Are you excelling in your university subject and looking for a flexible way to earn some extra income? Private tutoring could be the perfect solution. Not only does it provide a decent wage, but it also enhances your CV and complements your studies.
It’s something I used to do, so I’ve written this guide to walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a private tutor while at university.
Tutoring has become increasingly popular among university students seeking part-time work. The appeal is clear: you can set your own hours, command respectable rates, and gain valuable experience that future employers will appreciate. Plus, teaching others is an excellent way to reinforce your own knowledge.
Let’s explore how you can transform your academic strengths into a rewarding side hustle that fits perfectly around your university commitments.
Why Consider Tutoring?
Tutoring offers numerous advantages that make it particularly suitable for university students juggling academic commitments.
Firstly, the financial benefits are significant. Private tutors can earn considerably more per hour than typical student jobs. Depending on your subject, location, and experience, you could command anywhere from £20 to £55 per hour—substantially more than retail or hospitality work.
The flexibility is another major advantage. Unlike rigid shift patterns at shops or restaurants, tutoring allows you to schedule sessions around your lectures, seminars, and assignment deadlines. This control over your timetable is invaluable during busy academic periods.
Perhaps most importantly, tutoring provides relevant professional experience. It demonstrates initiative, communication skills, and subject expertise—all highly valued by future employers. For those considering careers in education, it offers a taste of teaching without requiring formal qualifications.
Additionally, explaining concepts to others forces you to understand them thoroughly yourself. Many tutors report that their own academic performance improves as they teach others, creating a virtuous cycle of learning and earning.
Qualifications and Requirements
The good news is that formal teaching qualifications aren’t typically necessary for private tutoring. Your university studies often provide sufficient credibility, especially for tutoring younger students.
Your academic achievements are your primary qualification. Strong A-level results or excellent university grades in your specialist subject demonstrate your competence. Keep certificates or transcripts available to show potential clients.
While not mandatory, a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is highly recommended, particularly if you’ll work with children. Many parents will ask for this, and having one ready shows professionalism. Basic checks cost around £18 and can be applied for through the government website.
Subject-specific knowledge is essential, but understanding examination techniques and curricula is equally important. Familiarise yourself with the current syllabi for the subjects and levels you plan to teach, as these change frequently.
Last up, references can significantly enhance your credibility. Consider asking university lecturers, previous employers, or even former teachers to provide character references or testimonials about your academic abilities.
Remember that different tutoring platforms may have their own requirements. Some might ask for video interviews, teaching demonstrations, or minimum grade thresholds before accepting you onto their service.
Finding Tutoring Work
Online tutoring platforms offer the easiest entry point. Websites like Tutorful, Superprof, and MyTutor connect tutors with students nationwide. These platforms handle marketing and payment processing but typically take a commission from your earnings. Each has different application processes and fee structures, so research thoroughly before choosing.
University notice boards and networks can be excellent sources of clients. Many universities have formal programmes where students tutor local schoolchildren. Alternatively, post advertisements on campus notice boards or university social media groups. Fellow students might seek help with challenging modules, or staff members could recommend you to local families.
Local marketing remains effective for in-person tutoring. Distribute flyers in your neighbourhood, post advertisements in community centres or libraries, contact schools, and join local Facebook groups. Word-of-mouth referrals are particularly valuable, so encourage satisfied clients to recommend your services.
Schools and educational charities sometimes recruit university students as tutors for after-school programmes or intervention schemes. These positions may offer more regular hours but less flexibility and lower rates than private tutoring.
Consider specialising in niche areas where competition might be lower. While mathematics and English tutors are abundant, subjects like music theory, computer programming, or specific foreign languages might command premium rates due to scarcity.
Popular Tutoring Platforms
I’ve mentioned a few online tutoring platforms, so let’s look into them a little more deeply.
Superprof
This has become one of the UK’s largest tutoring marketplaces. Creating a profile is free, and you set your own rates. The platform takes a commission on lessons arranged through their service unless you subscribe to their premium option. The interface is straightforward, allowing you to accept or decline student requests based on your availability. Students contact you directly through the platform, after which you can exchange details to arrange sessions.
MyTutor
MyTutor focuses primarily on online tutoring and claims to offer higher rates than average student jobs—up to £45 per hour for experienced tutors. The application process includes completing a form and participating in a video interview. You’ll select from predetermined price bands, with your actual earnings reflecting deductions for platform fees and VAT. Payments are made fortnightly directly to your bank account. They also offer a referral bonus of up to £30 for introducing new tutors to the platform.
First Tutors
This one allows both face-to-face and online tutoring arrangements. You set your own fees without platform charges, but you’ll need to provide references and complete an ID verification process. The platform notifies you when students request your services, and you must respond promptly to maintain an active profile.
TutorHunt
Then there is TutorHunt, which provides a straightforward service connecting tutors with local students. Registration is free, with optional premium features available for a fee. You’ll receive email alerts when potential students in your area are seeking tutors in your subject specialisms.
