I hope this guide will give you the tools necessary to stay afloat financially in college when you have to rely on yourself for income. There are so many fun things to do, see, and accomplish in college, but without a part-time job, I wouldn’t be able to afford any of them. I’m thankful for the resources my college provides to help me build my resume and gain experience in the field I’m studying, all while making an income to pay for iced lattes, gas, plane tickets, and everything in between.

Before College

One piece of advice I wish I had known before starting college is to save money from part-time jobs and graduation gifts to use during your freshman year. Most students don’t get a job right away in school so they can get used to the new lifestyle and focus on their studies. During this time, you’ll want to try so many new things! I went to the beach, movies, restaurants, and coffee shops with my new friends to explore our college town. I started to realize I should have saved more of my grad party money instead of using the majority of it on dorm decorations…

Before Applying

Before applying for jobs, there are a few things you need to help you stand out to employers:

• Resume: Make an appointment with the career center at your college to update your experience, skills, and awards, and to ensure your resume is in the proper format. This is the most important step to getting a job!
• LinkedIn: This social platform allows you to connect with alumni, professors, peers, and future employers in your field. You can also apply for jobs on LinkedIn. Your campus career center should be able to help with this!
• Cover Letter: This is a one-page business letter that conveys your interest in the job position you’re seeking. Not all employers ask for a cover letter, but it’s good to have one ready.
• Career Center: At the college I attend, students have access to the career center for life! They provide many services for students, including career advising, professional headshots, on- and off-campus employment, searching for internships, connecting with future employers through networking events, applying for grad school, and planning for life post-grad. The staff connect students with alumni through the career mentor program, LinkedIn, and internships to learn and gain experience in their field.

On Campus Jobs

If you’re a student without a vehicle, on-campus jobs are a great opportunity to earn extra income. I live off-campus and have a vehicle, but I choose to work a few jobs on campus to fill in gaps in my schedule. It’s important to keep in mind that on-campus jobs typically pay minimum wage, but they come with perks! When you work on campus, you’re working for the school, which means they are usually flexible with your class schedule and don’t require you to work many hours per week. This also means you can have school breaks off, like fall, spring, summer, and Christmas break.

As a student employee, I am paid through Federal Work-Study, which is a type of financial aid that allows you to work up to 20 hours per week on campus through the college. Every college will have different job opportunities, but you’ll usually apply for positions at the beginning of the semester. I am a junior in college studying marketing, and I have had a few different jobs on campus, including:

• Career Center student assistant
• Student ambassador (college tour guide)
• Social media content creator (TikTok and IG)

Other popular job positions and offices at my college include:

• Tutor
• Note taker
• TA
• Waterfront assistant
• Barista
• Recycler
• Farmworker
• Athletics (manager, media, assistant, etc)
• Global education office
• Library work scholar
• Bookstore employee
• Summer job opportunities (internships, part time jobs, etc)

Off Campus Jobs & Internships

If you’re like me, you might prefer to work off-campus to gain more experience, take a break from campus life, and find jobs with higher wages. I have worked numerous jobs during my first two years of college, so I’ve really taken time management to a whole new level when it comes to balancing work, school, study, and leisure time. There are endless job opportunities for college students in my area, but finding the right fit for you can be challenging. I use LinkedIn and Indeed to find employers hiring in my area, but contacting the career center at your college is also a great place to start, as they have career contacts with alumni and professionals in your field.

Popular off campus jobs for students:

• Rover – Dog walking, dog sitting, and boarding
• Care.com – Babysitting, dog sitting, cleaning, and senior care
• Life Guard -Local pools, YMCA, or even college campus
• Tutor
• Beverage Cart Attendant – This was such a fun job!
• Bartending
• Barista – check out my Top 8 Coffee Shops in St Pete
• Hostess/Server

Remote Work

• Digital Marketing – HELLO TikTok shop and influencer marketing!
• Network marketing
• Virtual Assistant
• Customer Service Rep
• Remote internships

To learn more about job opportunities and how you can stand out, make an appointment with the career center at your college, attend networking events, and take opportunities to build your resume!

The post GUIDE TO MAKING MONEY IN COLLEGE appeared first on Madison A Franklin.

