Tired of Penny-Pinching? Earn Extra Cash with These 10 On-Campus Jobs

By Meghen Jones

We certainly know that it isn’t unusual for a college student to be a penny-pincher when it comes to finances. With the cost of tuition, textbooks and supplies, and other miscellaneous fees, college students always have more bills and financial strain than the “Average Joe”—without the salary of a full-time job to cover it. Oh, and don’t forget about the burden of living expenses, either; someone has to pay for that swanky off-campus college apartment, after all. But, all of this spending will eventually take a toll on the money in your checking account—or the lack thereof.

If we know anything at uCribs, it’s that there’s a solution to every problem. Our solution to this particular issue is an on-campus job that can help you overcome the next four years financially. Sure, working and going to college can be an obstacle, especially if you’re taking more than the recommended 12 hours. However, there are perks to having an on-campus job, such as assistance with tuition and room and board, academic benefits and networking, and of course, the location. By working on-campus, you’ll always be close to all the happenings occurring—and you’ll never be far if an emergency or mishap arises with your academic coursework.

Educate yourself on the potential roles available and begin your search with a little help from uCribs’ list of 10 on-campus jobs.

Admissions Assistant

Prior to the semester, you spend a lot of time contacting the admissions office, and as a Freshman, you may even take a complimentary on-campus tour. Did you know that you could be a part of the team that helps students get registered and acclimated to student life as an Admissions Assistant? These students typically answer phone calls to the Administrative office, represent the university at campus events, and provide tours for incoming Freshmen. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to give “office life” a try before they decide upon their future career path.

IT Assistant

As a proud member of Generation-Z, you know full-well that tech is all the rage. So, if you have a knack for all things technical, then your university’s Information Technology Department is where you need to be, especially if you’re considering a future job path in a tech-related field. Good thing that colleges typically need additional help in their IT department, allowing students passionate about everything digital to learn more about their future career, with some on-the-job experience. Expect to help students reset forgotten passwords, haul needed equipment from classroom to classroom, and assist in fixing any and all computer problems. It sounds pretty on point for someone who wants to get into the nitty-gritty aspects of tech…

Research Assistant

If you are the designated Googler of your friend group, then you might want to consider becoming a Research Assistant at your university. Research Assistant positions are available in a number of different fields on a variety of subjects, depending on the professor who chooses to work with you. The relationship developed with your working professor could lead to future job opportunities via networking. Additionally, you will develop specialized skills in using certain software programs, databases, and so forth. Even better, you’ll be able to explore all of your research interests—and get paid to do so. It’s a pretty sweet trade-off if you ask us!

Teaching Assistant

When you think of your professors, you probably have a considerable amount of admiration for them. They are responsible for meeting numerous objectives on the daily basis, including giving lectures, grading papers and other assignments, committing to various initiatives to better your respective program, and, of course, devoting time and energy to their own research projects and publications. That’s why Teaching Assistants are there to lend a helping hand and lighten the load. You will most likely have to be a Graduate student to partake in this position, but if you do land it, you can expect to lecture, plan lessons, develop assignments, hold office hours, and assess and grade assignments. Even though it’s a high-responsibility job, it will be a very rewarding one and look great on your resume.

Library Assistant

If you enjoy being surrounded by books, a Library Assistant position may be most fitting for you. Whether you’re in the Humanities, the Arts, or the Sciences, there are plenty of benefits to working in the university’s library. Not only is it a low-key job in a quiet workplace with little stress, but you’ll also have ample downtime that will allow you to do homework and study for upcoming exams. On-campus Library Assistants keep the shelves organized, help students and faculty locate materials, and check materials in and out. Best of all, the quiet environment is sure to do wonders for your nerves.

Mailroom Assistant

When thinking about potential on-campus jobs, the possibility of a Mailroom Assistant most likely didn’t cross your mind. Believe it or not, the position can make a pretty solid on-campus job. While working in a mailroom might not be the glamorous on-campus job, it’s simple and to-the-point. Sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of job you need as a college student, who is already swamped by mental tasks and a long to-do list. Working in the mailroom will allow you to meet new people around campus more easily, as well—and you might even have downtime to catch up on assignments!

Barista

The most common on-campus jobs are typically found in the dining hall or food court. With so many students in need of nourishment and coffee (yes, a category that stands on its own), it’s almost impossible for the main staff to handle the fluctuation of students throughout the day on their own, especially at bigger institutions. This is why a Barista is another common job title to hold on-campus. Baristas are responsible for selling and brewing coffee, greeting students and faculty, and restocking displays. Working as a barista is a great way to make a supplemental income while socializing with your fellow students. Hey, you may even get access to free coffee on-the-job, which will have you saying, “Starbucks, who?”

Tutor

College classes are tough. Whether you’re a Freshman or a Senior, it’s inevitable that there will be one class per semester that will have you feeling a bit on edge. It’s no wonder why so many students seek additional help from on-campus tutors to gain a better understanding of the subject they seem to be consistently misunderstanding. Keep in mind, this may be a position reserved for upperclassmen and Graduate students, but it is at least worth the inquiry at your department’s main office. If you’re planning to pursue education as a career, this may be the perfect opportunity to gain insight into what a teaching role would entail. There’s nothing like some on-the-job experience to put a realistic spin on your dreams and ideations.

Residential Advisor

Residential Advisors, or RAs, are another popular on-campus job position. I mean, students need somewhere to lay their heads after an endless day of lectures, activities, and homework, right? Sure, they do, and with various financial stipends and options, many choose to live in the university’s dormitory. RAs are typically the go-to person for all things you need to know about #DormLife. They typically oversee a single floor in a dorm to have a more acute focus on students needing assistance. Unfortunately, this job is usually granted to upperclassmen, but you at least have something to strive for! On the bright side, once you secure the job, there’s a chance you can obtain free housing for yourself, which is sure to take some stress off your banking account.

Campus Ambassador

There’s no better job to have on-campus than a Campus Ambassador, especially if you’re outgoing or consider yourself to be an extrovert. Campus Ambassadors are one of the most popular on-campus jobs, and not-so-shockingly, the roles tend to fill up rather quickly. Why? Because, students can exude their most social self and sharpen their interpersonal and public speaking skills, to boot. Job duties include giving campus tours, attending community events, and perhaps, most importantly, serving as a representation of your university. There will also be opportunities to work for major corporations on-campus as an ambassador, where you’ll spread the word about their product in exchange for cool perks, like discounts and freebies. Either position would be a dream-come-true for someone looking to dabble in Public Relations or Marketing down the line!

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