Navigating college can be a challenging experience. Between attending classes, completing assignments, and trying to maintain a social life, students often have to manage their finances for the first time.
Based on real student feedback and our own experience our A*Help experts have compiled a list of the best ways students can earn money while studying. We have studied many threads on Reddit to bring you real and first-hand impressions of college students. Make sure to study our guide about expenses and how to get financial aid and assistance from colleges.
Selecting the best part-time and remote jobs for students
Finding a part-time job while attending college can be an excellent way to gain work experience, develop new skills, and earn some extra income. In this article we aim to uncover practical examples of part-time jobs for students, along with personal opinions and experiences shared by A*Help.
Please note that the hourly income for these part-time jobs may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and specific employers. The following estimates are based on general trends and should be taken as rough guidelines.
Top List of the Best jobs for Students
Based on the reviews of students and their responses in different Reddit threads, college forums and our own experience, here is a list of part-time jobs for students, along with the personal opinions:
Library Assistant
Working at the library as a great part-time job for students. You are exposed to a relatively low-stress environment with flexible hours and the opportunity to study during downtime.
Job Involvement:
Sorting and shelving books, assisting patrons, maintaining library databases, and managing circulation tasks.
Example of responsibilities:
- Deliver exceptional customer service to a diverse group of patrons, including faculty, staff, students, and community members.
- Support patrons with routine Circulation Desk transactions (e.g., book checkouts and returns, fine and fee collection, new patron registration), address inquiries about other department services (e.g., book holds and recalls, missing book searches, Electronic Reserves access), and resolve patron issues.
- Aid in training and overseeing student assistants on Desk Area and Stacks operation procedures. Assist in assessing student assistants working in Desk and Stacks Areas.
- Carry out Stacks Area tasks, such as retrieving and sorting books, shelving, shelf reading, inventory management, searching for missing books, fulfilling hold requests, and shifting.
- Prepare the Service Desk Area for operation and conduct opening and closing routines as required.
- Complete other tasks as directed.
- Management reserves the right to modify or add job responsibilities at any time.
- Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 11:30 am.
Tutoring
We can mention tutoring as a part-time job for students. Students enjoy the experience of tutoring other students and find it to be a rewarding way to earn extra income while helping others.
Job Involvement:
Helping students understand course materials, improve study habits, and prepare for exams. For instance, you can work for a platform or an app that help with essay writing to those learners who might be struggling.
Example of responsibilities:
- To engage with students in person or through Zoom.
- To provide clear and concise instruction.
- To foster positive relationships with students and coworkers.
- To accurately and punctually complete time sheets and sign-in forms.
Campus IT Support
You can opt to work as an IT support technician on campus. The job allows you to gain valuable skills while working in a flexible, low-pressure environment.
Job Involvement:
Troubleshooting hardware and software issues, providing technical assistance, and maintaining computer systems.
Example of responsibilities:
- Offer tier-1 technical support to faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni in person, via email, and over the phone.
- Promptly address incoming emails, support tickets, walk-in requests, and phone calls throughout the day.
- Efficiently diagnose issues related to software, hardware, or audio/video equipment and resolve them or escalate to the appropriate technician.
- Address and resolve common printer and copier issues such as paper jams or toner replacements.
- Support the setup and distribution of new faculty/staff computers and assist in equipment collection upon employee departure.
- Manage inventory of short-term loaner equipment and handle distribution/collection as required.
- Educate users on the operation of audio/video equipment and various software applications.
- Assist in user account management for Google Workspace, Okta, and other systems, and provide support for password resets.
- Aid in managing and troubleshooting the digital signage system used across campus.
- Guide users and respond to queries during new technology implementations and initiatives.
- Complete other tasks as assigned.
Research Assistant
This job implies working as a research assistant for a professor or lab on campus. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about their field of study and develop relationships with faculty members.
Job Involvement:
Assisting with data collection and analysis, conducting literature reviews, and supporting the overall research process.
Example of responsibilities:
- Contribute intellectually to project processes and results.
- Support daily operations of research activities for the project.
