3 Smart Ways to Make Money as an International Student in the US
As an international student in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, finding ways to support yourself financially can be a challenge. While your work options are limited due to visa restrictions, there are still some great opportunities to earn money while staying within legal boundaries. Let’s explore three ways you can do it:
✅ On-Campus Jobs
First, the bad news: as an F-1 student, you cannot work off-campus without proper work authorization. However, there’s good news too! You are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
On-campus jobs range from library assistants to helping out at student centers, gyms, or cafeterias. The trick is to be proactive. When I was a student at Columbia, I asked every senior I knew about job openings and made a list of available opportunities. Then, I went in person to apply and introduce myself. Being visible and showing genuine interest can make a huge difference in landing a job. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from seniors and take time to visit various on-campus centers.
✅ Applying for RA, TA, or CA-ships
Colleges often offer Research Assistant (RA), Teaching Assistant (TA), or Course Assistant (CA) positions. These are competitive but highly rewarding, both in terms of experience and financial benefits.
Here, timing is crucial. Many professors finalize their assistants well in advance of the semester. My advice? Start reaching out to professors before you even begin your course. Show interest in their research, ask if they need support, and most importantly, be consistent in following up. This initiative can make you stand out among other candidates and land you a coveted RA or TA position.
✅ Earning Passive Income
While earning active income off-campus is restricted, passive income is still within reach! You can explore several avenues for generating passive income while studying:
- Investing and trading stocks: If you’re financially savvy, this can be a good way to grow your savings.
- Renting out part of your room: If you have extra space, you can rent it out to fellow students.
- Affiliate marketing: Promote tools and services and earn affiliate revenue from referrals.
- Entering competitions: Participate in contests or hackathons with cash prizes.
- Earning royalties from work abroad: If you have work or intellectual property from your home country, you can still earn royalties.
By combining these strategies, you can earn a bit of extra cash while pursuing your studies, all within the rules of your visa. Be proactive, stay resourceful, and manage your time wisely!
