The life of a campus student can be very challenging. One has to come to terms with the fact that you are no longer under your parents’ supervision.
Here one has to make many decisions on their own.
Most of these decisions are made in poor judgment, especially when it comes to money.
Many are the times that we spend most if not all the allowance given within the first two weeks of the month.
At the end of the day, we end up having too much month at the end of the money. ( you run out of money)
This is one of the reasons why we need to learn how to budget.
In most cases, skipping meals becomes a default measure, only to ensure that you spare that coin. But it shouldn’t be.
Below are a few ways we can remedy the shilling shortage during those few years of campus life.
1. Work while you study programs
On most campuses, like mine, few needy students are given the opportunity to work on campus grounds while they continue with their classes.
However, before you get this opportunity you’ll first have to apply.
This, in my experience, involves getting a work while studying application letter from the Dean of Students.
After filling in the application and returning the letter, wait for the selection process.
I have to warn you that though very few students apply even fewer are chosen.
2.Promotions with brands:
Have you ever seen young people promoting known brands?
A popular one I see is telecommunication networks like safaricom, Airtel and telecom.
These young People are paid simply to give away or sell products.
To be honest I don’t know about the selection process but I bet that you need to know someone or be in the right location at the right time to do brand promotions.
3.Sell !Sell !Sell!
Selling things on campus is the most assured way of earning a substantial amount of money. Instead of doing tasks just to make a few pennies, sell things
Can you make mandazi? Yes, then start making and selling them for as cheap as sh.5 and comrades will happily hand money to you.
Sell thrift clothes and shoes. I did it and truth be told I received a 200% return on investment(ROI).
Caution, selling things is not as easy as it sounds.
People will not buy all at once unless you are lucky and they do. You will have to be tenacious and never take no for an answer.
4. Take part-time classes.
If you have already secured a 9-5 job, there is no reason why you should stop going to school.
Instead, take evening classes.
Most campuses, in Kenya, have part-time classes. School should not be a reason why you are broke.
On the plus side, you will also be building your CV by having additional working experience compared to your peers.
5. Join a sport.
Are you good at any sport?
And I’m not only talking about field sports. I am also talking about board games like chess and Scrabble.
Well, you can make some money by being part of the school team.
In addition to the stipend that you will earn, you’ll get to tour the country for free. As well as keep fit both mentally and physically.
6. Sell Your class notes.
Do you take good notes in class? If so make copies of your handwritten notes and sell them.
Even better you can type these notes to give them a professional look. This will give your clients a worth for their money.
If your notes are good enough, you can even sell them online. On platforms like campus shift and notesgen among many other websites.
7.Tutor fellow students.
As simple as it sounds you can tutor another student.
You don’t have to be good at every unit. You can tutor fellow students on only one unit that you are good at. Perfect it and teach others at a price.
Just in case you wouldn’t be comfortable tutoring students one on one, you can tutor them on online platforms like Course Hero.
By doing so you’ll be helping others pass their classes as well as putting some money in the pocket.
Those were few ways to make money while on campus.
Let money not be the reason why you skip a meal or get trapped in dangerous situations.
Apply for that study while you work program, go on promotions, start selling things, take part-time classes, join a sport today, sell notes or tutor someone.
If you have more tips on how to make money while on campus please share them in the comments section below. I’d love to read them.