- Coordinate project tasks, such as research and participant recruitment.
- Create and manage social media presence and website for PI/Project, including content creation, editing, and organization (e.g., flyers, emails, blog posts).
- Assist with literature reviews for research/publishable documents and other required paperwork.
- Execute project tasks, including data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews), transcription and editing, analysis, and participant data storage.
- Develop and maintain online surveys and datasets (e.g., data input, cleaning, and organization).
- Identify potential networking partners and funding opportunities.
Resident Assistant (RA)
Compensation varies, as it often includes free housing, a meal plan, and a stipend instead of hourly pay.
We can recommend becoming a Resident Assistant in a campus dormitory. While the job can be demanding, it offers free housing, a meal plan, and a stipend, which can significantly reduce living expenses.
Job Involvement:
Supervising and supporting residents in dormitories, enforcing community guidelines, and organizing events.
Example of responsibilities:
- Participate in an on-call team alongside other Resident Advisors/Hall Directors.
- Conduct Health & Safety Checks.
- Document any incidents.
- Establish connections with residents and serve as a resource.
- Aid in the opening and closing of Residence Halls.
- Remain available throughout the Spring semester for the check-out process.
- Communicate with prospective students via email, phone calls, and text messages.
- Carry out miscellaneous job-related tasks as needed.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Campus Recreation Jobs
Working at the campus recreation center offers various part-time positions, including lifeguarding, fitness instructors, and facility assistants. The job is enjoyable and comes with a free gym membership.
Job Involvement:
Assisting with facility management, leading fitness classes, or supervising recreational activities.
Example of responsibilities:
- Serve as a liaison with current community service providers and help identify potential providers to engage with students at the Wellness Center monthly.
- Assist in operating and supervising the Cougar Pantry, coordinating with Student Life and the Campus Switchboard Operator/ID Coordinator.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safe fitness facility operation, including current CDC guidelines for pandemic policies and procedures.
- Provide safe exercise techniques to participants.
- Collaborate with a diverse team from Student Life, Health and Exercise Science, Fitness Instructors, Community Partners, and work-study student employees.
- Supervise work-study students.
- Assist in scheduling work-study students, provide necessary support, and train new student workers.
- Cover front desk duties as needed.
- Open and close centers following cleaning and safety guidelines.
- Deliver excellent customer service.
- Support marketing efforts, such as creating flyers and maintaining bulletin boards.
- Clean, maintain, and inventory fitness equipment in the wellness center.
- Assess damaged equipment and troubleshoot issues.
- Ensure clean and safe facilities and equipment.
- Identify proper and improper techniques with resistance equipment (e.g., stability balls, weights, bands, tubes, resistance bars) and assist participants as required.
- Regularly communicate with the Exercise Science Program Coordinator and Student Life Director regarding center needs and concerns.
Student Government Positions
Stipends vary, and some positions may be voluntary and unpaid.
Think about getting involved in the student government, as some positions offer stipends. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience and make a difference on campus.
Job Involvement:
Representing the student body, organizing events, and participating in policy-making processes.
Example of responsibilities:
- Manage student body records.
- Create agendas for meetings.
- Record and distribute meeting minutes.
- Represent the student body at school district, civic functions, and other meetings as requested by the president.
- Provide typing assistance for student body officers and committee chairpersons as required.
- Sign all purchase orders.
Food Service Jobs
There are options working in the dining halls or other food service positions on campus. The job offers flexible hours and is a good way to earn extra money.
Job Involvement:
Preparing food, taking orders, and maintaining a clean and efficient work environment.
Example of responsibilities:
- Serve food, beverages, or desserts to customers in settings such as take-out counters, restaurants, lunchrooms, or business and industrial establishments.
- Prepare and cook food items like sandwiches, salads, and ice cream dishes, following standard formulas or directions.
- Carry out cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and dishwashing to maintain sanitary equipment and facilities.
- Wrap menu items like sandwiches, hot entrees, and desserts for serving or takeout.
- Clean and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, as well as wash glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.
- Restock food items at serving stations.
