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It has never been harder for students to make ends meet. With fewer part time jobs available to subsidise their studies some are turning to increasingly ingenious – and sometimes unfortunate – ways to earn some much needed money. While some may look to online loans to help them out when work is scarce, others resort to extreme economising to make it through the tough times.
When you are studying you need quick and flexible ways to make some money, so that you can organise it around your studies. Even if you manage to find a part time job amidst all the competition, essay deadlines, end of term exams and long summer holidays can all make it difficult to balance your academic and work responsibilities. You will also find that students often have to work unsociable hours and take on difficult jobs that no one else wants.
Easy ways to earn some extra money
Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Selling
If you want to find a way to make some money fast, without it interfering with your studies, then look into some less conventional ways of earning. During the long summer break, have a massive clear out. Look through all your possessions and find those things you don’t really want and sell them. You can list these at online auction sites or alternatively go to a local car boot sale, many charge a low fee for entry but they are low on hassle.
Mystery Shopper
Look out for companies who hire mystery shoppers in your area – they sometimes specifically target university students, so keep a lookout for adverts on campus. They don’t offer regular work and the fees for participating aren’t particularly high but they are any easy way to make a little extra. Expect to earn around £5 for an assignment, which involves writing a report after your visit. As a perk, some of these employers allow you to keep the items they have paid for you to buy.
Make Money from Your Car
Would you consider renting out your car? If you only have a car at university for weekends and those long trips home once a month (to do your laundry and restock your supplies) then why not consider renting it out during all those other times? There are companies out there looking to register people who rent out their cars for an average of £25 per day. You could also make money with a ‘car wrap’ where you are paid to display an advertisement on your car, be aware though of the scams out there offering big money for those who sign up. Make sure you do your research online first to find a reputable company.
Surveys
Sign up for survey sites. The trick with survey sites is to make sure that you get in early – but if you are sat at your computer all day working on assignments, then you should see the moment the notification arrives. The amount you are paid for each survey varies between sites and per survey; they can start from anything as low as 30p up to £5. Some sites offer cash payment, while others accumulate points for vouchers. Either way, whatever you earn is tax free – as the rewards for participating are gifts! Try signing up for a few different sites and be prepared to spend a few minutes on surveys every day. It can take time to save up for rewards but they are definitely worth it for just answering a few questions.
Your Talent
Do you have a talent, like blogging or photography? You could use your hobby to make some money. If you are already a keen blogger why not try making some money through online adverts? If you are something of an amateur photographer, try uploading your pictures at one of the growing number of online business who will sell your photographs – at a commission.
If you are particularly brainy, why not consider tutoring younger students for a fee? This is particularly popular with students of languages, who need lots of practice. You may even find that tutoring others helps you to get a better foundation for your own studies. You can expect to earn an average of £20 per hour, try advertising in local shops or newspapers to start building a client base and good reputation.
Wendy Derbyshire is a keen blogger who understands the financial problems faced by students today. If you are struggling financially, why not investigate online loans?
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