Determine exactly how much room and board is going to cost at the college being attended. This is the first step in determining how to pay for room and board.
Apply for financial aid. According to University of Michigan, grants and loans that are awarded can be used to help with the cost of room and board, which is figured into the total expense package. Grant money does not have to be paid back, whereas loan money will have to be paid back once college is completed.
Apply for work study programs. Work study allows a student to earn a certain amount of money that can be used for college expenses. The student is given a job doing some type of work on campus for an hourly wage.
Find a job off-campus. If financial aid or work study programs are not possible, a job off campus can help. Often businesses near the college cater to the part-time needs of students.
Place an ad in the local classifieds providing a service you can perform. Nannying is often a good job for a college student, especially in the summer when school is out of session. If you are good at a certain sport, apply to coach or give lessons. If singing or playing an instrument is your specialty, offer lessons in these areas.
Find other unique ways to earn money to pay for room and board. Donating plasma or mystery shopping won't earn a lot of money, but they are flexible ways to earn a little income for college expenses.