The 4 Best On-Campus Jobs For Freshman or Anyone

By Ross Zelen on August 3, 2012

Freshman year in college is a marathon of a year. No matter how hard one mentally or physically prepares for it, there are unexpected challenges and moments no one can plan for. Between new romances, a drastically different diet and adapting to the rigors of academics, year one of college teaches everyone a lot about themselves.

One thing that can help build a solid support group, fun social network and provide for a ton of hilarious memories is an on-campus part time job. Not a ton of responsibility, an on-campus job will be flexible around finals and midterms and allows people to work as little or as often as they wish. On-campus jobs are also extremely close to the dorms, can assist in making good connections in the school and give you some extra spending money for the weekends.

Here are four great options for on-campus to look into at your school.

1. The Campus Gym

Need motivation to get your workout in? Getting a job at the school recreation center or school gym can be a great way to keep you in shape and consistent with a routine workout. Being active and feeling your best is important for freshman, especially when surrounded by unhealthy dining hall food and junk food in the dorms.

Working at the campus gym, whether admitting other students into the gym or working at the campus pool, will allow you to be paid to support a healthy and active lifestyle if you workout before or after a shift. However, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that there is a healthy amount of working out and an unhealthy amount of over working your body. Body image issues are rampant on college campuses and eating disorders are an epidemic amongst this generation of college students, so remember to maintain a healthy and complete diet and not push your body too hard.

A campus pool at UCSB that employes a student to be a lifeguard

Gym employees are incredibly fun and active students, getting together to hike, run or go on trips together. Like all jobs, there is camaraderie, bonding and weekend activities for the campus gym workers. It is known, however, that these employees do it bigger and better than all other campus jobs.

2. Dorm Desk Attendant

Worried about being late to your first college job? Well, if it is just downstairs from your dorm room, it will be difficult to miss or be late to a shift. Working at the front desk of your dorm room or local dining hall will allow you to be moments away from work. It will also allow you to put a personal touch on your dorm hall, making signs promoting events and taking a leadership position in your living space.

Working the front desk means you are the center of attention

Also, imagine getting paid to continue conversations with your friends if you ask them to walk with you downstairs? While a good gig, there is not as much camaraderie since you work alone. However, it often allows you to do academic work and allows you to see your friends as they come and go.

 3. Disabled Students Program Worker

Need motivation for going to class? Working as a note taker for classes you are already enrolled in through your school’s disabled students program or associated students allows you to make some extra cash while staying up on lecture. The Disabled Students program is a great group of people to get involved with as either a note taker or test proctor.

 The note taking position is the job to look into. After proving your exemplary note taking abilities, the ability to get paid per class that you are taking will make you the envy of all your friends. Proctoring tests is also a good way to earn some extra cash, and after training you can give tests to students throughout the academic year.

 Although not a ton of hours are available and the pay is not always what some students need, this is a very reasonable job that can lead to meeting a fun group of fellow students.

4. Campus Events Catering

Looking for a sporadic way to make some extra cash during the weekend? During your first year, catering for campus events is a great way to work just a few nights a semester or quarter will meeting a great group of students. Catering is a great start for anyone thinking about getting into the food world, or anyone thinking about being a bartender during their youth.

Faculty, alumni and athletic events all need students to serve as busboys, servers and kitchen staff. Getting to dress up in fancy clothes and join in at the party can end up being a fun night all while making good money. Event staff often can make excellent money in tips and can lead to other gigs. For the talkative and gregarious freshman, this is a great opportunity to meet the leaders of your school.

Catering on UCLA’s gorgeous grounds

At the very worst, catering is a great way to get a classy meal for free and often, students reap the benefits of leftovers. Caterers often go out together after events, and hang out outside of work.

Overall, the most important thing is to get out and get involved in something during your freshman year.More than just the money, the importance of a college job is to build a resume, to gain experience and to feel the sense of responsibility that will help you grow into your own.

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