How to Make Money as a Student

Making money is tough, not least when you’re a student with enough to worry about as it is.

And while it’s not ideal to be spending your university days forking out thousands of pounds to pay for those rising living costs, for many, it’s a reality.

Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to boost that dwindling bank balance, many of which don’t even require you to leave the couch. Whether it’s a quick fix you’re after or something more career-specific, we’ve got you covered. 

Take a look at our suggestions below for some inspiration.

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1) Sell on eBay

Selling items on eBay might sound like fun and games, but when handled right, it can lead to serious riches, especially if you’re selling good-quality products.

If you’re stuck on what to trade, have a look at their top seller list. Clothes, textbooks, comics and vinyls are all high-flyers, as are electronic items such as TVs, laptops and computer monitors.

Follow these steps to get set up:

• Create an account
• Research the product
• Add a photo
• Add a product description

Try posting your listing on a Sunday afternoon as this tends to be the optimum time for shoppers – or eBayers as they like to be called nowadays. And voilà! You’re good to go.

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2) Become a dog sitter

Are you the kind of person who’d drop everything at the sight of a dog? Have you longed for a pooch of your own but haven’t managed to get one because of other commitments?

If so, be sure to check out Care Pet Care. A community of dog lovers, the business connects owners with like-minded people who would relish the opportunity to look after their canine companions while they are away.

To get started, just sign up and create a profile. After that, you’ll be able to live your best Cruella-free 101 Dalmatians life.

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3) Write a review

Imagine getting paid to post an opinion. It’s like being Piers Morgan, only less shouty. Jokes aside, wouldn’t it be nice to rake in some cash every once in a while too?

If so, you’ll love Google Opinion Rewards, an app that allows you to earn Play Store credits by answering questions and providing feedback. 

All you have to do is download the app and inform Google about the type of web content you consume. 

Once you’ve completed a survey, you’ll get a bunch of credits that can then be traded in exchange for movies, music and games on the Google Play Store. 

Sweet, right?

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4) Rent out your home to film crews

Ever wondered how it’d feel to see your dining room as the backdrop of a television drama like Downton Abbey?

If you’re anything like us, you’d jump at the chance of experiencing a bit of movie magic, right there on your doorstep.

Producers are always on the hunt for places to film and will pay big money for it, so if you’re strapped for cash and want to supplement those crumbling student loans, this is your moment.

By listing your space on Film Locations, you’ll be making your property available to hundreds of creatives for hire. Not only will you receive full payment upfront, you’ll also have direct contact with the client, which is always a plus. 

If you’ve got a home, a warehouse, a shop or even a farmer’s field on offer, don’t be shy. Give it a go.

Alternatively, if you’re living with your parents, make sure you ask for their permission first.

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5) Create a blog

There are so many reasons why someone would start a blog.

Whether you’re a writer in need of a creative outlet or a career influencer who longs to inspire others, getting your thoughts down is the first step in setting those commercial and artistic wheels in motion.

Most people create blogs using Wix or WordPress, but there are lots of platforms out there to choose from. It’s all about preference, really.

Though design matters, it’s vital that you build an online following too. Your readers are your customers. So if you want to keep them engaged, you’ll need to come up with interesting and stimulating content.

If your blog becomes a hit, consider using Google Adsense to monetise it. Companies will usually require a breakdown of your daily or monthly traffic to ensure it’s worth the money. But give it a shot. You’ll never know how things will turn out until you’ve actually tried.

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6) Become a tutor

Tutoring is a fantastic way to support yourself while studying at university. If you’re patient and have a knack for teaching new skills, you’ll find it extremely rewarding.

Though it requires time, effort and dedication on your part, it’s certainly manageable and can bring in a fair bit of income – not to mention provide you with invaluable experience that’ll look fantastic on your CV.

There are lots of subjects you can tutor. If unsure, check your university’s career centre for advice. You’d be surprised at just how many international students need English practice, for instance, both in the written and the spoken form.

Alternatively, you might prefer to tutor people online, in which case, have a look at MyTutor.      

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7) Apply to be a brand ambassador

If you’re sociable and enjoy helping others, consider becoming a brand ambassador. Brand ambassadors work on behalf of an employer, promoting products and services to students on campus.

Your responsibilities could include creating social media posts and handing out merchandise to getting people talking about your employer. All these are activities you can put on your CV to show hiring managers your people and commercial skills.

Pay tends to range from £8 – £10 per hour. So if you’re looking for a casual, part-time role to fit around your studies, this may well be the job for you.

Find out why becoming a brand ambassador is the best thing you can possibly do for your career.

Are you ready to make a difference?  

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8) Get a Totum card

One of the perks of being a student is getting discounts. Whether it’s on food, clothes, travel, fitness or tech, saving money is just as good as making it.

The TOTUM card lets you do just that. TOTUM is your all-in-one student discount card that gives you the best deals on some of the world’s biggest brands like ASOS, Apple and Sephora.

But that’s not all. When you apply for your card, you’ll get a free International Student Identity Card for one year too. ISIC is the only card that recognises your status as a student internationally.

By having one, you’ll be taking full advantage of your savings overseas, and making the most of 42,000 discounts in over 130 countries.

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