Take a cue from other students who are earning money in creative ways
As the recession worsens and college and university tuition costs rise, students are finding new ways to deal with smaller family budgets while still pursuing higher-education and the expensive textbooks that go with it. Students might be working more and spending less on eating out or vehicles. And other students might even opt to go with textbook rentals rather than purchase their college textbooks outright.
If you’re a student struggling with the costs of college, here are 10 ways that others like you are raising the funds to go to college and buy college textbooks:
1. Get a job
In any college or university town, there are many jobs waiting for you on or near campus. Look for a part time job in a place that is willing to hire college students—that way they will be prepared to adapt to your student schedule.
2. Tutor other students
Are you an A student in English, Math, Science or Sociology? Well, post tutoring services around campus and charge for it. You can bet there are other students who aren’t doing so well and who could use the extra attention. Plus, you don’t have to pay for an office if you use the library, cafeteria or even Skype.
3. Rent your textbooks
An easy way to save money on college textbooks is to rent—rather than buy them. You can also photocopy versions of your textbooks and offer to sell them to other students for a nominal fee.
4. Get an internship
There are many organizations looking to hire students for paid internship or work-study programs for a few months. This way, you earn some bucks and learn some valuable real world skills in your profession of choice.
5. Offer to do odd jobs for elderly neighbors and family
Tell your friends and family that you are looking to mow lawns, shovel driveways, babysit, provide dog walking and pet sitting, clean homes and garages, plant flowers, and grocery shop for elderly neighbors in exchange for a small fee. Not only can you determine your working hours, but you’ll be shocked at how many people need help and will pay for the smallest of chores to be done around their homes.
6. IT repair
Are you handy with a PC? Know your way around a laptop? Offer to repair computers or hook up new systems for a fee.
7. Make jewelry
Take a look on marketplace sites like Facebook, Ebay, Etsy or Craigslist where shoppers will pay a pretty penny for a snappy new bracelet or necklace. If you have a knack with beads, make your own jewelry and list it online for sale. You can generate a pretty decent part-time income from online sales.
8. Get in the holiday spirit
Offer seasonal services—such as snow shoveling, raking leaves, delivering poinsettias, or offer to wrap holiday gifts.
9. Office assistant at large
Ask your professors if they are in need of an assistant to do things like answer phones, make photocopies, do research or even wash their car.
10. Official note taker
Offer note taking services—even if it’s just in the classes you take. Think about it this way, you’re taking the notes anyways, so all you need to do is photocopy and sell them to your classmates. If you’re notes are well organized and clear, you’ll soon find a lot of eager customers
Author Bio
Tina Jacobs is a registered nurse and freelance health writer who has written for numerous print and online publications ranging from education to health topics. Tina is a proud Georgetown University and plans to expand her portfolio while she waits to take her nursing licensure via the NCLEX exam. Most days, Tina can be found studying or writing in her beautiful bay window with her cat, Oscar, for company