London is packed with affordable adventures and outings. I spent three weeks studying abroad there, exploring both the popular spots and hidden gems. Take a look at all the places I visited during my time in London and which ones were worth the money.

London is the capital of England and one of the largest cities in the world. The city is known for beautiful historic monuments, Harry Potter, theater, the tube station, and endless museums. From Tampa, the flight was only 9 hours long to London Heathrow.

Checkout Exploring London’s Culinary Scene and What to Wear in London this Winter for more!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Language

English is mostly spoken in Australia making it less of a culture shock

Currency

Pound sterling (GBP)

Tap-to-pay was the predominant form of pay almost everywhere in London.

Transportation

There are numerous forms of transportation around London. Most locals and tourists use the tube station as it is the most reliable, affordable, and quickest way to get around the city.

You can pay for the tube with tap-to-pay or activate an Oyster card at the beginning of your trip. Use Google Maps and the Tube app to navigate. Always be aware of your surroundings, pick pockets are everywhere.

Other forms of transportation include the Big Red Bus, Uber, taxis, walking, biking, and the traveling by train to reach other cities in England.

Climate

I studied abroad in London during the coldest time of year (January), but it is recommended to travel there during the spring when the flowers are blooming and the weather is comfortable enough for walking around. It rained for about a third of the time, but everyday was cold and windy. Keep in mind that walking is essential in London, and even when it’s 30 degrees outside, many businesses still offer outdoor seating.

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Your visit London isn’t complete without seeing these two breathtaking monuments. Big Ben and Houses of Parliament are right next to each other on the river. For the best photo opportunities, head to Westminster Bridge.

Kensington Palace

There are several palaces throughout England, but Kensington was my favorite of the places I visited. The 420-year-old building was the birthplace and home to Queen Victoria. The historic home is open for guests to walk through the rooms and hear stories about royal figures who lived here. On your way out, take photos in the photo booth outside the entrance and wander through the gardens around the palace.

River Cruise

A river cruise is the perfect way to see the city in a short amount of time with minimal walking. My friend and I did the sunset river cruise and the view was absolutely amazing. There was a tour guide providing insight throughout the cruise by pointing out historic landmarks and interesting facts like scenes from Harry Potter. This is an affordable way to enjoy the river and see the London lights at night.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

With one of the largest domes in the world and a unique whispering gallery, the cathedral has the most remarkable architecture I’ve ever encountered. Climbing the 528 steps to the top offers the best panoramic view of the city. Once you reach about halfway you have to continue the journey to the top because the staircase is too narrow to turn around. Beware some areas of the stairs are tight with only one person fitting through. Once you reach the top, there is limited space between you and the railing, keep this in mind if you are claustrophobic or scared of heights.

Tower of London

The castle is known for the House of Jewels, infamous ravens, and guarded royal possessions. Here you can learn about the royal families, historic weapons, and coronations. There is a strict no-phone policy in the house of jewels so you will have to see it for yourself to be in the presence of the royal jewels and crowns worn by royalty.

Tower Bridge

Walking distance from the Tower of London is Tower Bridge. This landmark is often confused with London Bridge but they are not the same. You can see the Bridge by walking across it, taking a river cruise, or walk across the top walkways of the bridge, part of the exhibit (admission fee). I walked across the bridge but did not go inside the exhibit.

Garden at 120

Discover the perfect rooftop garden to enjoy London’s beauty and soak up the sun. This hidden gem offers spectacular city views and is completely free to visit! We wanted to eat dinner at Sky Garden but they were booked a month out so this was definitely a great alternative.

National Gallery

The National Gallery is a must-visit museum in London for some of the world’s most famous and historic artwork. My favorite pieces were the Van Gogh paintings! The museum is in a beautiful area near Trafalgar Square.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum, famous from movies like ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Paddington,’ quickly became my favorite museum in London. The architecture and exhibits were very interesting with dinosaur, mammal, marine, space, insect, and natural disaster exhibits. Make sure to check out the earthquake simulator!

TEA Exhibit

Discover a unique hidden art exhibit located on Carnaby. The free art gallery is a great spot for photos and celebrating the unique beauty of the female body! Don’t forget to write a note on the mirror and checkout the gorgeous nude paintings by Sophia Tea.

