How to Find Part-Time Jobs in College: A Guide for Students
This might not be a popular statement but….
One of the best things I did while I was in college was work a part-time job. Once I was able to have my car on campus my junior year, I took on a number of part-time jobs to pay bills and cover some living expenses.
Why was having a job one of the best things I did in college?
I learned. A lot. Listen, I worked everywhere—from a sign shop, to the bookstore on campus, to doing the clock for a youth basketball program.
Hopefully, you’re asking the question, “How did he get all of these jobs?”
That’s what we’re here to talk about today—how to get part-time jobs when you’re in college and, frankly, why you should.
What You’ll Learn After Reading This Article:
Whether or not you should work while you’re in college.
How to find a part-time job while you’re in college.
The easiest to hardest jobs to get when you’re in college.
Should You Work a Part-Time Job in College?
My first semester of college, I spent more time watching King of Queens than any other person in the history of the world.
Should I have been doing something more productive like working? Probably.
The short answer to this question is yes—you should work a part-time job at some point during your college career.
But, on the other hand, I don’t like forcing people to work (or not work). Everyone’s college experience is different.
My brother didn’t work at all when he was in college. He spent most of his time tailgating UCF football games and doing all the fun things Orlando has to offer. But he wound up with a great job after college. For him, focusing on tailgating and getting good grades paid off.
For others, money might be critical for their college experience to continue. In that case, finding a job isn’t optional—it’s necessary.
Giving a general yes or no doesn’t really work, but here are a few things to think about when deciding whether to work:
How much free time do you have?
How much money do you have (and need)?
How is your school workload?
I completely understand that everyone wants that “college experience” of having fun and being carefree. If that’s your goal, go for it. But if you actually want to be successful in college and after college, you’ll worry less about “the college experience” and more about what you can do while you’re in college to maximize your future success.
The takeaway from this section should be: for 99% of you reading this, you should get some sort of part-time job while you’re in college. The worst outcome is that you’ll have more money in your bank account—and I don’t know anyone who’s complained about that.
How to Get a Part-Time Job in College
Strategy #1: Look on Campus
The most obvious and easiest way to find a job is to use the resources at your college by working a campus job.
There’s an issue with this, though, and I ran into it myself. Many jobs on campus may only qualify as Federal Work-Study positions, and if you aren’t eligible, you’re out of luck.
What is Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federal financial aid program that provides part-time jobs to students with financial need to help pay for education costs. Students apply for Work-Study via the FAFSA, then find approved on-campus or off-campus jobs, working enough hours to earn their awarded funds. The program offers flexible jobs, often related to a student’s field of study or community service, providing valuable experience and financial assistance for expenses like books and living costs.
If you qualify, the world is your oyster when it comes to campus jobs. But if you don’t, you’ll need to be a little more strategic.
I wasn’t eligible for Work-Study, so I found a privately owned business on campus—our beautiful bookstore—and applied to be a cashier. Since it was the beginning of the school year and they were dealing with the book-buying rush, they were looking for workers. Even though I had never worked in retail before, I connected with the manager during my interview because we had both worked at movie theaters in the past. The rest is history.
Finding a job on campus takes some legwork—figuring out eligibility, checking postings in the student center, and applying early—but it’s still your easiest option.
Strategy #2: Search in Your College Town
This is where you’re going to have to start networking and putting in real effort.
I had two “off-campus” jobs during college.
I lived a few blocks from campus my junior and senior year, and my landlord—who was a little strange—also owned a sign-making shop. I can’t stress enough how unartistic or bad at manual labor I am, but I decided to ask if he needed help.
Without asking about my background or skills, he hired me and said he’d train me. I never got very good at making signs, but it was good money and a great experience.
The other job I got was with the town’s recreation department, helping with youth sports programs. I applied, got a callback, and ended up working weekends keeping score and setting up equipment.
Long story short—you have to put yourself out there. People are often willing to train students and overlook experience, especially for part-time work.
Strategy #3: Avoid Online Job Boards
This one might surprise you, but hear me out.
Most online job boards are packed with listings that either:
Require more experience than most college students have, or
Are already flooded with applicants the minute they’re posted.
That doesn’t mean you can’t find anything online—it just means it’s not the most efficient way. If you’re serious about finding part-time work, you’ll get better results by showing up in person or reaching out directly to local businesses.
Think about it: if you walk into a pizza place, coffee shop, or local gym with a friendly attitude and a resume, you’re already standing out. Most college-town employers would rather hire someone who takes initiative than sift through 200 online applications.
Bottom line—get off the job board and start talking to real people. That’s how most college students land jobs that actually fit their schedules and personalities.
Strategy #4: Create Something on Your Own
If you can’t find a part-time job that fits, make one.
In today’s world, there are endless ways to earn money from your dorm room or apartment. Whether it’s tutoring high school students, editing papers, freelancing online, or starting a small campus business, you can create income without waiting for someone to hire you.
When I was in college, one of my friends made hundreds of dollars designing flyers for fraternity events. Another student started washing cars in the dorm parking lot. The point is—you don’t have to wait for permission to work.
If you have a skill, use it. If you don’t, learn one. Start small, make mistakes, and build from there. Those lessons are worth just as much as any class you’ll take.
The Easiest and Hardest Jobs to Get in College
Now that we’ve covered how to find part-time work, let’s talk about what kinds of jobs you’re most likely (and least likely) to land as a student.
Easiest Jobs to Get in College:
Campus Jobs: Libraries, dining halls, and bookstores are almost always hiring at the start of the semester.
Food Service: Restaurants, coffee shops, and campus eateries are constantly looking for part-time staff.
Tutoring: If you’re strong in a subject, you can tutor high school or fellow college students.
Recreation and Athletics: Intramural programs, gyms, and local rec departments are great for students with sports backgrounds.
Retail: Local stores near campus often need flexible help around class schedules.
Hardest Jobs to Get in College:
Internships That Pay Well: They’re out there—but competition is fierce, especially for business, marketing, and tech roles.
Research Assistant Positions: These can be goldmines for experience, but professors often have limited spots.
Event Planning and Media Roles: These tend to go to upperclassmen or students with connections.
Corporate Part-Time Jobs: Big companies usually want more consistent availability than a student can offer.
Knowing this helps you focus your energy. Start with the easy wins to build experience and money—then work your way toward the harder, higher-value jobs later in your college career.
Final Thoughts: Work Smart While You Study
Working part-time in college isn’t just about money—it’s about experience, maturity, and learning how to manage your time like an adult.
A job teaches you accountability, discipline, and how to communicate with people outside the college bubble. It gives you stories to tell in interviews and confidence to handle the real world when graduation comes.
So whether you’re working the register at the bookstore, helping run youth sports, or starting your own gig, remember—you’re building more than a paycheck. You’re building your future.
Ready to Build a Career That Actually Pays Off?
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