoming a tutor. Tutoring is very popular because there is such a high demand and it’s a very lucrative way to make money in your spare time.

11. Rent out your car parking space

Some students may find themselves living in properties with free parking which isn’t in use. If this is you, then rent out that space. If you live in an area where there is a high demand for a parking space, then charge a premium.

Bare in mind that there may some limitations to this. For example, if you live in university-owned accommodation, then you won’t be able to rent out parking space.

12. Babysit

Do you love kids? Can you handle them? Then you can babysit and make extra money. You’d need to be registered and you’d need to complete the required checks before you proceed.

Alternatively, if you love your feline friends then consider dogsitting, cat sitting or dog-walking.

13. Become a charity collector (not a chugger)

You can get paid to fundraise for charity. Charities are always hiring door-to-door fundraisers but if you’re not interested in that then consider telephone fundraising instead. Charity roles tend to pay minimum wage, but some pay more than that (up to £10-£12 per hour) and shifts can be flexible.

14. Become an extra

Do you want to be a star without taking centre stage? Then become a TV or film extra. The work isn’t very frequent but you can earn up to hundreds of pounds and you’ll have the privilege of appearing on screen!

Are you a student? How do you make extra cash?