- Brew coffee and tea, and fill containers with requested beverages.
- Take customer orders, write ordered items on tickets, and provide ticket stubs to customers for order identification.
- Order supplies to replenish inventory.
- Serve items like salads, vegetables, meat, breads, cocktails, ladle soups and sauces, portion desserts, and fill beverage cups and glasses.
- Set up dining areas for meals and clear them after meals.
- Carve meats.
- Deliver orders to kitchens and retrieve and serve food when ready.
Campus Bookstore
If you like books, you can consider working at the campus bookstore as a part-time job. It is a convenient on-campus job with flexible hours, allowing to balance work and studies effectively.
Job Involvement:
Assisting customers, managing inventory, and maintaining a clean and organized store.
Example of responsibilities:
- Implement sales promotions and special events (store, campus, community).
- Collaborate with store leadership to review financials and adjust goals to boost sales.
- Operate cash registers and store systems for payments, order placements, and making changes while adhering to secure cash handling procedures, including balancing cash drawers, preparing bank deposits, and performing daily opening and closing tasks.
- Maintain proper inventory control in line with store operational procedures.
- Ensure all store areas are tidy, clean, and organized.
- Handle shipping/receiving responsibilities.
- Arrange sales floor according to visual merchandise standards for General Merchandise and Course Materials.
- Safeguard company assets, team members, and customers, and ensure compliance with company policies.
- Review and approve store markups, markdowns, and write-offs within company guidelines when needed.
- Collaborate with course materials leadership to execute in-store course materials activities.
Barista or Server
Look for opportunities to work as a barista in a coffee shop near campus. You can develop customer service skills and enjoy the social aspect of the job, while also mentioning the potential for earning tips.
Job Involvement:
Preparing and serving food and beverages, maintaining a clean environment, and interacting with customers.
Example of responsibilities:
- Interact with customers to confirm their drink orders and accurately enter them into the point of sale system.
- Collect payments for orders and accurately return change to customers.
- Prepare all drinks and premixes with efficiency.
- Maintain a sense of urgency and productivity throughout the entire shift, assisting the team when needed.
- Establish genuine connections with customers daily through authentic interactions, warm smiles, and positive body language.
- Be well-versed in the menu and drink offerings, helping customers identify and order their desired drinks while offering suggestions and recommendations when appropriate.
- Present your best self at work every day (maintain good hygiene, get enough sleep, wear clean clothes, and groom hair/makeup). Dress appropriately for your assigned position.
- Be familiar with shift change duties, checklists, and weekly chores, executing them as needed.
- Arrive on time, clocked in, and ready to work at your assigned position when your shift begins.
- Treat teammates and customers with respect and kindness.
- Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by adhering to organizational standards and sanitation regulations.
Administrative Assistant
Pay a visit to your campus office. The job is a great way to gain professional experience in an office setting, often with the added benefit of being able to study during downtime.
Job Involvement:
Managing schedules, answering phones, organizing documents, and providing general office support.
Example of responsibilities:
- Offers administrative assistance to the college dean, handling scheduling, travel planning, project coordination, information management, reporting, and intricate administrative tasks.
- Administers overall office organization for the college.
- Organizes and implements logistics for college events and initiatives.
- Develops and updates college’s external presence.
- Acts as the main point of contact between the college, other university departments, and external parties.
- Encourages a professional and inclusive workplace atmosphere.
- Cooperates with other college administrative personnel to manage facility operations.
- Collaborates with Academic Affairs when necessary.
- Undertakes additional duties as directed by the College Dean.
Freelance Work
This side hustle includes pursuing freelance work, such as graphic design, writing, or web development. It boasts the flexibility of working from home and the ability to set your own hours, allowing you to work around your class schedule.
Job Involvement:
Completing projects for clients in areas such as writing, graphic design, or web development.
Example of responsibilities:
- Developing assets for tradeshows, producing print materials such as booth designs, promotional items, etc.
- Exhibiting fast and comprehensive design abilities across various media, including presentations, print, signage, with a particular focus on technical mediums like video and digital design.
