You’ve finally made it! You are a student at your new university studying what you’re passionate about, meeting new friends, joining clubs, and what was that other thing? Oh right, running out of money from your summer job mowing lawns and babysitting your neighbor’s twins. Now, the classic part-time job isn’t for everyone, and who even has the time with the papers and assignments piling up on your desk? Not you. That’s where self-starting comes in; not just so you can afford pizza and drinks, but to kick start your life post-graduation. It’s very competitive out there and it becomes more so with every passing year. Don’t wait around, take these tips and… ‘Go Fund Yourself’. (What did you think we meant?)
Tutor Online
You thought those book smarts were just for getting on the dean’s list? Think again, buddy. You didn’t pay that much for SAT prep for nothing. Since we live in a world run by technology, money is literally at your fingertips with this quick piece of advice. One way you can go fund yourself is through websites where you list your credentials and sign up as a tutor for any range of topics. The best part? You pick your availability. That means more time for weekends to yourself and you don’t even have to leave your dorm room. Sign up for tutor.com today and get some quick cash from home.
Delivery Driving
If you already don’t go to sleep until 3 a.m. on a Wednesday night, what better thing could you have to do than deliver freshly baked food to other students? Companies are willing to pay big bucks to eager college students willing to drive at hours when everyone over the age of 24 is fast asleep in bed. You get the benefit of employment and tips without a strict daily work schedule. What more could you want? Don’t forget the free food that will most likely accompany this deal… I know you have to be tired of ramen by now. Apply for a job at Campus Cookies, Insomnia Cookies, or find a similar business near your campus so you can deliver gooey goodness to college kids while getting some extra tips.
Sober Driving
The only thing college students may love more than food is cheap alcohol and fun. For this very reason, college towns are desperate for sober drivers. Think about it, there is a reason Uber was one of the fasting growing companies in the past few years. Facebook is an extremely handy tool for opportunities like this. Join a sober group and get an easy $10 for driving people home. If you do the math, you could easily make over $100 for one night. I know, the F.O.M.O. must be real if I even mention skipping a night out, but this not only makes you money, it also helps your peers stay safe on the weekend.
Become a Brand Ambassador
We all know that this generation is addicted to their phones and that won’t change anytime soon. Most college kids view their Instagram feed as being just as important as their Chemistry grade. This is the perfect climate to become a brand ambassador for your campus. Countless brands are dying to have young, hip students marketing their goods all over campus, Instagram, and Twitter. Not only do you get paid, but everything is on your own time and, as we all know, time is money!
University Opportunities
Most universities across the U.S. have many resources that the students take for granted; most of all, the university website. Although it seems redundant, the website houses link to other sites for career advancement and student employment opportunities. One of the most common student jobs is student teaching, also known as being a T.A. Contrary to what you might think, your school does want you to succeed. Go on your school’s website and explore it because you never know what you might stumble upon while browsing.
Find Your Niche
Right now, there are tons of kids wishing they had extra money in their bank accounts. What sets you apart from the average college student is how well you know yourself and your talents. Find what you are good at and pursue it in your free time. After you find what you like, try to make a business arrangement out of it. If you are a talented artist, sell canvases to other students. If you love to workout, get your personal training certification. If you love to write, start a blog. The truth is that there are countless ways to make extra cheddar if you’re willing to get a bit creative with it.
Invest
Now comes the inevitable question of what to do with the money you make. Sure, it’s fun to have some extra cash to go get dinner and drinks with friends or take your significant other on the date they have been hinting at for weeks. But, let’s think big picture here… or just a little bigger than a date night. People say that college is the best four years of your life, but still just four years. When the fun is over, and it’s time to get serious, you will want to have a cushion to fall back on. The biggest tip for future financial success is to invest in yourself now. Although very few college kids have the knowledge to invest their hard-earned money, the shocking reality is it’s not that hard. If you would like to learn about what investment option is best for you, reach out to one of our financial professionals.