Juggling academic responsibilities and financial obligations isn’t always a top strength for students.
However, the rise of side hustles has opened up a world of opportunities for those seeking to supplement their income and gain valuable experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the concept of side hustles, their benefits, and a curated list of the best options for students.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a part-time job, freelance gig, or entrepreneurial venture that individuals undertake alongside their primary employment or academic pursuits.
These supplementary income streams offer flexibility, allowing individuals to work on their own terms and schedules.
With the advent of the internet and the gig economy, the possibilities for side hustles have expanded exponentially.
Benefits for Students
Running a side hustle during student life can be a game-changer, offering numerous advantages beyond just financial gains.
Financial Independence
One of the primary motivations for pursuing a side hustle is the potential to achieve financial independence. By generating an additional income stream, students can reduce their reliance on student loans, pay off debts, and cover daily expenses without constantly worrying about stretching every penny. The stereotype of a poor starving student doesn’t have to be your reality!
Skill Development and Portfolio Building
Side hustles provide a platform for students to hone their existing skills and acquire new ones. Whether it’s writing, graphic design, or digital marketing, these hands-on experiences can complement academic learning and enhance resumes with practical, real-world experience. This is the best time to develop too, as despite how it might feel. you will never have so much free time as when you are at University.
Flexibility
Unlike traditional part-time jobs, side hustles offer greater flexibility, allowing students to work around their class schedules and extracurricular activities. This autonomy enables students to strike a balance between their academic and financial pursuits. In other words, you can work whenever you like, and not to someone else’s schedule.
Exploring Passions and Entrepreneurial Ventures
For students with a passion project or entrepreneurial aspirations, a side hustle can serve as a testing ground. It provides an opportunity to explore interests, validate business ideas, and potentially grow a small venture into a full-time career after graduation. It might turn into something amazing, or it might fail and teach you valuable lessons. As they say, “fail early and fail hard”.
Networking and Professional Growth
Many side hustles involve interacting with clients, professionals, or peers in various industries. This exposure can lead to valuable networking opportunities and insights into different career paths, ultimately contributing to professional growth. When you graduate, you will already have a professional network to call on if needed.
Which Side Hustle is Right for You?
Selecting the right side hustle is key to ensuring a successful and sustainable endeavour. It has to be right for you. Here are some key factors to consider:
Time Commitment
Evaluate your availability realistically, considering your class schedule, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Opt for a side hustle that aligns with your free time and energy levels to avoid overextending yourself.
Income Potential
Determine your financial goals and research the potential earnings from different side hustles. Choose an option that not only covers your essential expenses but also allows you to save or indulge in discretionary spending. You will need to balance this with the time commitment.
Skill Requirements
Assess your existing skills, interests, and passions to identify a side hustle that complements your strengths. This will not only boost your income but also enhance your marketability and portfolio.
Online vs. In-Person
Consider whether an online or in-person side hustle better suits your lifestyle and preferences. Online gigs offer unparalleled flexibility, while in-person jobs may provide a sense of community and immediacy in earnings. If you are a people person you might see more benefit from face to face work.
Online Ideas
Online side hustles have gained immense popularity due to their convenience and flexibility. Here are some top options to explore:
Survey Apps
Platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie allow you to earn cash or gift cards by completing short surveys from the comfort of your dorm room or during study breaks.
Affiliate Marketing
By promoting products or services through your blog, social media, or YouTube channel, you can earn commissions from affiliate programs like Amazon, ClickBank, or CJ Affiliate.
Freelancing
Leverage your skills in writing, graphic design, web development, or digital marketing by offering your services on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr.
Website and App Testing
Companies often seek feedback on their websites or apps before launching. Sites like UserTesting offer an opportunity to earn money by providing user experience insights.
Selling Online
E-commerce platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon enable you to create or source products and sell them to a global audience, whether handmade goods, vintage finds, or dropshipped items.
Selling Stock Photos
If photography is your passion, websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images allow you to earn passive income by selling your high-quality photographs.
Blogging and Vlogging
Creating engaging content around a topic of interest and monetizing your audience through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing can be a lucrative endeavour.
Virtual Assistance
Offer administrative services, such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, or handling social media accounts, to businesses or entrepreneurs as a virtual assistant.
In-Person Ideas
While online side hustles offer convenience, in-person gigs can provide a sense of community, tangible experiences, and immediate cash flow. Here are some popular options:
Babysitting or Nannying
If you’re great with kids, babysitting or nannying can be a lucrative option, with the potential to earn up to £25 per hour.
Rideshare Driving
Platforms like Lyft and Uber allow you to make money by driving people to their destinations, offering flexibility to work around your class schedule.
Delivery Services
Join food delivery services like DoorDash or courier services to deliver food, groceries, or packages, choosing shifts that fit your availability.
Tutoring
Excel in a particular subject? Offer tutoring services to fellow students or younger kids, setting your own rates and schedules.
Pet Sitting
Animal lovers can earn a decent income by taking care of pets while their owners are away, either at the client’s home or their own.
Mystery Shopping
Evaluate retail stores, restaurants, and other service providers as a covert customer, earning money while indulging in shopping experiences.
Donating Plasma
Plasma donation centres compensate donors around £25-50 per visit, providing a steady income stream while contributing to medical treatments.
Gardening and Lawn Maintenance
Offer lawn care and gardening services to homes and businesses in your neighbourhood, capitalizing on your outdoor skills and equipment.
Selling Class Notes
If you take comprehensive and clear notes, consider selling them to classmates or online platforms like StudySoup, earning up to £500 per note set.
Thrift Flipping
Scour second-hand stores and garage sales for undervalued items, upcycle or refurbish them, and resell them for a profit on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
House Cleaning
Provide professional cleaning services to homes, apartments, or small offices, setting your own rates and schedules around classes.
Car Detailing
Offer car washing, interior cleaning, and detailing services to fellow students or neighbours, leveraging your automotive knowledge and attention to detail.
Car Advertising
Companies like Carvertise offer the opportunity to earn £100-200 per month by allowing your car to be wrapped with advertisements, turning your daily commute into a revenue stream.
Junk Hauling
Offer removal and disposal services for unwanted items or junk from local households, leveraging your vehicle and physical strength. Just make sure you dispose of it legally or you can get fined.
Balancing Work with Academics
Maintaining a healthy equilibrium between your side hustle and academic commitments is crucial to ensure success in both areas. Here are some strategies to help you strike the right balance:
Time Management Strategies
- Prioritize tasks and use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of deadlines and important dates.
- Set a schedule and allocate specific hours for your side hustle, creating a routine and avoiding last-minute rushes.
- Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to prevent procrastination.
- Utilize downtime between classes to reply to emails or update your side hustle plans.
Setting Achievable Goals
- Establish SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives for your side hustle and academics.
- Create short-term milestones to track progress and stay motivated.
- Regularly assess and adjust your goals based on your academic demands and side hustle performance.
Knowing Your Limits
- Listen to your body and recognize signs of stress or fatigue, taking breaks when necessary.
- Prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on excelling in a few commitments rather than spreading yourself too thin.
- Seek support from peers, mentors, or academic resources if you’re struggling to keep up.
