How to Make Money with Surveys as a Student

I will share some tips on how to Make Money with Surveys as a Student. As a student, I know how tough it can be to stretch a tight budget. Between tuition, textbooks, and the occasional night out, every little bit of extra cash helps. That’s why I’m excited to share a flexible and accessible way to earn money: taking paid online surveys.

It’s something you can do in your spare time, whether you’re chilling in your dorm or waiting for your next lecture. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make money with surveys as a student, covering everything from getting started to maximizing your earnings and avoiding pitfalls.

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to turn your opinions into cash. I get it—surveys might sound too good to be true, or maybe you’re worried about scams. Trust me, I’ve been there. But with the right approach and reputable platforms, you can make this work. It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s a legit way to earn pocket money.

What Are Paid Surveys?

Paid surveys are market research tools companies use to gather consumer opinions. As a student, your perspective is especially valuable because businesses want to know what young adults think about their products, services, or trends.

You sign up for survey platforms, answer questions about your habits or preferences, and get paid in cash, gift cards, or other rewards. It’s straightforward, requires no special skills, and can be done whenever you have a few minutes to spare.

Getting Started with Paid Surveys

To start making money with surveys, you’ll need to sign up for reputable survey sites. Here are some of the best platforms for students, based on their reliability and student-friendly features:

To sign up, visit each site and create a profile. You’ll answer questions about your age, location, interests, and purchasing habits. This helps the platform match you with surveys you’re likely to qualify for. Be thorough when filling out your profile—more details mean more survey opportunities.

Pro Tip: Set up a separate email address for survey accounts. Sites like Gmail let you create alias emails to keep your main inbox organized. Check this email regularly, as some surveys are only available for a short time.

Maximizing Your Earnings

Once you’re signed up, it’s time to make the most of your efforts. Here are some practical tips to ascertain the reliability of these sources by checking user reviews and privacy policies. For instance, Save the Student and Money Saving Expert both emphasize the importance of joining multiple sites to ensure a steady stream of surveys. Here’s how you can boost your earnings:

1. Join Multiple Platforms: Sign up for several survey sites to increase your opportunities. Each platform partners with different companies, so you’ll have access to a wider range of surveys. If a site isn’t delivering, you can always unsubscribe.
2. Be Honest in Responses: Always answer surveys truthfully. Inconsistent or false answers can lead to account suspension. Honesty also helps you qualify for more relevant surveys over time.
3. Cash Out Early: Once you hit the minimum payout threshold (e.g., $5 for Survey Junkie), cash out to secure your earnings. Some sites have restrictions or expiration dates on points, so don’t let them go to waste.
4. Seek Out Focus Groups: Focus groups, often conducted online via Zoom, can pay £40-£250 per session, according to Money Saving Expert. These are less frequent but offer higher payouts than standard surveys.
5. Refer Friends: Some platforms offer bonuses for referring friends. For example, you might earn 50p per referral, helping you reach payout thresholds faster.

Understanding Earnings and Time Commitment

It’s important to set realistic expectations about earnings. While some dedicated users report earning up to £800 a year, the average is closer to £200, according to Money Saving Expert. Hourly rates vary widely:

Surveys typically take 5-30 minutes, with payouts ranging from a few cents to a few dollars. For example, Save the Student estimates hourly rates of £3-£9, but a NerdWallet test showed rates as low as 41 cents to $2.03 per hour.

This suggests surveys are best for pocket money, not a full-time income. You can fit them into spare moments, like between classes, but they won’t replace a part-time job.

Tax Note: Earnings are considered self-employed income. If you earn over £1,000 per year, you’ll need to register for Self Assessment and declare it to HMRC.

Privacy and Security Concerns

Taking surveys means sharing personal details like your age, income, or even health information, which raises privacy concerns. NerdWallet warns of potential data misuse or theft. To stay safe:

• Use a Separate Email: Keep survey notifications separate from your personal inbox to avoid spam.
• Avoid Sensitive Data: Never share Social Security numbers, bank details, or similar unless you trust the platform.
• Choose Reputable Sites: Stick to well-known platforms like Swagbucks or Prolific, which have clear privacy policies.
• Install Anti-Malware: Protect your device from potential threats, especially if you encounter less reputable sites.

Always read a site’s terms and conditions to understand how your data is used. Avoid platforms promising unrealistic rewards, like free PlayStations, as these are often scams.

Real-World Experiences

To give you a sense of what’s possible, here are some experiences shared on Reddit:

• Freecash: One user earned $450 in a month through surveys, app testing, and other tasks.
• Branded Surveys: A user started with $0.50-$5 surveys and later qualified for $5-$10 surveys, earning $740 monthly.
• Survey Junkie: Another user made $570 per month with consistent effort.
• Prolific: Praised for fair pay and quick surveys, though it now has a waitlist.
• Google Opinion Rewards: Noted for being legit and paying as promised, with no point conversion issues.

On the flip side, some users reported challenges. A NerdWallet test showed testers spent over 50 hours to earn less than $90, highlighting the time-intensive nature and frequent disqualifications. The key is to focus on high-paying opportunities like focus groups and manage expectations.

FAQs

Is making money with surveys worth it for students?
It’s worth it if you want a flexible side hustle for extra cash. It’s not a primary income source, but it’s great for small expenses like coffee or textbooks.

How much can I really make?
On average, expect around £200 per year, though dedicated users might reach £800. Earnings depend on time spent and platform choice.

Are there any risks?
Privacy is the main concern, as you’ll share personal details. Use reputable sites, a separate email, and avoid sharing sensitive information to minimize risks.

Conclusion

Making money with surveys as a student is a practical way to earn extra cash without disrupting your studies. By signing up for trusted platforms like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie, staying honest in your responses, and being proactive about cashing out, you can turn your opinions into a steady stream of pocket money.

While it won’t replace a full-time job, it’s a low-effort option that fits perfectly into a busy student life. Just be mindful of privacy risks and stick to reputable sites.

Key Citations

• Swagbucks Paid Surveys – Earn Cash & Gift Cards
• Survey Junkie – Get Paid to Take Surveys
• Save the Student – Best Paid Online Survey Sites 2025
• Money Saving Expert – Top 22 Online Survey Sites UK
• NerdWallet – Are Surveys for Money Apps Worth It?
• Reddit Passive Income – Paid Surveys Discussion
• Google Opinion Rewards – Android App
• HMRC Self Assessment Registration
• Gmail – Create an Email Account