Whether you are simply looking to make some extra cash while you study, or you are an aspiring journalist hoping to build up experience, these magazines and websites are a great place to start. They specifically select student writers to create content for them about popular culture, personal stories, student life, and big debates. Finding websites and magazines that pay you to write can be tricky, so we’ve (hopefully) made it a bit easier for you.
If you have ever tried to earn money from home by completing surveys or quizzes, writing for a magazine is the perfect way to level up. I always feel quite smug at the weekends when my housemates are up early travelling to their part time jobs, and I am able to stay on the sofa with a cup of tea and work. Writing articles is an enjoyable and rewarding way to earn money from home while discussing your passions and experiences, improving your editorial skills, and expanding your network.
1. Freshered
If you are reading this, you are clearly interested in hearing what student journalists have to say. Why not join the Freshered team and share your own advice, reflections and experiences of living as a university student? While most publications require you to write a lengthy pitch (which can often be rejected) in order to secure an article, Freshered is an amazing way to access regular work as a journalist and gain practice writing an array of articles. Apply on the Freshered website via the ‘Write for Us’ tab.
2. The Lookout
The Lookout is a quarterly magazine written by students for students as part of ‘Student Watch’. Student Watch is a collaborative scheme between Neighbourhood Watch and The Co-Operative, which aims to empower students to support each other to create a safer and happier campus environment. Whether you want to share your best budgeting tips, or discuss personal safety, the Lookout is a great magazine to write for and pays a handsome wage. Get involved via the Neighbourhood Watch website.
3. Lapp the Brand
Clothing store Lapp has an insightful international magazine in which writers explore fashion, culture, lifestyle and politics. The Lapp Magazine is an inclusive platform where you can share your perspectives with the world. Lapp has a straightforward form on their website for you to fill out and pitch an article.
4. Tour de moon
Whether you are interested in journalism, creative writing, photography or art, Tour de Moon – a unique free festival celebrating radical imagination, plurality and social justice – has a ‘Moon Press’ magazine where you can share your work. Contributing to Tour de Moon pays generously and will help you to network with up-and-coming creatives from an array of backgrounds. Pitch an article on the Tour de Moon website.
These are just a few of the websites and magazines that pay you to write for them, but they are the perfect place to get your foot on the journalistic ladder.