Getting into uni is exciting and there’s so much to look forward to; new friends, a new social life, a new town or city to explore and finally getting that longed-for independence. But with that independence comes the reality of having to pay for it all.
Lots of students are faced with having to make their student loan stretch past their accommodation, as well as trying to find the balance between earning enough money and putting in the studying hours and it can feel a bit overwhelming. Where do you even start?
We’ve put together 10 of the best ways to make money as a student that still leave you enough time to focus on your studies/social life.
1. PART-TIME WORK IN RETAIL/HOSPITALITY
Most university towns and cities have plenty of shops and bars that rely on both student custom and student labour. This kind of work is also great for meeting people and making friends at uni; for example, bartending is a particularly sociable job.
2. DELIVERY RIDER/DRIVER
This could be anything, from parcels and groceries to takeaway food. You don’t need a car, companies such as Deliveroo are always on the lookout for riders, all you need is a bike and a good sat nav. This kind of job is also really flexible so one of the more popular ways to make money as a student.
3. ONLINE SELLING
Most people have clothes they don’t wear anymore; you probably found a load when you were packing for uni. Sites like Depop and Vinted are great for selling all kinds of things, from clothes and jewellery to books and old CDs.
4. WORK ON CAMPUS
Getting a part-time job on campus, for example as an events ambassador, or within the student union, is another great way to meet people while earning money. You won’t have to travel far, and your employers will understand that you need to be flexible.
5. MARKET RESEARCH PROJECTS
You could take part in focus groups and online surveys; this is when you’re asked your opinion on a particular product or marketing campaign. It’s another flexible way to earn money as a student as most of the time you’ll be able to do it remotely.
6. PET SITTING/DOG WALKING
Since the pandemic, pet sitting/dog walking has become big business; one report shows that 3.5 million dogs were bought during lockdown. It’s flexible, a good way to get your steps in and could help ease some of that homesickness you feel from leaving your furry little friend at home when you started uni.
Just be aware that people may require you to pass a DBS check and have insurance.
7. TUTORING
This is perfect for if you feel you excel in a particular subject and lots of students have their old GCSE/A-Level notes lying around. It can be done either online or in-person and you choose the hours that suit you. You may also need a DBS check for this.
8. FIVERR
This is a great place to get money in return for services (or gigs) you provide; whether that’s translating, website design, social media, graphic design work – the possibilities are endless, but the earnings can soon add up. It’s great experience too for your chosen line of work after uni, and adds to your CV.
9. BE A PICKER PACKER
This is a job in a retail or wholesale warehouse, and it is exactly as the title describes – you pick the goods from the shelves, then pack them ready to be sent off. These jobs are often quite fast-paced and can be physical, but you can choose your hours to suit you.
10. CLEANING
Often cleaning somewhere else can be much more appealing than cleaning your own place, especially if you’re getting paid for it! You can do this in private homes, offices or hotels and it can be great if you want something temporary or flexible for a few hours a week. This may also require a DBS check.
Working alongside studying has become the norm now for most students, but it is a great way to meet more people as well as getting some vital life/work experience. Your uni website might have a jobs portal with part-time job opportunities, both on and off campus, and often jobs are found by word-of-mouth.
It can be daunting, having to manage your money by yourself, but with a bit of budgeting (read our budgeting tips for help with this) and time management, you can find that balance between work and play and enjoy your time at uni. You’ll probably want to cut down on any extra outgoings, and student insurance is often way down the list of priorities, but it can also save you a lot of time, money and hassle in the long run. Read more about why you should opt for student insurance and take a look at how you can tweak your policy to suit the kind of student you are. Get a free, no-strings, no jargon, quote today.
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