- Ensuring brand consistency throughout all touchpoints, including print, exhibition graphics, branding, presentation materials, and visualizations.
- Collaborating with partners to maintain design integrity, color accuracy, and image quality across all formats.
- Staying updated on technical, cultural, and business trends to positively influence and direct the work we deliver to support client business strategies.
- Creating graphic designs and development for multiple projects simultaneously.
Campus Events Staff
Look for openings to work as a part-time event staff member for campus events and functions. The job is enjoyable and a great way to network with other students and faculty while earning some extra money.
Job Involvement:
Assisting with event planning, setup, and coordination, as well as interacting with attendees.
Example of responsibilities:
- Unloading trucks and setting up event venues, including arranging chairs and assembling stages.
- Acting as ushers and ensuring compliance with fire code regulations for seating arrangements.
- Operating cash registers as needed.
- Following directions from an Event Manager.
- Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the event space.
- Adhering to safety standards during events.
- Providing excellent customer service to attendees.
- Performing security duties as required.
- Serving as Ticket Taker and welcoming guests to events.
- Setting up lighting and sound equipment as needed.
- Working at concession stands, serving food and beverages.
- Providing helpful information to event attendees.
- Inspecting equipment for damage post-event and verifying against an inventory list.
- Packing up equipment upon event completion.
Babysitting or Nannying
You can help as a babysitter or nanny for families in the local community. Many students can call the job rewarding and appreciate the flexible hours, which allow them to work around their class schedule.
Job Involvement:
Providing care for children, maintaining a safe and engaging environment, and assisting with daily routines.
Example of responsibilities:
- Responsibilities include preparing meals (breakfast and bottles) for children, handling light dishwashing tasks, tidying up play areas, managing children’s laundry, and providing safe transportation as needed.
- Driving requirements include using a car provided for all work-related mileage.
- Benefits consist of guaranteed work hours and standard holidays off (on work days during the contract).
- Mandatory vaccinations include COVID-19, T-Dap, and flu shots.
On-Campus Internships
You should start looking for on-campus internships or co-op programs that offer part-time work. These opportunities provide valuable work experience related to your field of study and often come with the added benefit of college credit.
Job Involvement:
Working on projects related to your field of study, collaborating with professionals, and gaining industry insights.
Example of responsibilities:
- Oversee product demonstrations and training sessions using the CVent event management platform.
- Monitor and audit the Marketo marketing automation software database.
- Evaluate monthly reports to assess the effectiveness of diverse digital marketing campaigns.
- Collaborate with local and regional teams to create Marketo email marketing initiatives.
- Analyze competitor messaging to identify product/feature gaps and opportunities, leading to actionable executive summaries.
- Support new product positioning and messaging efforts, development of branded in-product materials, and naming of products and features.
Retail Jobs
Finally you can work in a retail store near campus. Flexible hours and the opportunity to develop customer service and sales skills could be valuable in your future career.
Job Involvement:
Assisting customers, managing inventory, and maintaining a clean and organized store.
Example of responsibilities:
- Welcome visitors, offer assistance and information on general policies, directions, amenities, exhibitions, programs, membership opportunities, and other relevant information.
- Inform visitors about interpretive materials and assist with accessing materials on iPads and other devices.
- Stay updated on all events.
- Promptly and courteously manage the main information line, directing calls as needed.
- Process group visits using the electronic reservations system.
- Collect and input data using the computerized Point of Sale System (POS).
- Support logistics for events and public programs.
- Assist with crowd control, including timed ticket entries for special events and programs.
- Address visitor needs such as lockers, storage, docent stools, wheelchairs, and strollers.
- Process admission fees using POS, adhering to departmental policies and procedures.
- Engage with shop visitors, offer merchandise or publication suggestions, and process sales using POS while complying with Information Security and Credit Card Compliance policies.
- Restock shop merchandise, report product and supply needs, maintain cleanliness, organize displays and storage, and assist with inventory control.
- Reconcile daily receipts using POS, prepare deposit reports for cash, credit card slips, and checks.
