With the current economy, students are looking for new and unique sources to make those extra spending dollars.

“These are going to be challenging times,” said associate professor of economics Stephen Karlson. “It’s probably easier for college students for a number of reasons. First, a lot of people have work/study jobs at the university, and a lot of people have student loans.”

Regardless of how much easier it may be to be a student these days, many people are finding it hard to make ends meet, with or without a steady source of income.

“The price of cigarettes and gas are going up and I’m just not making enough dough,” said visual communications major Melissa Broccolo, “I’m living out of my savings right now. Usually, I just beg my parents for money.”

When a student’s parents aren’t feeling generous, creative sources for extra income can help.

“I’ve sold JNCO jeans on eBay for $50 because they’ve stopped making them,” Brocollo said. “They’re ‘vintage’, and you can sell them at a higher price than what you bought them for because people want them.”

Megan Ellsworth, freshman family and child services major, sold some of her books from the past semester back to the bookstore for a fast cash refund.

“At the beginning of this semester I sold some books for extra money,” said Ellsworth, “I only made maybe $40 when I sold them back to the bookstore.”

Kyle Marchewka, a junior chemistry major at Kishwaukee College, recommends holding onto your books and selling them online.

“Keep all your books, especially your major ones from the later years in college,” Marchewka said. “Even though the school will take them back for cheap, sell them on Amazon, Craig’s List or eBay in a couple of years after you graduate. The whole nation has access to that. Some school somewhere is going to need them. You make more money than you would at the bookstore and it’s still a good deal to the students buying them.”

For those not willing to part with their valuable possessions, junior business major Joe Chapin has another suggestion.

“Sometimes I donate plasma when I really need money.” Chapin said. “The first time you have to register and set up a physical with them, and after that you can go two times a week. You get $20 the first time you go and $40 later in the week when you go back.”

Plasma donation is similar to a blood donation, Chapin said.

“[Plasma is] protein and water that they pull from your blood and then they filter your blood back into you.” Chapin said.

Those interested in donating plasma can contact Biolife Plasma Services, 1455 County Farm Road, at 815-754-5777.