If you have a car on campus…
If you have a car and smartphone on campus, are at least 21–years–old and know how navigate the streets of Philly, you should cruise around as a driver for Uber or Lyft. Driving with either of these transportation companies as an independent contractor gives you full control to work when you want, wherever you want. You get about 80% of your payment through weekly direct deposits, and both systems allow you to keep your customer tips. So, if you’re in a tight spot for cash and it’s formal season for frats and sororities, Uber and Lyft are a pretty lucrative route (pun intended). Driving is also a great way to explore more sections of Philadelphia, like Old City and Rittenhouse Square. So buckle up—and make a few bucks while you’re at it!
If you have a bike on campus…
If you have a bike on campus, a few hours a week and a desire for some extra cash, apply to be a Postmate courier. Postmates is an app that lets users place orders from any restaurant or store that is then delivered to your door by a Postmates courier. For all those Sunday mornings you’ve woken up hungover in bed hoping someone will hear your prayer and bring you a Wawa sub and gatorade, as a Postmate courier you can make that wish come true for someone. You set your own hours and get to see Philadelphia, making it a perfect part–time gig for college students. Plus, it's as good for your quads, but better for your wallet, than Flywheel.
If you have a bed on campus…
If you have a bed on campus, a friend’s couch to crash on or perhaps a more interesting sleeping partner to house you, consider renting your room out on Airbnb. You can list your room anytime of the year at your convenience, but with that famous Catholic guy coming into town, there will be 1.5 million possible tenants in Philly who will actually pay to sleep in your twin XL bed under your Spider Man comforter. Get this: Current listings in the University City area are averaging $216 a night during that weekend.
If you have old stuff and a Facebook profile…
If you’re on Facebook and have some stuff you don’t want anymore, you need to join the Free & For Sale Facebook group. You can sell literally anything on there, from a ping pong table to a pair of jeans to PMA exhibition tickets. If possible, it’s best to upload a photo of the item along with a description. Hopefully, you’ll get a message from one of the nearly 7,000 Penn students on the group and can then arrange a meet–up with the buyer. It’s quicker than a Wharton Behavioral Lab, and it pays better too! So whether you’re trying to make a quick buck during the end of the year move out, or you’re just trying to clean out your room, this is always a good place to start.
