Contents
- Empty Wallet? Try a Side-Hustle
- Way 1: Drive for a Rideshare App
- Way 2: Make Deliveries
- Way 3: Donate Plasma
- Way 4: Pet Sit, House Sit, Baby Sit
- Way 5: Become a Task Runner
- Way 6: Wrap Your Car
- Way 7: Sell Gently Used Clothing
- Way 8: Sell Unwanted Books, Movies and Music
- Way 9: Start a Business Making and Selling Things
- Way 10: Freelance
- Get That Cash!
Empty Wallet? Try a Side-Hustle
Between textbooks, food, and social activities, college students at UT Dallas often find themselves in need of extra cash to get through the year. The creative and entrepreneurial students at the Naveen Jindal School of Management have a variety of options available to them when they are looking for extra funds.
Since JSOM students already maintain busy schedules with classes, homework, and existing jobs, the most ideal money-making side hustles for them are ones for which they can set their own schedules.
Here are 10 ways for college students in DFW Texas to make extra money on the go and at home:
Way 1: Drive for a Rideshare App
If you have a reliable vehicle, then driving for a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft could be an ideal gig for you. Check each app’s requirements to learn if you and your vehicle qualify. Uber and Lyft now both offer the option to drive with a rental car if you want to preserve your own vehicle. Some drivers can even use both apps to maximize their earnings.
In the DFW Metroplex, there’s a high demand for rides, especially on evenings and weekends when college students have some down time from class. Always remember to drive safely, provide great service to your riders, and keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained.
Way 2: Make Deliveries
You might not want strangers in your car, but still have a reliable vehicle and would love to spend your side hustle exploring the DFW Metroplex. Why not make deliveries through DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates or Uber Eats? Another delivery app only available in Texas is Favor. You can also get paid to pick up groceries and deliver them to people through Instacart.
Most apps will allow you to keep all your extra tips, so be sure to provide great service for every run you make.
Way 3: Donate Plasma
If you are healthy and at least 18, a great way to meet a tremendous need in the community and make a little extra cash as well is by donating your plasma. This option is good for people who are not afraid of needles and have some time to stop by their local donation center.
Plasma donation center BioLife offers up to $800 to new donors depending on your center location. Other plasma donation centers close to UT Dallas include Octapharma Plasma and CSL Plasma, so choose a center with a location close to you and ask about their rewards program.
While plasma donation is considered fairly low risk, you should consult your doctor and the eligibility requirements before you go in to make a donation.
Way 4: Pet Sit, House Sit, Baby Sit
Love animals? Help a local family feel secure in taking a trip away from their beloved fur-baby by becoming a pet-sitter. You can set up your own business and advertise your services on the web or social media. Alternatively, you can sign on to an app like Rover, Wag, or Meowtel (cat lovers only) for their extensive network of clients.
How about kids? Give some parents a night to breathe and help take care of young children on the evenings and weekends. You can find work as a part-time nanny, babysitter, or caregiver for senior citizens through Care.com and Sittercity.
You can also care for a family’s home while they are away by watering plants, taking in the mail and keeping things tidy.
Way 5: Become a Task Runner
Sometimes people need an extra hand around the home. If you’ve got some skill with tools or cleaning implements, then you could make some nice extra cash by becoming a Task Runner in the DFW Metroplex.
Get paid to help with odd jobs like cleaning, furniture assembly, TV mounting, yard work, and repairs through apps like Taskrabbit, Handy and Airtasker. Apply to your app of choice or advertise your services online or through social media.
Way 6: Wrap Your Car
With a reliable vehicle in the DFW Metroplex, you may be able to get paid to display advertisements on your car. According to Free Car Media, you could potentially make up to $400 a month just to drive your own car through the Metroplex. Register yourself and your vehicle through the website and if your profile matches an advertiser’s criteria, your car will either get a full vinyl wrap or a rear-window display. You will have to display the ad for a period of 6 to 24 months or longer, but you will be paid monthly.
Way 7: Sell Gently Used Clothing
Closet full of clothes you no longer wear? If those clothing items are still in good condition, you can get some extra cash for them. Local DFW Metroplex thrift retailers like Plato’s Closet, Clothes Circuit, Clotheshore Anonymous, and Buffalo Exchange will take your old clothing to sell to others.
You can send your clothes to the online retailer ThredUp and make extra funds or shopping credit every time one of your pieces sells.
Alternatively, you can use a service like Facebook Marketplace to sell your items yourself. Make sure to take fantastic pictures and set a fair price for each item.
Way 8: Sell Unwanted Books, Movies and Music
If you have any old media like books, movies or music just lying around, then you can declutter and get some extra cash by selling those unwanted items. Sell on an online retail store like Amazon or Mercari.
Local stores like Half Price Books will provide you with a cash offer for books, CDs, DVD’s, records and games. Bring your items to them and wait in the store while they evaluate the items, and then take your offer receipt to the counter to get paid.
Way 9: Start a Business Making and Selling Things
An opportunity perfect for students with an entrepreneurial mindset and a creative knack for crafting is to start a side business making and selling things. If you enjoy sewing, knitting, woodworking, jewelry crafting or any number of tasks where you create handmade goods, then why not make a little extra income while you are at it?
You can set up an online shop on Etsy and reach customer all over the world or find local craft fairs to sell your good at. DFW Craft Shows can help you find events to become a vendor at.
Way 10: Freelance
Got skills in graphic design, writing, web design, translation, or music? You can offer your services on a freelance basis. Create your own website and advertise your services on social media, or set up a profile on Fiverr or Upwork to get started reaching clients.
Want to help locals with photography, event-planning, interior design, personal training and more? The platform Thumbtack connects local businesses and freelancers with customers ready to pay for their services.
Get That Cash!
These gigs are perfect for busy DFW college students who want to set their own schedules and make extra funds in the meantime. Some of these side-hustles, like freelancing and starting your own craft business, will involve utilizing skills that students at the Jindal School will learn about in the classroom.
Remember, the best gig is one that fits your interests and needs. Pick your favorite money-making side-hustle and get ready to cash in.
