Late-night study sessions, pages of essays, and thesis proposals often make studying seem like a full-time job. That’s why for many students, it’s unfeasible to juggle full-time work with full-time studying. After all, there are only 24 hours in a day, and we need to spend some of it taking a break!
Luckily, students need not fear—there are still some handy ways to earn pocket money as you’re hitting the books. However, don’t expect these tips to make you rich. Instead, see these tips as a way to help you earn some extra cash that can pay for groceries, random coffee runs, and cover the occasional bill!
Complete Surveys
Whether you’re a student or a professional at the office, our phones are typically the first thing we reach for while we’re on a break. Even during work, it’s easy to sneak a peek at our phone screens to check for updates.
Next time you’re wasting time browsing on your phone, you might as well earn some cash as you browse by completing surveys with survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkey. All you have to do is sign up and then complete surveys in exchange for points, which the points can then redeem for gift cards from popular retailers and restaurants. Surveys can range from only a couple of minutes to over 20 minutes (with more time equating to a higher payout).
Spending 20 minutes doing a survey may sound like a lot. Still, it’s likely the average person spends more time scrolling on social media than taking a money-returning survey!
Resell Your Items
Your first-year biochemistry textbook doesn’t have to be a heavy doorstopper. Instead, resell your old textbooks at your school’s marketplace or through other online classified ad sites (which are usually free to post). If your textbook is a recent edition, you can even resell them either at your school’s bookstore or to companies that will buy books from you.
Once you resell your books, don’t stop there! Items like clothes, jewelry, and electronics can also be sold to make some extra cash while clearing up much-needed space in your home. You can resell them on online classified ad sites. Still, there are also dedicated apps like Carousel that are made to resell old clothing and accessories.
Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to organize an old-fashioned garage sale!
Participate in Research Studies or Focus Groups
Post-secondary institutions are learning centers that go beyond the classroom. Some research labs in universities (especially psychology and sports science labs) usually seek participants for their studies and commonly advertise it on campus bulletins or online.
Check out bulletin boards around campus to find advertisements for paid study opportunities, which can compensate eligible participants in the form of cash, gift cards, or raffle entries. Remember that pre-screening is often required to determine a participant’s eligibility and suitability for the research study.
Paid clinical studies are also available by companies that pay their participants handsomely. So it may be worth it to look online at clinical studies conducted near your location.
Become A Part-Time Tutor
Are you learning all about introductory calculus or cramming your brain with more knowledge about organic chemistry? Don’t keep that knowledge to yourself, as students are looking for a helping hand in these subjects. If you’re seeking a part-time opportunity that’s flexible with your studies, consider being a part-time tutor!
Whether one-on-one or in a group setting, companies like TutorBright or Studiosity help their students succeed in a variety of subjects, which are tutored by qualified students like yourself. Check TalentEgg’s job board for new postings related to teaching and tutoring.
Find Freelancing Gigs
Do you have a knack for computers, or can you type really fast? Put your talents to good use and take up a freelancing gig to help you earn some extra cash. TalentEgg has a dedicated job board to help you find your next freelance gig. Be sure to keep an eye out for organizations who occasionally post gigs related to data collection or data entry. These organizations give you the flexibility to work while studying and also helping you learn a couple of marketable skills.
Making Use Of Your Free Time To Earn Some Cash
A student’s priority should be focused on studying. But during your downtime and after you’ve given yourself some time to relax and unwind, these methods can help you earn some pocket money to alleviate school expenses. Expenses like groceries, occasional bills, or even the cost of textbooks. It may not be much, but hey: a little goes a long way, right?