- Assist with opening and closing procedures.
- Monitor surroundings and report concerns or issues to the supervisor for prompt resolution.
- Report operational issues to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Where to find job openings
- Campus job boards and career center:
Most colleges and universities have dedicated job boards and career centers that post on-campus job opportunities, including part-time positions and internships.
- University websites and departmental pages:
Check your university’s website and individual department pages for job listings, as some positions may be posted directly by the relevant department.
- Campus bookstore, library, and dining services websites:
Visit the specific websites for your campus bookstore, library, and dining services to find job openings, as they often post open positions on their own sites.
- Student government and campus recreation websites:
If you’re interested in student government or campus recreation jobs, check their respective websites for open positions and application information.
- Online job portals:
Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or Handshake often have job listings for part-time positions, internships, and freelance work suitable for college students.
- Local community websites and newspapers:
Local community websites, newspapers, and bulletin boards may post job openings for off-campus positions, such as retail, food service, or babysitting jobs.
- Networking:
Reach out to your professors, advisors, fellow students, or alumni to inquire about potential job openings or opportunities they might be aware of in your field of interest.
Remember to check these resources regularly, as job postings are frequently updated, and new opportunities may become available throughout the academic year.
There are many options for students looking to earn extra income while attending college. It’s essential to explore different opportunities, keeping in mind factors such as location, hours, and personal interests, to find a job that fits well with one’s academic schedule and lifestyle.
Don’t forget to consider factors such as cost of living, minimum wage laws, and the specific employer when evaluating potential hourly income for part-time jobs. Additionally, some jobs may offer non-monetary benefits, such as professional experience, networking opportunities, or college credit, which should also be taken into account when assessing the value of a part-time job.
Average Monthly Expenses of Students
Our extensive research reveals that students’ monthly expenses can range anywhere from $400 to $1,500 or more, depending on factors such as housing costs, transportation, and lifestyle choices. Here are the most common categories of expenses:
Housing
For many students, housing is the largest monthly expense. Rent varies greatly depending on the city and whether students live in on-campus dorms, off-campus apartments, or with roommates. In this thread, students reported paying anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per month for housing.
Jack M. shared with us his experience living in a shared apartment off-campus in a relatively affordable city, paying $450 per month for rent.
Food
While some students have meal plans, others must buy groceries and cook for themselves. Students without a meal plan reported spending anywhere from $150 to $300 per month on groceries, while those with meal plans typically paid between $200 and $600 per month.
Margot F. told us about her frugal approach to food expenses by spending just $100 per month on groceries. She achieved this by shopping at discount stores and cooking most meals at home.
Transportation
Transportation costs can also vary widely depending on whether a student has a car, relies on public transportation, or uses a bike. Students with cars may spend between $100 and $300 per month on gas, insurance, and maintenance, while those using public transportation may spend $50 to $100 per month.
Tony B. described to A*Help his cost-effective transportation solution by using a bike for commuting around campus and to work. He reported spending only $50 per month on bike maintenance and occasional rideshare services.
Entertainment and Social Activities
College students often budget for social events and entertainment, such as dining out, attending parties, or going to the movies. This expense can range from $50 to $200 per month.
Kathie G.shared with our website her budget-conscious approach to social activities. She limited their spending to $30 per month by participating in free campus events and hosting potluck dinners with friends.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Students also have miscellaneous costs, such as textbooks, school supplies, and personal items. These expenses can range from $50 to $200 per month.
Sophia W. mentioned her experience buying used textbooks or renting them to save money, spending around $200 per semester.
Budgeting Strategies and Financial Aid
To manage your expenses, remember about the importance of budgeting and develop your personal strategy of using spreadsheets to track and categorize spending. Some students use apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget) to monitor their spending habits and ensure they stay within their means. Others suggest setting up an emergency fund, applying for scholarships, or working part-time jobs.
Financial aid can also play a significant role in managing monthly expenses. Many students receive grants, scholarships, or loans to help cover tuition and other costs. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a crucial resource for students in need of financial assistance.
