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What are decent part time jobs for college freshmen?
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Kangana’s Answer
Hey Kervin,
It depends on what your interests are and how much time you have. A few options are:
Campus jobs: Work-study positions, library assistant, or student ambassador roles. These positions tend to be flexible, especially if you have a heavy college workload or lots of exams coming up. You would also get a chance to work closely with people working at higher positions in the college, helping you build your network.
Service jobs: Working at a local coffee shop, restaurant, or retail store helps you build communication and time management skills.
Tutoring or mentoring: You can tutor high school or college students (especially if you’re strong in a subject) or mentor younger students online. This also shows leadership and mastery of knowledge.
Office experience: Positions like a legal assistant at a law office or receptionist at a doctor’s clinic can help if you’re interested in law, healthcare, or administration.
Business or tech-related jobs: You can look for internships or part-time roles at accounting firms, marketing agencies, or startups to gain early professional experience.
The key is to find something that either supports your future goals or helps you build transferable skills — like teamwork, communication, organization, and responsibility — while still balancing your academics.
It depends on what your interests are and how much time you have. A few options are:
Campus jobs: Work-study positions, library assistant, or student ambassador roles. These positions tend to be flexible, especially if you have a heavy college workload or lots of exams coming up. You would also get a chance to work closely with people working at higher positions in the college, helping you build your network.
Service jobs: Working at a local coffee shop, restaurant, or retail store helps you build communication and time management skills.
Tutoring or mentoring: You can tutor high school or college students (especially if you’re strong in a subject) or mentor younger students online. This also shows leadership and mastery of knowledge.
Office experience: Positions like a legal assistant at a law office or receptionist at a doctor’s clinic can help if you’re interested in law, healthcare, or administration.
Business or tech-related jobs: You can look for internships or part-time roles at accounting firms, marketing agencies, or startups to gain early professional experience.
The key is to find something that either supports your future goals or helps you build transferable skills — like teamwork, communication, organization, and responsibility — while still balancing your academics.
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Kervin,
First of all, on your FAFSA you can check work-study. Through that program, you'll get paid jobs on campus. Talk to your Financial Office if you haven't done so yet. Your college will try to place you within your department so you'll get jobs that are somewhat related to your major. The advantage is that you get work experience in your area of studies, get to know people in your field and don't have to waste time commuting to your job. These jobs are also very flexible to wrap around your classes.
Other than that, you can look for jobs in fast-food or retail. If you have any skills, like computer skills or any healthcare related certifications, you can also look for jobs in those areas. You can tutor younger kids in subjects you are are good at. If you play any sports or play a musical instrument, you could teach kids or look for a job at a sports facility or a music school. As you progress through your studies, you might be able to pick up research-related jobs too.
Don't overload your schedule in your first year at college. You might get surprised by just how many things there are to do, and studying should be your first priority.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
First of all, on your FAFSA you can check work-study. Through that program, you'll get paid jobs on campus. Talk to your Financial Office if you haven't done so yet. Your college will try to place you within your department so you'll get jobs that are somewhat related to your major. The advantage is that you get work experience in your area of studies, get to know people in your field and don't have to waste time commuting to your job. These jobs are also very flexible to wrap around your classes.
Other than that, you can look for jobs in fast-food or retail. If you have any skills, like computer skills or any healthcare related certifications, you can also look for jobs in those areas. You can tutor younger kids in subjects you are are good at. If you play any sports or play a musical instrument, you could teach kids or look for a job at a sports facility or a music school. As you progress through your studies, you might be able to pick up research-related jobs too.
Don't overload your schedule in your first year at college. You might get surprised by just how many things there are to do, and studying should be your first priority.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
Here's a quick list of things I did throughout college to make money. My best advice is to cast a wide net and to work multiple jobs if you want to make more money and work part time. Here is my list:
1. 3 online internships (startup and other company) -> You can get this through your school job application board, cold emailing, or through any family friends or contacts you may have that can hire you.
