Being a student can be tough on your bank account. Although UK students are given a maintenance loan and in some cases a maintenance grant in order to help with living expenses, anyone who’s been to university will tell you that this money does just that – covers the essential expenses, leaving you with barely any money left to have a bit of fun or buy yourself something that you like.
And, what’s the point of student life if you don’t have enough money to have fun? Thankfully there are some great options for earning a bit of extra cash as a student. We’ve put together some great ways in which you can make some money – and you don’t even have to leave your room.
1. Start an awesome blog
A blog can simply be a way of expressing your creative side. Students start blogs for a number of different reasons. You could blog about the subject that you study, start a blog about life at university, or even blog about something completely unrelated to being a student simply because it’s a subject you like.
When it comes to topics that you can blog about the list is endless, however it’s a good idea to choose something that you’re passionate about in order to keep your interest sparked.
Cash in on visitors to your website or blog with ads. Successful blogs can be great money-makers. Whether you sell advertising space directly, or use Pay Per Click ads, the more traffic your blog gets, the more money you’ll make.
Related: The Most Comprehensive List of Ways to Make Money Online (200+ Resources)
2. Trading and spread betting
Financial degree students will probably find that they can make a decent amount of money from trading or spread betting. Spread betting is a financial product which allows you to place bets on whether a certain market will rise or fall, and depending on how you bet there is a lot of money to be gained.
This can be done by anybody, but if you’re a finance or business student, you’ll definitely have an advantage. You can find reviews of the best brokers at Reviews.Spreadbetting.
3. Freelance work
Turn your talent into a job by becoming a freelancer.. When it comes to freelance work, there are a number of different things that you could offer. Web design, logo and graphic design, and content creation are all in high demand online, and if you’re good at one or more of these things, you can start making money from the comfort of your dorm room.
A great place to start for freelance work is the micro-gig site Fiverr. Yes, you’ll only earn £5 per job – but if you’re good at what you do and get plenty of gigs, it’ll all add up. Plus, £5 can keep you in food for a week – you’re a student, right? Sites like freelancewritinggigs.com also post various openings to be a freelance writer.
4. Become a product tester
Product testing is a great little way for students to make a bit of cash on the side, as well as getting free stuff as you’re usually allowed to keep the products that you test. From make-up and toiletry products to the latest gadgets, there are loads of things that you can get paid to test for companies. Sign up online to be a product tester and start earning money almost straight away.
5. Start a YouTube Channel
If you can’t a blog with content, you can start a YouTube Channel and share what you know. This can help build your portfolio if you pursuing a communications course. There are now hundreds of people on YouTube who actually make enough money to live off of! Think about all the things you share and start planning how you want to run your channel.
How did, or do, you make money as a student? We’d love to hear from you.