Take a closer look at this list by A*Help to gain valuable insight into the real costs students face and the strategies they use to manage their finances successfully.
By learning from their peers, students can navigate their college years more effectively and set themselves up for a successful financial future.
Typical student monthly spending profiles
| List of Expenses | Sum |
| Rent ($450), Groceries ($200), Transportation ($100), Entertainment ($75), Textbooks and Supplies ($50), Personal Items ($50) | $925 |
| Rent ($600), Groceries ($100), Transportation ($50), Entertainment ($50), Textbooks and Supplies ($75), Personal Items ($40) | $915 |
| Rent ($500), Groceries ($200), Transportation ($50, bike maintenance), Entertainment ($100), Textbooks and Supplies ($100), Personal Items ($60) | $1,010 |
| Rent ($400), Groceries ($250), Transportation ($75), Entertainment ($30), Textbooks and Supplies ($150), Personal Items ($50) | $955 |
| Rent ($550), Groceries ($200), Transportation ($100), Entertainment ($75), Textbooks and Supplies ($200 per semester, $33 per month), Personal Items ($70) | $1,028 |
| Rent ($600), Groceries ($150), Transportation ($75), Entertainment ($80), Textbooks and Supplies ($100), Personal Items ($50) | $1,055 |
| Rent ($500), Groceries ($250), Transportation ($150), Entertainment ($100), Textbooks and Supplies ($120), Personal Items ($60) | $1,180 |
Please note that these numbers are intended to provide an overview of the different types of expenses and their approximate costs. Actual expenses will vary depending on individual circumstances and location.
Financial aid for college students
We have discussed students’ personal experiences and expenses, but there are some mentions of how colleges help students with costs and expenses. Here are a few ways that colleges support students financially:
Financial Aid
Students can receive financial aid from their colleges in the form of grants, scholarships, or loans. Financial aid can help cover tuition, housing, and other expenses, thus reducing students’ monthly costs. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a crucial resource for students in need of financial assistance.
Work-Study Programs
Students can benefit from participating in work-study programs, which allow students to work part-time on campus in exchange for financial aid. Work-study jobs are typically flexible, allowing students to work around their class schedules and gain valuable work experience.
Campus Events and Resources
We have highlighted the availability of free campus events and activities that help students save money on entertainment and social activities. Colleges often host free or low-cost events, such as movie nights, guest lectures, and club activities, to help students engage with the campus community without spending too much money.
Textbook Assistance
Some colleges offer textbook assistance programs or have resources like library reserves, where students can borrow textbooks for free or at a reduced cost.
Meal Plans
Students can have meal plans, which, while not always cheaper than buying groceries, provide the convenience of on-campus dining and can help students better manage their food expenses.
Housing Assistance
Some colleges offer on-campus housing options, such as dormitories or university-owned apartments, which can be more affordable than off-campus housing. Additionally, some schools provide housing assistance or subsidies for low-income students.
These examples demonstrate how colleges can help students manage their costs and expenses. It’s essential for students to explore these options and resources to make the most of their college experience and minimize their financial burden.
FAQ
What are the best paying jobs with college?
The best-paying jobs with college often include positions such as research assistant, tutoring, and on-campus internships in fields relevant to your major. These jobs not only offer competitive hourly wages but also provide valuable professional experience, networking opportunities, and potential career advancement.
What is the best part time job for a college?
The best part-time job for a college student depends on individual interests, skills, and academic schedule. Some popular options include library assistant, campus IT support, and barista or server. These jobs typically offer flexible hours, allowing students to balance their work and academic commitments effectively.
Where to find jobs for college students?
To find jobs for college students, explore on-campus resources such as the career center or student employment office, which can help you identify part-time job opportunities. Additionally, online job portals, university bulletin boards, and networking with faculty and fellow students can lead to potential job openings.
Can students work online?
Yes, students can work online. Many remote or freelance opportunities are available in fields such as writing, graphic design, web development, and virtual tutoring. These jobs offer flexibility and allow students to work from home, making them an attractive option for those looking to balance their academic and professional commitments.
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