2. On campus job -> I worked at the school's theatre as an usher. I recommend looking at your school's on campus job postings and reaching out to any faculty that lead these jobs. Also ask around as I had a friend that worked this job and they introduced me to the boss which got me an interview.
3. Other ad hoc jobs -> I did dog sitting in college which paid quite well. I made sure I had the time and the accomodation for this though so make sure you have the capabilities of taking care of a dog as it can be quite demanding and busy.
4. Smaller tasks -> I also took on week long projects etc. from other small businesses that needed help with things. This is really just by luck or through your network of friend as I did this because my friend had a startup he needed some help with.
5. Coaching/tutoring -> I did basketball coaching for elementary and middle school kids. If you are skilled at something or have a good amount of knowledge on a certain subject (eg. math etc.) you can look for some tutoring roles etc.
6. Off campus jobs -> look for some jobs at a local restaurant chain or supermarket etc. for some extra work. These places are usually hiring, but Id recommend looking at some of the above options first as they can provide you with some relevant experience for your future career or can provide you with greater flexibility with your time.
Hope that helps! There are bunch of other ways to make money in college but these were my experiences.
1. 3 online internships (startup and other company) -> You can get this through your school job application board, cold emailing, or through any family friends or contacts you may have that can hire you.
2. On campus job -> I worked at the school's theatre as an usher. I recommend looking at your school's on campus job postings and reaching out to any faculty that lead these jobs. Also ask around as I had a friend that worked this job and they introduced me to the boss which got me an interview.
3. Other ad hoc jobs -> I did dog sitting in college which paid quite well. I made sure I had the time and the accomodation for this though so make sure you have the capabilities of taking care of a dog as it can be quite demanding and busy.
4. Smaller tasks -> I also took on week long projects etc. from other small businesses that needed help with things. This is really just by luck or through your network of friend as I did this because my friend had a startup he needed some help with.
5. Coaching/tutoring -> I did basketball coaching for elementary and middle school kids. If you are skilled at something or have a good amount of knowledge on a certain subject (eg. math etc.) you can look for some tutoring roles etc.
6. Off campus jobs -> look for some jobs at a local restaurant chain or supermarket etc. for some extra work. These places are usually hiring, but Id recommend looking at some of the above options first as they can provide you with some relevant experience for your future career or can provide you with greater flexibility with your time.
Hope that helps! There are bunch of other ways to make money in college but these were my experiences.
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Library assistant, run social media accounts for a small business, be a coach or instructor at the local parks and recreation. I've found all of these to be relatively flexible or have hours outside of school hours!
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Kervin. There are many good options available for college freshmen. Many students find success working on-campus in places like the library, dining hall, or student café. These jobs are often easier to get, offer flexible schedules, and are located right where you live and study, which makes them convenient. Working in food service or retail, such as being a barista, cashier, or sales associate, is also common for college students. These jobs teach important customer service and time management skills.
If you're strong in a particular subject, tutoring other students or working as a library assistant can also be a great way to earn money while staying connected to academics. Some students choose to take on remote or freelance work, such as being a virtual assistant or doing simple online tasks. These jobs often let you work on your own schedule, which is helpful when balancing schoolwork.
If you're strong in a particular subject, tutoring other students or working as a library assistant can also be a great way to earn money while staying connected to academics. Some students choose to take on remote or freelance work, such as being a virtual assistant or doing simple online tasks. These jobs often let you work on your own schedule, which is helpful when balancing schoolwork.
Updated
Magan’s Answer
Great question! As a college freshman, balancing work and school is key, so here are some decent part-time jobs that tend to be flexible and student-friendly:
Campus Jobs – These are ideal because they’re close by and often accommodate your class schedule. Look into:
Library assistant
Lab or research assistant
Front desk or administrative roles
Peer tutor or teaching assistant (if available)
Retail or Food Service – Stores, coffee shops, and restaurants near campus often hire students. These jobs build customer service skills and usually offer evening/weekend shifts.
