7 Ways to Make Extra Money for Tuition

Matt | June 8, 2014 | 0 Comments

Depressingly, recent research suggests that today’s students in the UK will be repaying their student loans into their 40s and even their 50s. As a result, it is perhaps more important than ever to think about how you can reduce your tuition and living costs while you’re still studying. If you can make a dent in your student loan before completing your degree, then it can reduce the interest payments which accumulate over time. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities for earning extra cash while at university. Here are seven of the very best.

Become a tutor

Around 22% of 11-16 year olds in Britain use a private tutor. There is clearly a massive demand for out-of-school academic help. Importantly, you don’t need to be a qualified teacher in order to tutor. Of course, you do need to have a good knowledge of your chosen subject. Crucially, you also need to be comfortable interacting with teenagers in order to make the topic engaging. In addition to actual tutoring hours, you will need to plan your sessions. However, it is worth noting that you can also tutor online and so you don’t need to always incur the travelling costs of teaching in a child’s home. And the reward? Up to £80 per hour.

Freelance

Perhaps your strongest skills are writing, graphic design or computer programming. If so, then the good news is that there is a big demand for your work. It is thought that by 2020, 40% of the American workforce will be freelancers of one type of another. There is a similar trend in the UK too. Finding freelance opportunities isn’t too difficult these days, thanks to platforms such as Fiverr – Just keep an eye on the ‘gigs’ posted and snap them up. Because you can fit freelancing around your schedule, it is ideal for a student lifestyle.

Join an online casino

So long as you can keep careful track of your money, this should be a fun way to make some cash. There are numerous top class online casinos to choose from. Most of them offer an impressive range of games, from roulette to poker, blackjack, slots and more. Try to specialise in one favoured game and you should find some steady winnings coming your way. Make sure to cash in on promotions and keep an eye out for big jackpot prizes too – Win one of these and it will make a huge difference to your financial situation. Chris Ferejohn (featured below) played poker to support himself through college and is still making a living from it!

Participate in online surveys

If you like to share your opinions, this is a great way to get paid for doing just that. Companies are desperate to know what potential customers think of their latest product or idea and regularly conduct market research. You can be part of this process by spending just a short amount of time answering questions online or becoming part of an online focus group. Apps such as Surveys on the Go are perhaps the easiest way to participate and get paid for your opinions.

Become a ‘field agent’

Talking of profitable apps, here’s another great option. Download the Field Agent app and register as a ‘client.’ You will then be given tasks either online or based in your local area, which you will be paid for on completion. None of the tasks are too taxing, from taking a photo of a shop display to filling in a questionnaire. Participating outlets already include the likes of Starbucks and WH Smith. So, if you have a bit of free time, this is a great way to monetize it.

Be a mystery shopper

This is the chance to quite literally be paid for going shopping. Retail outlets and even restaurants want to know exactly what their customer service is really like. As a result, you can register with an agency and be tasked with purchasing specific items. You will need to then submit a comprehensive and prompt report on your experience. However, you will get paid and might be able to keep the items purchased.

Sell second-hand course books

This is a tried and tested method for making some extra cash. Towards the end of the summer semester, buy up those text books which are probably long forgotten and certainly no longer wanted. By the time the following freshers’ week comes around, there will be a big demand for those very same books. Just advertise around campus or even online.

Tags: extra money, tuition