Paying for College
Finding a way to pay for college isn't always easy and sometimes takes some hard work.
If you are not lucky enough to have your parents pay your tuition for you (or just don't
want to burden them with that type of expense) you may want to consider getting a job
to help finance the cost.
Some students are only willing to work during their summer breaks, so as not to be distracted from their studies during the academic year. If this is your decision, you need to consider whether you will take a job in your home town or in the town where you go to school. If you decide on the latter, you will need to find a place to stay since most universities will not let you stay in your dorm during breaks.
If you are able to balance work and school, finding a job during the academic year is a good way to help pay your tuition or just make pocket money for all those incidental expenses. So what type of jobs are out there and how do you go about finding them?
Off-campus
Sometimes it can be tricky looking for a job near school. Typically there is a greater supply of workers (students) than there is of job openings. However, it never hurts to try. Just make sure to include commuting time when you are mapping out your schedule so as not to over-extend yourself.
On-campus
There are many advantages to finding a job on-campus. First, you don't have to worry about commuting, which reduces your overall time commitment. In addition, you will usually get all the same university holidays and breaks as students do. And finally, a university employer is more likely to understand and work around your schedule as a student - especially when finals time rolls around.
As for actual jobs, there are many to choose from - one to suit almost anyone:
Resident Assistant (RA)
This job is probably the one with the most responsibility, but also the best perks. As an RA, you live in a dorm and are assigned to monitor a particular floor, suite, etc. You are responsible for explaining dorm rules to your residents and enforcing them. In addition, RAs usually plan social events for their residents and are basically a source of information for the students. In return, RAs receive a free room and sometimes free board as well. This definitely helps cut the cost of attending college.
Computer Lab
A good position for those with a technical inclination is working in a student computer lab as a help specialist. In this job, you answer student patron questions and diagnose software problems. If you are a whiz at troubleshooting technical problems, this may be the job for you.
Library
Working in the library is a good way to combine academics with your job. You may be doing anything from helping students find books or articles to working the circulation desk or cataloguing incoming serials. Other library jobs include working in the stacks re-shelving books, or helping students with your school's on-line research database. In the meantime, you are familiarizing yourself with the library, which will prove useful when your first paper is assigned. Also, depending on your particular position, you may be able to squeeze in some studying during your down time (check with your supervisor first!)
Department offices
Taking a job in the department office in which your major is located is a wonderful way to earn money, while at the same time getting to know the professors in your area. Usually, the job entails answering phones, sorting mail, making photocopies, and other general office work. However, the interaction with your professors on an individual basis is priceless. Since professors are usually in and out of the department office, you will have an opportunity to get to know them outside of class and just as importantly, they will get to know you. You will also become very familiar with your department's requirements, as you will more than likely be giving this information to students who phone or come in with questions.
Campus tours
Schools will usually hire students to give campus tours to prospective students. This is a great way to familiarize yourself and others with the benefits of your campus, from the buildings to the major programs offered. It is also a good time for you to "sell" your school to students who are thinking about attending, and to answer any questions they may have.
Student Union
You might also consider working at the information desk of your student union. You would be there to offer information to both students and visitors on activities offered by the school, locations of buildings and offices, and also to answer any general questions about your school.
Other types of jobs
There are many other campus jobs available, such as checking student identification cards in the athletic facility, driving the school shuttle bus, or working in the cafeteria or school bookstore. Take a look around and see what kind of jobs students are holding on your campus. There may be others not even listed here. So get out there and see what interests you!
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