Freelancing or Online Work – If you have skills in writing, graphic design, coding, or tutoring, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Chegg Tutors can be great.
Internships – Some companies offer paid internships even for freshmen. These can be part-time and help you build experience in your field early.
Delivery or Rideshare – If you have a car, working for services like Uber Eats or DoorDash can be flexible and pay decently.
Work-Study Programs – If you're eligible, these are great because they’re designed for students and often relate to your academic interests.
The best job depends on your schedule, goals, and interests. What major are you pursuing? That could help tailor suggestions even more!
Campus Jobs – These are ideal because they’re close by and often accommodate your class schedule. Look into:
Library assistant
Lab or research assistant
Front desk or administrative roles
Peer tutor or teaching assistant (if available)
Retail or Food Service – Stores, coffee shops, and restaurants near campus often hire students. These jobs build customer service skills and usually offer evening/weekend shifts.
Freelancing or Online Work – If you have skills in writing, graphic design, coding, or tutoring, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Chegg Tutors can be great.
Internships – Some companies offer paid internships even for freshmen. These can be part-time and help you build experience in your field early.
Delivery or Rideshare – If you have a car, working for services like Uber Eats or DoorDash can be flexible and pay decently.
Work-Study Programs – If you're eligible, these are great because they’re designed for students and often relate to your academic interests.
The best job depends on your schedule, goals, and interests. What major are you pursuing? That could help tailor suggestions even more!
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Kervin,
There are many different part time jobs that you can have while you are in college. It really depends on what you are looking at, how much you want to get payed and what is available. I will create a list of part time jobs you can look into and decide. Hope you are able to find a good opportunity that fits with your college!
List:
-Internships(look for paid)
-School jobs(library etc.)
-Customer Service/Retail
-Fitness instructor/trainer
-Gym jobs
-Lifeguarding
-Swim instructor
-Servers
-Tutor
-Delivery drivers
-Movie theater jobs
There are many different part time jobs that you can have while you are in college. It really depends on what you are looking at, how much you want to get payed and what is available. I will create a list of part time jobs you can look into and decide. Hope you are able to find a good opportunity that fits with your college!
List:
-Internships(look for paid)
-School jobs(library etc.)
-Customer Service/Retail
-Fitness instructor/trainer
-Gym jobs
-Lifeguarding
-Swim instructor
-Servers
-Tutor
-Delivery drivers
-Movie theater jobs
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Any job you can get on campus as a work study situation would be great. Additionally waiting tables or bar tending allows for flexible work schedules as well.
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Kervin,
It is great to hear that you are looking for employment opportunities as an incoming freshman. There are numerous ways to go about what works for you that will add to your experience as an employee and general skill sets. Something to consider first is an internship within your major you are studying. If it is something you believe you will enjoy, then do not be afraid to look for internships even if you feel like you do not know what you are doing yet. There might be a company that is looking for exactly that is will be willing to teach you what you need to know while getting an early start on your resume.
If not, I always recommend the service industry like a waiter. It is an environment that can teach you many skills that you can use in the future like timeliness, collaboration, communication skills, and much more. Many restaurants are fast paced and you have to work as a team each night. You also will learn how to deal with difficult people and difficult situations with fairly low stakes, that can help in the future with more important decision making.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are looking for employment opportunities as an incoming freshman. There are numerous ways to go about what works for you that will add to your experience as an employee and general skill sets. Something to consider first is an internship within your major you are studying. If it is something you believe you will enjoy, then do not be afraid to look for internships even if you feel like you do not know what you are doing yet. There might be a company that is looking for exactly that is will be willing to teach you what you need to know while getting an early start on your resume.
If not, I always recommend the service industry like a waiter. It is an environment that can teach you many skills that you can use in the future like timeliness, collaboration, communication skills, and much more. Many restaurants are fast paced and you have to work as a team each night. You also will learn how to deal with difficult people and difficult situations with fairly low stakes, that can help in the future with more important decision making.
Best of luck on your journey!