Westwood is home to the sprawling UCLA campus and many other local college campuses. It's a diverse and vibrant community of college students, busy professionals, and growing families. College students who choose not to live on campus find apartments to rent in Westwood to have their own space and independence while still being close to class. They also find creative ways to make money throughout town to help with rent and other expenses.
Here are a few unconventional ways college students make money in Westwood:
Freelance Work
If working a traditional 9-5 doesn't seem like your thing, freelance work might be a better option. Whether you're an artist, writer, photographer, or graphic designer, you can solicit your services to clients looking for your line of work. Being a freelancer means making your own schedule, choosing how and when you work and having more control over how much you make. Freelancing can also be something you do in addition to your traditional job. Depending on your area of expertise and level of experience, you could charge anywhere from $50 to $150 an hour for your services
Tutor
In an area like Westwood, there's always a need for private tutors. If you are proficient in a specific subject area, you could offer to tutor other students to make a little bit of extra money. Tutoring can be done in person or virtually, and tutors can make anywhere from $20 to $50 an hour helping others. This is an excellent source of income in an area made up of mostly college students.
Babysit
If you love kids, babysitting is another great way to make money. There are many families in the Westwood area that need sitters for date nights, holidays, and weekends. Before you start marketing your services, take the time to take a few Child Care, CPR, and first aid courses to set yourself apart from the competition. The starting rate for babysitters is around $15 an hour, but in affluent areas like Westwood, you could probably get more.
If you're looking for something a little more consistent, look for families in the area who are looking for a nanny. Instead of just babysitting for a few hours a day, you could be an active part of getting kids ready for school, picking them up, preparing meals, playing, taking them to and from activities, and getting them ready for bed. Full-time nannies can make between $20-$50 an hour in some areas.
Dogsit
If kids aren't your thing but you love animals, dog sitting is another way to make some side money. Busy families who don't have time to let their dogs out or need someone to watch their dogs while they're on vacation will hire certified dog sitters. This could include having their pet in your home while they're away or stopping by their house a few times a day to feed their dog, give them water, and let them outside. The average rate for dog sitting in California's anywhere between $15 and $20 an hour
Start a Business
Los Angeles is a place where dreams come true. If you've ever thought about owning your own business, this may be the time to start. Westwood is an area packed with entrepreneurs and resources for small business owners.
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If you like to work out, could you start taking on clients as a personal trainer?
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If you're good behind the camera, why not start a photography business?
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If you have a lot to offer in terms of self-help and personal development, consider being a mental health coach.
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Do you have a knack for making things clean and tidy? Start a cleaning service.
Food Delivery
If there is one thing about college students, it's that they’re always up for ordering food. Westwood is a town full of budget-friendly restaurants and bars, and if you have the time and the means to get around town, food delivery could be a good way to make money on the side. This is a type of job that can be flexible and you can do as much of it or as little of it as your schedule allows. In a busy city like Westwood, there is always a demand for food delivery.
Rideshare
Working with a Rideshare company like Uber or Lyft is another popular way for college students to make money. This can be a great side hustle and offers the opportunity to make a lot of money, especially on nights and weekends.
Bottom Line
Westwood is one of the most affluent areas in Los Angeles, and for college students to live off campus and enjoy the lifestyle that Westwood offers, many find unconventional ways to make a little bit of extra money. If you're in the market for an apartment to rent close to UCLA, take a virtual tour of Wilshire Margot today!