University life can be expensive, with tuition fees, rent, and living costs piling up. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning your finances. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to earn extra cash during your time at university. As a third-year international student working part-time at the Guild, I’m excited to share my best tips to help you make money whilst balancing student life!
Part-Time Jobs
One of the most reliable ways to make money while at university is by securing a part-time job. The first place to look is the Guild! We offer on-campus positions that are flexible around your schedule. Student roles might include being a social media content creator like myself, organising events, or assisting other students. These jobs are convenient and typically more understanding of academic commitments. To find these roles, sign up for job boards like Handshake and keep an eye on the Guild’s Instagram story.
Local part-time work is another option. Whether it’s working at a retail store, restaurant, or café in town, you’ll find many positions nearby. These roles often provide flexible hours, allowing you to work around your lectures and study sessions.
Become an Event Rep
If you enjoy attending events and socializing, becoming an event representative might be perfect for you. Many companies look for students to promote events and sell tickets. As an event rep, you can earn commission for every ticket sold and may even receive free entry to the events you promote!
Sell Unwanted Clothes on Vinted or Depop
Selling unwanted clothes on platforms like Vinted or Depop is a great way to declutter your wardrobe and make some extra cash. With a little organization and good photos, you can quickly turn your unwanted clothes into money. Best of all, you can manage everything from the comfort of your room. If you’ve got a good eye for what sells; try trawling local charity shops and car boot sales for new items to list!
Guild Advisory Boards and Survey Superheroes
Another great way to earn money is by participating in initiatives like the Guild Advisory Boards or Survey Superheroes. Advisory boards offer opportunities for students to provide feedback on your student experiences, paying £30 per session for your input.
Survey Superheroes can earn £5 for each survey completed. You can find more information about these opportunities here.
University Roles and Paid Surveys
Certain courses, particularly in areas like Psychology, offer paid research roles or studies that students can participate in for extra credit or cash. These studies are usually straightforward and may involve computer tasks, questionnaires, or focus groups. Keep an eye out in late March when many dissertation studies, especially in medical and sports science fields ,are looking for participants.
Student Discount Apps
While not a direct way to earn money, using student discount apps like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM can help you save money on everyday purchases. Many brands offer discounts of up to 50%, which can significantly reduce your expenses, giving you more flexibility with your budget.
Making money at university doesn’t have to be difficult. By staying organized and keeping an eye out for new opportunities, you can balance work and studies effectively while enjoying the flexibility of student life.