Even with extensive student travel discounts available these days, holidays still don’t come cheap, particularly when you’re trying to work within the confines of a typical student budget. Unlike other people in full-time employment, students have to split their time between work and study and usually have relatively low disposable income. By the time you’ve paid for your accommodation, flights and other associated travel costs, there can be very little left in the pot for fun things like tours, nights out, activities and excursions.
Here are a few ways you can top up your vacation fund to make sure you enjoy your time to the full.
Work as a driver for Uber
The biggest advantage to working for Uber is you can choose your hours, making the job a perfect choice to fit around study and any other commitments you might have. Not only can you work when it suits you, but you also do as many or as few hours as you want. Also, the pay is better than in many other, more restrictive jobs you might be considering.
Signing up to work for the company is remarkably simple; in fact, one of the few barriers you might encounter could be whether your vehicle meets their requirements (note: these vary from country to country so you should check online). However, even if your car isn’t deemed suitable, you can optionally rent a vehicle from the company.
To apply to be an Uber driver, simply go to the website and complete the relevant forms. The standard rules state:
- You must be over 21
- You must have a valid drivers’ license
- You must have the right to work in the country where you’re going to be driving
- You will have to complete a full medical examination with your GP
- You will be subject to standard criminal checks
- You will need a private hire license
- You will have to complete an Uber Ignition Session, essentially just a short training induction program
Sign up for work with a delivery company
Delivery food is in high demand these days — particularly after the recent Coronavirus lockdowns — and companies like Deliveroo are expanding rapidly. Working for these companies offers unbeatable flexibility. Much like Uber, you choose when and for how long you work.
Of course, due to the nature of food delivery, you’d be well-advised to be available within the busy delivery times if you want to earn the most money. But these jobs are nonetheless incredibly flexible.
Unlike Uber, there are no stringent vehicle requirements; a functioning bicycle will suffice. Signing up is quick and easy, although you will also need extra insurance cover to start work. To find out more, visit the relevant company websites.
Low-risk gambling or investments
If you have spare money lying around (that you can afford to lose), there’s no harm trying to make a little extra cash from online investments or gambling. The key here is to remember only to invest what you can afford to lose as there’s no guarantee you’ll get your money back.
Many of the newer online banking apps allow you to invest directly in stocks, shares and cryptocurrencies. Also, there are some very low-risk forms of gambling which require only minimal investment to play. For example, online bingo is remarkably cheap, yet offers disproportionately high rewards should your numbers come in. Several online directories have listings of the best bingo sites to get you started.
Rather than scrimping while you’re away, try to put a little extra money behind you before you leave to make the best of your holiday. Other money-making schemes include selling old unwanted items on eBay, private tutoring or freelance work to top up your funds.
A little inventiveness goes a long way and can considerably bolster your holiday funds.
