Freelancing, Odd Jobs and Work Study

Social media and content creation

YouTube is a great platform to share your stories and earn money. You can create sponsored videos and show ads before or during your videos. Building up an audience takes time, but by consistently uploading engaging videos, you can monetize your channel through YouTube’s Partner Program and earn money through ads. You can also earn extra dollars through sponsorships.

Or you can consider influencer marketing through Instagram and TikTok if you already have a big following. College students can become social media influencers to earn an extra income. Use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase your personality and talents. Campus influencers focus on creating content for fellow students, attracting brands interested in connecting with their target audience. Collaborating with brands can include sponsored posts, product reviews or hosting giveaways. Big companies hire students to promote their brands on college campuses. It’s a fun way to earn extra money, and sites like WhurkWhurk and Reppr make it easy to earn rewards while helping big brands.

Transform your online presence into a profitable partnership and earn extra money by becoming a campus influencer.

Flipping/reselling items

Selling vintage items or flipping thrift store finds can be a great way to earn some extra cash. If you’re someone who enjoys DIY projects or browsing through thrift stores, this might be the perfect side hustle. Take a moment to look around your home and you’ll likely find some items you no longer need, such as old textbooks, clothes or other useful things that you could sell online. 

There are many online platforms available for selling your items, or you could go old school and host a garage sale with some friends or family members. If you’re a crafty person, you might want to consider selling your creations on Etsy. It’s a great way to turn your hobby into a source of income.

Sports and fitness

So how else can you figure out how to make money in college? If you’re athletic and love participating in sports, personal training and refereeing are two fun options to consider. Personal training involves offering fitness sessions to fellow students or locals at the university or local gym. 

Refereeing at local leagues is another option and provides a steady income stream depending on how many games you work in. To find these opportunities, check with your campus fitness center for personal training inquiries or connect with local sports organizations seeking referees. This allows you to blend your interests with your pursuit of financial stability during college.