Ways to Make Money in College

So you've run through all of the funds from the bank of Mom and Dad, your savings from your summer job, and your friends won't lend you any more. It's tough being a college student. Not only do you have to focus on going to classes and (gulp) graduating eventually, you also need money for just about everything.

As a busy student, there are lots of great opportunities for you on campus, not only to make money, but to network with individuals that can give you recommendations on grad school and work, not to mention pad your resume, and manage your bills! These include:

1. Good at writing? Take notes in your large lecture classes and then offer to sell them to the slackers that skip out every day. While they're sleeping through your 10 a.m., you are raking it in by typing up the notes for them.
2. Along the same vein, offer to edit peoples' papers, or conduct research for them (don't actually write their papers…that's plagiarism and could cost you more than you ever make.)
3. Get familiar with your academic department. Many times, they have research jobs or secretarial jobs. Not only do these give you a chance to know your professors and subject matter better, but often times there is lots of downtime that you can use to do homework.
4. Look in your school newspaper if it comes out weekly or daily. Usually, the classifieds are full of part-time jobs geared specifically for students. Even if it's delivering pizza, it's better than nothing! And, you get to listen to the radio as you cruise.
5. Craiglist is a goldmine of opportunities, especially if you live in a large urban area with numerous postings a day. All kinds of odd jobs, from writing, to dog walking, to modeling (if you're brave enough!) can be found here.
6. Participate in studies. Many departments have studies for cash, such as psychological experiments, nutrition experiments, and language studies. These usually pay anywhere from $5-$125 (for really time-consuming medical studies). Keep abreast of events in different departments or on the school website.
7. Learn to be a DJ or a bartender (or a photographer). Classes can be cheap or free, if you have a lot of enthusiasts in your area. Since not a lot of people are wiling to work on Friday nights and weekends, your skills will be in demand if you put the time in to learn correctly.
8. Sell your used textbooks online.
9. Tutor if you're good at a particular topic.
10. If you have a lot of DVDs, rent them out at .75 cents or $1. Even that's better than them collecting dust on your shelves!
11. Sell your old clothes to a thrift store. Old clothes always become chic after some time, and you may be able to get a good deal on your brand names.

It all comes down to what special skills you can offer in exchange for time. If you are good at something, people will want your expertise and be willing to pay good money for it. Good luck!