How to Not Be a Broke College Student

When you arrive at LU, you are going to realize that you are a broke college student and would want to get your hands on some extra cash. So, when you see postings mentioning Work Study, it is strongly urged you apply. Most students see a “work study” post on Instagram and ignore it because it is assumed as extra paperwork. Little do they know that it is one of the most strategic moves you can make as a first-year student. Think of it as essentially a financial safety net with a paycheck attached.

If you are still having doubts, here is some reasons why work study would work out for you:

Employee Services care about your GPA

Managers off campus often say they will be flexible with your schedule.  But let the weekend be busy, and the Saturday shift needs covering; you lose out on an important study session or getting those assignments completed. With work study, it is different because these jobs are built for students. Therefore, your supervisor must prioritize your education. They will help you carve out a schedule that fits between your labs and lectures, ensuring school stays your number one priority.

Protects your future funding

This is the part most people miss: Work study is like a phantom paycheck. Usually, the more money you earn, the less financial aid you get the following year. It is a frustrating cycle since work study is categorized as financial aid itself. So, every dollar you earn is exempted from the calculations for next year’s package. You can stack your savings now without worrying that you are accidentally shrinking your future grants.

 Networking

The best way to feel like you belong at LU is to work behind the scenes. Whether you are in a department office or a campus lab, you are rubbing elbows with the people who run the university. Those connections often turn into letters of recommendation or inside knowledge about scholarships and research opportunities that you would never find on social media. And who don’t like to know what’s tea!?

Let me bring you to down to reality though. Not everyone is going to qualify for work study. If you are an international student, or if your FAFSA did not flag you for financial need, work study will not be a choice for you. Before you go searching for a job off campus, consider these alternatives. There is an entirely separate pool of payroll jobs open to all students. And just like work study, these campus employers are incredibly flexible and will design your shifts around your class schedule.

If you need to go the standard payroll route, here are some of the best gigs on campus to look out for:

If you like leadership and want to save serious money, the Resident Assistant is the role for you. You will manage a residential floor, plan community events, and help enforce housing standards. The benefits include free housing and monthly stipends that make a huge dent in your college expenses. The only downfall is that you must become an incoming sophomore with 24 credits to apply.

The cafeteria is always hiring. Working as a server or cashier with Elior Dining is a straightforward way to get steady hours right where you eat.

 For those who prefer a more independent, low-stress gig where you can just put your headphones in and work, the university’s auxiliary custodial provider, HES, offers great student positions.

 The Office of Student Life is there to consider If you are looking for a more traditional office vibe, keep an eye out for clerical openings here. They hire students to run front desks, aid with events, and manage operations in the auditorium and multi-purpose centers. It is fantastic resume building experience.

Whether you are on work study or payroll, the golden rule stays the same: work on campus if you can. The flexibility and convenience are worth every experiences. And realistically it is going to prepare you more for the real world.