Lori Meadows
International students often face financial challenges due to high tuition fees and living expenses. While studying abroad, they must balance their academic commitments with earning opportunities. The type of student visa possessed by an international student determines their work eligibility and requirements. For instance, F-1 visa holders can only work for a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus during their academic term. To overcome these challenges, international students can consider various options to earn money quickly, such as on-campus jobs, internships, freelancing, tutoring, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Side hustles | Tutoring, Freelancing, Blogging, Photography, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram influencing, Surveys, Trading on stock markets, Renting properties, Repairing items |
| Tools | WISE (formerly TransferWise), Namecheap, Fiverr, Freelancer |
| Work | Part-time, internships, freelancing, on-campus jobs, work-study programs |
| Banking | Debit cards, Credit cards, Wire transfers, Online banking |
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What You'll Learn
Freelance work
Freelancing is a great way to make money as an international student. It offers flexibility, allowing you to work remotely and choose your own hours, deadlines, and rates. You can also gain valuable skills and experience, which will be beneficial for your future career.
However, it is important to note that international students may face work authorization requirements that affect their ability to freelance, especially in countries like the US. For instance, international students on F-1 visas in the US are only authorized to work on campus and cannot freelance without additional work authorization. There are two options for this: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is tied to a specific employer, so it cannot be used for freelancing, but OPT may be used for freelancing after the first year of school.
- Choose your niche: Identify your skills and what you can offer to clients. Common freelance roles include writing, graphic design, programming, social media management, SEO, web development, and more.
- Use online platforms: Utilize websites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Guru, and PeoplePerHour to create a profile and find freelance projects and clients. These platforms also allow you to showcase your portfolio.
- Network and market yourself: Spread the word about your services among your friends, classmates, and colleagues. You can also use social media and other online channels to market your services and connect with potential clients.
- Be mindful of visa requirements: If you are studying in a foreign country, make sure to check the local laws and visa requirements for working and freelancing. Talk to the designated school official or your university's international student office to ensure you are complying with any necessary regulations.
- Keep records: Maintain detailed records of all your communications, contracts, and work completed. This is important for potential visa inquiries and also helps you stay organized and efficient.
Freelancing can be a rewarding way to earn money as an international student, providing you with the flexibility to work on your own terms while gaining valuable skills and experience.
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On-campus jobs
International students in the US can work part-time while studying, and on-campus jobs are relatively easy for them to acquire. On-campus jobs are part-time positions located on university campuses that support the operations of the institution. These jobs can be voluntary or paid, with a limit of 20 hours per week during the semester. International students with F-1 visa status are generally restricted to on-campus work, except in cases of severe economic hardship.
There are many different types of on-campus jobs available to undergraduate and graduate students. International students are welcome to apply for the same jobs as domestic students. Some common examples of on-campus jobs for students include working in the dining hall, at the campus grill, or in the Office of International Student Affairs. According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, you can even work multiple jobs as long as they do not total more than 20 hours per week.
There are several ways international students can prepare to get an on-campus job. Firstly, research how student employment works on your campus and know the rules and regulations that apply to international students. For instance, F-1 students may work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a US citizen or LPR, and they must be enrolled in an academic program full-time to qualify for on-campus jobs. Additionally, F-1 students may only work on-campus after the program end date if they continue their education at the next program level at the same school.
To find on-campus jobs, the best place to look is your college's online job board, if they have one. Many US schools use online platforms to post all types of jobs available to college students. International students can use the "On-Campus" filter to find openings they are eligible for. Some schools may also have a physical job board in a central location on campus, such as the student centre or quad. Another way to find student on-campus jobs is to go to different places that you might like to work, such as the library, cafeteria, or campus box office, and ask if they are hiring.
When applying for on-campus jobs, it is important to tailor your job application to each position. Your social involvement and customer skills are extremely important, as you will likely be interacting with and communicating with people constantly in your job. Keep your resume short, concise, and to the point. It should never be more than one page, and should not include your date of birth, nationality, religion, passport number, home address, or any family-related information. You should also write a cover letter about your past social involvements, such as volunteer work, or if you haven’t done any, you might state that you were part of a sports team or any other social club.
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Tutoring
To get started, you can create a profile on tutoring websites such as Studypool, First Tutors, Superprof, or Tutorpeers. These platforms allow you to set your rates, availability, and teaching preferences. You can also use social media and word-of-mouth on campus to market your services and build a client base.
