University can be a financial warzone, especially when your maintenance loan barely covers your rent; textbooks, and your late-night pizza ordering habit. Many people manage to balance a part-time job around their degree, but if you don’t fancy working late hours in a bar, or giving up your entire weekend to stack supermarket shelves, there are some more creative ways to generate a bit of extra cash. Although these methods may not have guaranteed hours, or pay as well as a regular part-time job, if you’re looking for something flexible that you can fit around your studies, why not give one of these money-spinning methods a go?
1. Work at festivals and events
Sigh up with a company such as CTM or Pitmann’s People to work at festivals and events around the UK such as Glastonbury, V Fest, the Virgin London Marathon, Boomtown Fair and many more! You can work at as many or as few events as you like, so it’s really easy to fit around your lifestyle, and working as a traffic marshal or ticket seller is a super easy way to make some extra pounds.
2. Survey
Websites such as Swagbucks and Ipsosi-Say allow you get paid for taking surveys. Payment can be money but can also be in vouchers for your favourite shops or restaurants. This can be quite time-consuming, but if you just want to make a few extra pennies from the comfort of your own home then this could be the best option for you.
3. Mystery Shopping
A step up from surveys, becoming a mystery shopper means you can get paid for visiting your local supermarket, going to the hairdresser or even phoning your bank to make a complaint! All you have to do is complete the tasks required, which could be anything from ordering a certain meal at a restaurant to asking for help at the post office, and then fill out a questionnaire about your experience. Plus, you get the added bonus of feeling like you’re on a secret mission!
4. People For Research
This website allows you to sign up to be a participant in research projects! The research can be about anything from healthcare services to how much you use your phone. This may require you to travel to a research centre, although you will be paid reasonably well, and will also be contributing to research which could have a genuinely beneficial impact on society!
https://www.peopleforresearch.co.uk/
Sources:
https://foot4ward.co.uk/2011/06/12/southend-half-marathon-race-report/