Written by Heidi Kingston
Return and Earn
Return and Earn can be a great source of extra cash whether you live on campus or not. It can take a bit of time to collect enough cans and bottles to make it worthwhile, but what else would you do with them? Throw them out? You may as well get some cash for them!
Living on campus, there’s plenty of opportunity to scrape together a few after the weekend. My dorm and I took a bag in on Monday and got $12 back. Our goal is to save up for some homey living room decorations so that something for the whole dorm isn’t coming straight out of one person’s pocket. It’s also a surprisingly easy way to keep shared spaces a little cleaner while making some extra coins.
Working for the 2026 Census
The census is happening in August 2026, and it’s a great opportunity for temporary income as a student. There are several roles available including field manager, team leader, community field officer, and more.
Short-term roles like this can work really well with study because they often run for a set period rather than being an ongoing commitment. If you’re looking to boost your savings for the semester, it could be worth checking out. You can find more information and apply here: https://info.census.abs.gov.au/careers.
Free Food
On campus there are plenty of opportunities for free food if you keep an eye out. During my orientation week, I actually went the whole week without buying food because there was free breakfast, lunch, and dinner happening across different events.
Now that orientation is over, there are still options for students living on Res. On Wednesday nights there’s a BBQ run by Red Frogs, and on Mondays YAC (Young Adults Chapel) puts on dinner (e.g. tacos, spaghetti bowl). OzHarvest also brings a supply each week to the Hub on residence for students living on campus. This can include anything from baked goods to fruit and vegetables, so it’s always worth stopping by and seeing what’s there.
Depop
If you’re anything like me, your wardrobe probably has a few pieces you never wear anymore but can’t quite justify throwing away. This is where Depop can come in handy. It’s basically like an online thrift store where you can sell clothes you don’t wear and make some extra money.
Setting it up is pretty simple. Download the app, create a profile, and start listing items. All you need are a few clear photos, a short description, and a price. A tip: natural lighting and a simple background make a big difference when it comes to getting people interested in your item.
Overall, being a student doesn’t mean you have to be constantly stressed about money. With a bit of creativity and awareness of what’s around you, there are so many small ways to save and earn without taking on a huge workload. Whether it’s cashing in your cans, picking up a short-term role, taking advantage of free food, or finally clearing out your wardrobe, it all adds up. The key is finding what works for you and fits into your routine. A little extra effort here and there can make a big difference to your bank account—and let’s be honest, it also feels pretty good knowing you’re making the most of what’s available to you as a student.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