Setting Your Rates
Determining appropriate rates is the difference between booking work and not, but you don’t want to sell yourself short.
Research local rates for comparable tutors in your area and subject. Rates vary significantly by location, with London-based tutors typically commanding higher fees than those in smaller towns. Subject matter also affects pricing—specialised or advanced topics generally warrant premium rates.
Consider your experience level when setting initial rates. As a university student, you might start slightly below the market average, gradually increasing your fees as you gain experience and positive reviews. Beginning with competitive rates helps you build a client base quickly.
Factor in all costs when calculating your rates. If travelling to students’ homes, account for transport expenses and travel time. Online tutoring eliminates these costs but might require investment in equipment like webcams or digital tablets. Don’t forget to include preparation time—for every hour of tutoring, you might spend 30 minutes planning.
Offer pricing structures that encourage commitment. Consider discounts for block bookings (e.g., 10% off when booking 10 sessions) or reduced rates for regular weekly slots. This helps secure consistent income while providing value to clients.
Be transparent about your pricing policy from the outset. Clearly communicate your rates, cancellation policy, and any additional charges to avoid misunderstandings later. Remember that raising rates with existing clients can be challenging, so set sustainable rates from the beginning.
Creating an Effective Tutor Profile
Your tutor profile or CV is often the first impression potential clients will have of your services, so it’s worth investing time to make it compelling.
Highlight your academic achievements prominently. Include your degree program, university, notable grades, and any academic awards or scholarships. For the subjects you wish to tutor, provide specific evidence of your expertise, such as module marks or project outcomes.
Describe your teaching approach concisely. Explain how you structure sessions, adapt to different learning styles, and track progress. This helps clients understand what makes your tutoring distinctive and effective.
Include a professional photograph that conveys approachability and trustworthiness. Dress smartly but not overly formal, and ensure good lighting and a neutral background. A warm smile goes a long way in making parents and students feel comfortable.
Request and display testimonials as soon as possible. After your first few sessions with a new student, politely ask if they would provide a brief review of their experience. These authentic endorsements are powerful persuasion tools for prospective clients.
Keep your profile concise but comprehensive. Potential clients often skim through multiple tutor profiles, so make your key selling points immediately visible.
Managing Your Tutoring Business
As your tutoring practice grows, treating it as a small business will help maintain professionalism and efficiency.
Keep meticulous records of all sessions, including dates, times, topics covered, and payments received. This organisation helps with tax reporting and provides reference material for planning future sessions. Simple spreadsheets or dedicated tutoring apps can streamline this process.
Establish clear policies regarding cancellations, late payments, and scheduling changes. Communicate these professionally from the beginning to avoid awkward situations later. Consider requiring 24-48 hours’ notice for cancellations, with a partial fee for late cancellations.
Manage your time effectively by clustering sessions geographically or temporally. If offering in-person tutoring, try to schedule multiple students in the same area on the same day to minimise travel time. Block out dedicated preparation time in your calendar rather than leaving it to the last minute.
Remember your tax obligations as a self-employed tutor. Keep track of your earnings and eligible expenses throughout the tax year. If your tutoring income exceeds the personal allowance threshold (£12,570 as of 2025), you’ll need to complete a self-assessment tax return. Consider setting aside a percentage of your earnings for potential tax payments.
Stay updated with curriculum changes, explore new teaching techniques, and perhaps expand your subject offerings as your confidence grows. This ongoing improvement helps retain existing clients and attract new ones.
Balancing Tutoring with University Studies
Be realistic about your availability when taking on students. During quieter academic periods, you might comfortably manage 8-10 hours of tutoring weekly, but this may need reducing to 2-4 hours during exam seasons or major assignment deadlines. It’s better to tutor fewer students consistently than to overcommit and disappoint clients.
Use scheduling tools to maintain organisation. Digital calendars with reminders help juggle tutoring commitments alongside lectures, seminars, and assignment deadlines. Block out study time as firmly as you would tutoring sessions to ensure academic work doesn’t get squeezed out.
Consider the complementarity between tutoring and your studies. Where possible, align your tutoring subjects with your current modules to create synergies. Teaching material related to your coursework reinforces your own understanding and makes preparation more efficient.
Communicate proactively with clients about your university commitments. Let them know in advance about examination periods or when you might have reduced availability. Most clients appreciate honesty and will accommodate reasonable scheduling adjustments.
Remember that tutoring should enhance rather than detract from your university experience. Don’t overdo it.
Give it a Try
Private tutoring offers university students a unique opportunity to earn money while developing valuable skills and reinforcing their own knowledge. With its combination of flexible hours, competitive rates, and relevant experience, it stands apart from typical student jobs.
Starting your tutoring business requires initial effort—creating profiles, setting rates, and securing those first clients. However, once established, word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews often generate a steady stream of work.
By approaching private tutoring professionally and strategically, you can create a rewarding side hustle that not only supports you financially through university but also enhances your employability after graduation.