Word on the Water

Calling all book lovers! London is full of book enthusiasts and endless bookstores. This hidden gem is nestled on a small boat full of books. One of my favorite things about England is the unique designs of their book covers compared to those in the US.

Buckingham Palace

Changing of the guards starts at 10:30, but if you want to have a good view, I would get there at least an hour early and stand near the entrance. The changing of the guards takes about 45 minutes. If you have the time, I recommend going to see it!

Royal Opera House

Grab tickets to a theater show or ballet at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. On top of enjoying the show you’ll get to experience the royal beauty of the architecture and stacked box seating facing the stage.

A Few Words of Advice

While English is the predominant language spoken in England, there are several cultural differences to be aware of. The biggest ‘culture shocks’ I encountered included the practice of walking and driving on the left side of the street, sidewalk, stairs, and escalators. It’s easy to get caught carrying your luggage up the Tottenham Court Road staircase, only to realize you’re on the wrong side…

Another difference I was unaware of before my trip was the use of military time, which is the default for businesses and reservations in London. England is also known for pickpockets, so it’s crucial to keep your belongings close, especially in the tube stations. I had a close call with my phone almost being taken at a coffee shop—pickpockets are everywhere.

Lastly, if you’re from a small town in the US like me, you might not be familiar with public transportation. The tube station is London’s primary form of mass transportation, where people pack into the underground subway like sardines after hearing the familiar phrase, ‘mind the gap’. Be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, hold onto something if you’re standing, listen for your station announcement, and don’t be surprised if no one says, ‘excuse me’.”

The post London Travel Tips: Things to do, Transportation, and Culture appeared first on Madison A Franklin.

A significant portion of London’s food is made up of cuisines from various cultures like Turkey, China, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and many others. Before going to London I didn’t hear great things about English food but I was beyond impressed with the selection of food from other cultures!

Gerard’s Corner

Menu || Directions

Chinatown in London quickly became a favorite spot for me, with its vibrant culture, enticing smells, and delicious food. Before visiting Chinatown, I wasn’t a big fan of Asian cuisine. However, after dining at Gerard’s Corner, I’m convinced it’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. A local friend introduced me to their specialties like duck rolls, pork buns, and dumplings, which made for one of the most amazing meals I’ve had in London.

Flat Iron

Menu || Directions

This laid back, winery style restaurant is known for their Mac and cheese, affordable steaks, FREE ice cream after your meal, and welcoming you with popcorn at your table! Each steak is the perfect size for one serving and only £14.

PHO

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This was my first time trying Vietnamese food and I was impressed! PHO is a Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. I thought about PHO months after eating here, it was so flavorful.

PaStation

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During my 3 weeks in London I ate at PaStation 8 times… The Italian restaurant was walking distance from our house and they had punch cards for every pasta order leading up to a free pasta bowl. My favorite dish was cache e Pepe with parmesan and gluten-free noodles (not pictured). They also send you with Ferrero Rocher chocolate!

TomToms

Peggy Porschen

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Peggy Porschen was the perfect spot for snapping Instagram photos while enjoying English tea and feeling like royalty. It was hands down the most aesthetic place I found during my three weeks in London. I opted for tea and a macaron, but now I wish I’d gone all out with an afternoon tea reservation to get the full experience!

Humble Crumble

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It wasn’t until I befriended a local did I learn about the popularity and fame of Humble Crumble. Humble Crumble is a dessert made of shortbread and fruit covered with warm custard. The lines were out the door for a good reason, but it is definitely worth the wait!

TomToms

Menu || Directions

Just across from Peggy Porschen, you’ll find the ideal spot for brunch. Their avocado toast is simply unmatched, and the iced coffee is equally amazing! Note that seating indoors is limited, so you might be seated outside. Although I usually enjoy outdoor dining, London in January can be quite chilly.

Chestnut Bakery

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My friend and I enjoyed our final breakfast together at Chestnut Bakery before she flew back to Poland. I savored tomato and labneh toast with a hot matcha. The bakery is stunning, with ample indoor seating and a cozy atmosphere that I highly recommend!

For more food recommendations checkout the Borough, Portobello, Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Kamden markets!

The post Exploring London’s Culinary Scene: A Foodie’s Guide appeared first on Madison A Franklin.