1. Sell Your Old Textbooks (We had to start here)

You saw this one coming. One of the simplest ways to make money in college is to sell your old textbooks. Textbooks are expensive, and many students are eager to buy used copies at a discounted rate. Instead of letting your books gather dust, consider selling them back to us. Yes, there are other platforms out there, but we promise the best buy-back rates and an easy process.

Beyond textbooks, look around your dorm or apartment for other items you no longer need. Old clothes, electronics, furniture, and even gaming consoles can fetch a decent price on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or OfferUp. Decluttering your space while making extra money? That's a win-win.

2. Freelance Your Skills

Freelancing is an excellent way for college students to make money on their own terms. If you have a particular skill - writing, graphic design, video editing, social media management, or even coding - you can find freelance work online. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to connect with clients looking for your expertise.

Freelancing is flexible, so you can take on projects when you have time and scale back during busy school weeks. Plus, it allows you to build a portfolio, gain real-world experience, and develop valuable skills that can help in your future career.

3. Participate in the Gig Economy

Gig economy jobs are perfect for students because they allow you to work when it fits your schedule.

Here are a few gig-based opportunities to consider:

Ridesharing & Delivery Services: If you have a car, driving for Uber or Lyft can be a great way to make money on your own schedule. If you prefer not to drive people around, food delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart allow you to earn cash by delivering meals or groceries.

Task-Based Jobs: Apps like TaskRabbit and Handy let you get paid for completing small jobs like assembling furniture, moving help, cleaning, or running errands. These are perfect for students who want short-term, hands-on work.

Pet Sitting & Dog Walking: If you love animals, consider signing up for Rover or Wag to get paid for walking dogs or pet sitting. It's an easy way to make money while spending time with furry friends.

Joining the gig economy is also about getting experience in a quickly-growing segment of the workforce. In fact, H&R Block's recent report found that 29% of Gen Zers "want to be in business for themselves," and 7% prefer to work as 1099 independent contractors.

4. Online Reselling

If you have a knack for finding deals, online reselling could be a lucrative side hustle. Many students buy and resell items for a profit on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, or Mercari. Here are a few ideas:

Thrift Flipping: Visit thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance racks to find unique or valuable items, then resell them for a higher price.

Sneaker Reselling: If you know the sneaker market, buying and flipping limited-edition sneakers can bring in a significant profit.

Electronics & Gadgets: Used phones, laptops, and other electronics can often be sold for a good amount, especially if they're in good condition.

Reselling does take some research and patience, but it can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra income.

5. Become a Tutor or Teaching Assistant

If you excel in a particular subject, tutoring can be a fantastic way to make money while helping others succeed. You can tutor fellow college students, high school students, or even younger kids. Platforms like Wyzant and Varsity Tutors connect students with online and in-person tutors.

Additionally, some professors hire teaching assistants (TAs) to help with grading, organizing class materials, and tutoring students. This can be a steady job that not only pays but also enhances your resume.

6. Test Websites and Apps

Companies pay users to test websites and apps to ensure they are user-friendly. Sites like UserTesting, TryMata, and UserFeel pay participants to complete short tests that usually take 10-20 minutes. This is an easy and low-commitment way to make money online.

While not the most lucrative, filling out surveys and participating in market research can be a quick and easy way to earn extra money. Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research pay users to take surveys, watch videos, and test products.

Additionally, some companies conduct focus groups and interviews where you can get paid to share your opinions. These opportunities usually pay more than standard surveys and can be done remotely.

7. Sell Handmade or Custom Products

If you have a creative side, selling handmade or custom products can be a great way to earn extra cash. Whether it's jewelry, stickers, artwork, candles, or personalized gifts, platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6 allow you to showcase and sell your creations.

If you enjoy crafting, consider starting a small business and marketing your products through social media. You can even take custom orders to cater to specific customer requests.

8. Become a Virtual Assistant

Many businesses and entrepreneurs need help managing administrative tasks, social media, email correspondence, and customer service. As a virtual assistant (VA), you can work remotely and take on tasks based on your availability. Websites like Belay, Fancy Hands, and PeoplePerHour connect VAs with clients who need their services.

Final Thoughts

Being a broke college student doesn't have to mean surviving on instant noodles and scraping by until payday. With the right side hustle, you can earn extra cash without sacrificing your studies. Whether you choose to sell items, freelance, participate in the gig economy, or start a small business, there are plenty of ways to boost your income while in school. Find something that aligns with your interests and skills, and start making money today!

At Textbook Tiger, we are passionate about saving students money and dedicated to making education more accessible and affordable for everyone. Get in touch to provide feedback on our service and with ideas for how we can support students better.