5 Part-Time Job Ideas for College Students

It’s no secret that college can be expensive. After tuition costs, you still have to cover a slew of other necessities — room and board, transportation and, of course, books. So, what are some part-time job ideas for college students?

You might think your class reading material will be the least of your financial worries, but the National Association of College Stores has found that the average college student will spend over $1,000 on books each year. Where will that spending money come from?

One way to pay for your textbooks is to pick up a part-time job. The right position will allow you to work, study and play, funding your collegiate experience without taking away from your academic success. Hoping to earn some cash for your books and beyond? Here are five jobs to consider.

1. Library Employee

Your campus has at least one major library, and it takes a slew of people to keep such a resource running. You could be one of them — go speak to a staffer to see if there are any openings available. Working in such an environment has its perks, too, especially if you work as a study room or printing monitor. The quiet, calm atmosphere will often allow you to get your own studying or homework done while you get paid.

2. Nanny

You’re surrounded by fellow college students on campus, but the families living off-campus in your college town might have kids for you to watch. As a nanny or babysitter, you can make your own schedule so that you never miss a class or study session. Plus, once you put the kids down for a nap or help them to sleep at night, you can tackle your own to-do list.

3. Tour Guide

Do you love your university? If so, you could make some extra cash by leading potential students on campus tours. Those who do the job love it for a multitude of reasons. For one thing, they get to meet and befriend other students who become guides. They also get to know the campus super well and share fun facts with visitors. Check with your school’s admissions department to see if they’re hiring for that position.

4. Tutor

Use your brains to your advantage. If you excelled in a notoriously tough class, such as chemistry or calculus, then try your hand at tutoring your fellow students. You can market your services through multiple outlets. Some schools will have a formal tutoring center. Or, you could apply to tutor student-athletes, often a service provided by university athletic departments. You might also be able to hang a flyer with your contact information and see who calls — then, rake in the tutoring cash.

5. Barista

It’s hard to find a college student who doesn’t love coffee. Working as a barista means you’ll become an expert in your favorite beverage. You’re also likely to get free beverages and employee discounts, two huge perks for a co-ed. On top of that, working in an on-campus cafe probably means you won’t have to work late — most close at a reasonable hour since they’re staffed by students who need to study. You might also want to check out a nearby Starbucks to find work — they have an employee tuition payment agreement for certain universities.

Get to School, Get Your Books: Part-Time Job Ideas for College Students

Getting into college is the first hurdle — now, you have to figure out how to pay for it all. Fortunately, you have the option of working part-time to fund your expenses, right down to those expensive textbooks. The above examples are only five of the many side hustles that can fund your education. So get ready to apply, get to work and start studying — you’ve got this college thing.