When tutoring, it is important to assess each student's skill level and needs, plan engaging sessions, and research the curriculum to ensure your student's success. Additionally, producing progress reports can help showcase the impact of your tutoring services.
Remember to consider the regulations and conditions of your student visa before accepting any job role, as working while studying may have certain restrictions.
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Online surveys
There are many websites that pay people to complete online surveys, and they're usually pretty quick and easy to do. Swagbucks, for example, is a popular survey site with over 123,000 reviews on the App Store and 197,000 on Google Play. Swagbucks offers a low payout threshold, meaning you can access your earnings quickly. You can also earn rewards with Survey Junkie, which can be redeemed for cash through PayPal or bank transfer, or gift cards for popular retailers.
Surveys on Swagbucks typically pay between 1 and 350 Swagbucks (SBs), depending on the length and topic popularity. For every 100 SBs, you earn an additional $1. Swagbucks also awards SBs for other activities like shopping online, searching the web, and watching videos.
Survey Junkie also rewards you with points for attempting surveys, even if you don't qualify. The number of surveys you take will impact your earnings, and you can increase your income by opting in to share your online activity.
Other legitimate survey sites include InboxDollars, which pays in cash rather than points, and Pawns.app, which also pays users for sharing their unused internet bandwidth and playing mobile games.
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Rent out property
If you're looking to rent out your property to international students, there are several things you should keep in mind to make the process smooth and efficient. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:
Location and Transport Links
Consider the location of your property in relation to the university campus. Is it within easy travelling distance? Look for nearby transport links, such as a bus stop, that can make your property more appealing to students. Students often prefer living in neighbourhoods with other students, so being close to campus and the town centre can be advantageous.
Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The number of tenants you can accommodate will impact the affordability of your rent. Generally, having more tenants can allow you to set a more competitive rent. For example, a six-bedroom house should ideally have two bathrooms, following the rule of thumb of three renters per bathroom.
Rent Price
Research the market by reviewing student housing listings in your area. Speak with the Students' Union to understand the rent that students are typically prepared to pay. Pick comparable properties within half a mile of your property to get a sense of the rent you can charge. Remember that students usually have limited funds, so pricing your property competitively is essential.
Lease Agreement and Rules
Create a clear and comprehensive lease agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the tenancy. Spend time explaining these details to your tenants, as this may be their first time renting. Establish a set of rules and communicate the consequences of not following them. Proactively assist your tenants by providing guidance on basic maintenance, such as dealing with power cuts or boiler issues.
Furnishings and Appliances
Provide essential furnishings and appliances, especially in the kitchen and bedrooms. This includes white goods like a washing machine, cooker, and fridge freezer. Consider adding a dishwasher, microwave, and even a lawn mower if there's a garden. Furnish the bedrooms with beds, wardrobes, study desks, and chairs. While you may choose to leave the living area unfurnished, providing a sofa can make the property more appealing.
Marketing and Advertising
Advertising your property effectively is crucial. Use specific and clear descriptions, highlighting the features that cater to students' needs and preferences. Include high-quality pictures of both the interior and exterior of the property. Utilize various platforms to reach your target audience, such as Facebook groups, Zillow, Roomies, Uloop, and Apartments.com.
Screening Tenants
To avoid potential issues, consider screening prospective tenants. Check their responsiveness by observing how quickly they reply to messages and provide supporting documents. Review their social media profiles to gain insights into their lifestyle and habits. Look for responsible and respectful tenants who are likely to take care of your property.
Co-Signer Option
If you're concerned about a tenant's ability to pay rent, you can ask for a co-signer, typically a parent or guardian. This guarantees that the rent will be covered even if the student encounters financial difficulties.
Insurance and Taxes
Don't forget to obtain landlords insurance, which is different from standard home insurance. It covers the risks associated with renting out your property. Additionally, be aware of council tax obligations. Landlords pay council tax for Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO), which is a property shared by multiple tenants.
By following these steps, you can efficiently rent out your property to international students, providing them with a comfortable and appealing living space while also generating a steady income stream.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make money quickly as an international student, including on-campus employment, internships, freelancing, and side hustles such as selling unwanted items, tutoring, or completing online surveys.
On-campus jobs for international students may include working in the university library or dining services, as a research or teaching assistant, or during university events and functions.
International students can look for freelancing opportunities on websites like Fiverr and Freelancer, which offer remote work in areas like graphic design, writing, web development, and digital marketing.
