For every student who has been through campus difficulties, know that being on campus is not as easy as it seems to others. When I entered my second year at KNUST, I was constantly low on cash. You know, for the slides, which were sometimes free, but the feeding and transportation and exorbitant prices of items on campus made my allowance, which I receive from my dad every month, not enough for me.
Locked between my own confusion, times of stress, and starvation, the thought of doing something to earn extra cash.
Everything seemed difficult, but not until I met a friend of mine who was selling snacks and soft drinks in the hostel. That very moment was one that opened my eyes to see the many ways a student can make money right on campus.
If you have ever wondered how you can you can make money on campus without neglecting your studies, then this guide is for you.
Why You Should Consider Making Money on Campus
Looking at how campus expenses and prices of goods are skyrocketing, no one told me to start selling condensed milk toffee before I began. The short of it all, I wanted to survive.
Still considering why you should make money on campus?
Wait no longer. From what I have noticed since my first year on campus, hostel prices keep rising every year, food prices keep shooting up, and the cost of living for students only keeps increasing. There was a time I had to cut down the budget I allocated for food items. Selling something on campus could actually help live within the means.
What Can You Sell? Have made you some suggestions from what some of my friends sell.
1. Selling Items and Products to Fellow Students
One of the oldest ideas you can rely on to make money on campus is none other than selling. There are always items that students need. You have no idea of one. Here is what some of my friends sell:
- Notebooks, pens, flash drives, toiletries, detergents.
- Noodles, drinks, bread, and phone charges.
- Thrift clothes, custom shirts, jewelry.
- Perfumes, soaps, blenders, and many more.
How do they get the items?
A lot of campus students order items using 1688.com, Alibaba, Temu, and other B2B marketplaces. They let customers pay in advance for items, and upon receipt, they distribute them to the customers.
For those like me who did not have the capital to cover expenses and afford the risk for shipping, we decided to go local. That is why I chose to sell my condensed toffee while in school.
2. Handling Academic Project Work and Typing Services
One thing I have noticed among some students, they are lazy. Some cannot just find a way around their assignments and projects, while some are just not familiar with data analysis, binding, and typing. So, for my senior brother who was good in this field
He offered the following services:
- Typing and formatting assignments or reports.
- Printing, photocopying, and spiral binding.
- Data entry or analysis (using Excel or SPSS)
- Helping final-year students with project layout, citations, and proofreading.
What You'll Need
- You will need a laptop or have access to one.
- You will need basic Microsoft Word and Excel skills. Don't have one? Do it before you start.
- What should not really be your concern is printing. The printing shops are there.
3. Cooking and Selling Food or Snacks
If you are good are cooking, this is one of the most rewarding ways you can earn money on campus. Students like to buy especially during exams. Some say they barely have the time to make meals. So, guess if you can really structure time and make some dishes. Guess a lot will come running for your sumptuous meals.
How to Start?
- Cook meals that are simple but delicious and affordable. Rice and spaghetti could be the best option. Don't go for Tuo Zaafi or Banku, which will take all day.
- Package them neatly and distribute them room by room. Interested people will purchase before you know it, and still ask for more.
- In a classroom group? Then sell through your WhatsApp groups or directly in your hostel.
Thinking of what to sell? Let me give you some hints:
- Snacks like meat pie, puff-puff, and doughnuts.
- Fresh fruit juice or factory-made ones can help.
- Homemade food plates are not a bad option.
4. Food Delivery for Busy Students and Lecturers
There are many businesses around campus today looking for people to deliver orders. So here is the thing: even if you do not cook, you can partner with food vendors and deliver food to hostels and offices.
This will work for you cause
- Many students or lecturers are too busy to go out during class hours or assignment periods.
- You will earn a delivery fee per order without handling the cooking yourself.
So, if you have a scooter, bicycle, or motorcycle on cycle do not hesitate. If you can go on foot, short distances will help you.
5. Research Assistance and Data Collection Jobs
Lecturers, postgraduate students, and researchers need assistance in collecting data or conducting surveys during some academic sessions.
Wondering what you can do?
- You can administer questionnaires.
- You can input data into spreadsheets and SPSS.
- You can help with literature reviews and referencing.
The good thing about this work, as my brother once told me, it not only pays you but helps you to learn more.
6. Organizing Events and Campus Services
Departments in Universities often organize events such as conferences, departmental dinners, rep your school, and student week celebrations.
You can make money by providing event services like:
- Decoration and catering services
- Photography and videography
- MC or DJ services.
- Selling Tickets and promoting events.
Reputation is all that matters. Once you build a small reputation, other students will refer you, and your income will grow.
Your Academics Is Important
Remember, you went to campus to study, not to solely make some extra cash. To balance your business with the academics,
- Create a daily schedule and make sure to allocate time for both studying and business.
- Don't forsake lectures for work.
- Make sure you are self-disciplined so you do not miss your schedule.
Many make the mistake of completing school before running after jobs. It does not need to be like that always. You can have a business before your graduation.
Read Also:
Side Hustles in Technology and IT: How You Can Make Money
Simple Way to Starting Unique eBook Business
Start a Business on TikTok – The Honest Guide to TikTok Live Selling
