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Freelance Writing or Editing
If you like to write or have a keen eye for detail, freelancing might be one of the best options for you. Build yourself a basic portfolio to start with—even just a few essays or articles you’ve written for class will do. You’ll have places like Fiverr and Upwork, excellent to get started with for gigs in blog writing, proofreading, and even ghostwriting ebooks. And if that happens, you can eventually just pitch directly to businesses or publications and charge more. In many respects, the writing pays the bills, and yet it also improves an already valuable skill for virtually any career. Countless students appreciate the effect of writing on their idea-expression abilities.
Online Tutoring
Your knowledge doesn’t only belong in the classroom; it can be your pass to extra income. Online tutoring platforms like Chegg, TutorMe, or even VIPKid—most of them, provided you are fluent in English and fit the qualifications—offer you the opportunity to teach students from all over the world. You don’t need a degree; often, expertise in a subject is enough to get started. You set your availability. Whether you can commit just an hour a week or several, tutoring provides a steady source of income.
Sell Your Class Notes
Do you have people wanting to borrow your notes in class all the time? Well, turn that into a business. You can upload and sell your class notes on Nexus Notes or Stuvia among other websites, to those students who want that little bit more help. Good, clear class notes are always in demand and will pick up right before exams. This hustle doesn’t require much extra effort beyond keeping your notes organized and thorough—something you likely do already. If your university has specific policies about selling notes, make sure you comply, as some institutions may have restrictions.
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Animal lovers can turn their passion into profit by offering pet sitting or dog walking services. Apps like Rover and Wag! make it easy for people in need of reliable help with their pets to find you. These gigs can be super flexible and accommodate your schedule most of the time. What really sets this hustle apart, though, is in its stress-relieving fringe benefits. Time with animals is therapeutic for some and could give you a much-needed respite from academic pressures.
Social Media Management
Do you spend hours perfecting your Instagram aesthetic or keeping up with TikTok trends? Small businesses often lack the time or expertise to manage their social media accounts effectively and are willing to pay for this service. Start by offering to help local businesses or organizations you’re familiar with. From creating posts to engaging with followers, social media management is one of those skills that will grow with experience. You might even find a long-term career path in marketing or content creation. The beauty of this hustle lies in its scalability: as you build a portfolio, you can charge higher rates and attract larger clients.
Take Online Surveys and Offers
When time is precious, and you want something pretty easy, you can get paid to complete offers and online surveys. Sites such as Moincoins give opportunities to make money by completing offers on different suppliers. It will not make you rich but rather an easy way to gain some money during the in-betweens.
Photography or Videography
If you have a good camera or even a high-quality smartphone, photography can be a very lucrative and enjoyable side hustle. Sell your services for events such as family gatherings, graduations, or student organizations. Most people will pay for cheap photography without hiring a full professional. You can also sell stock photos through Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. If videography is more your speed, consider editing videos for YouTube creators or filming promotional content for a local business.
Reselling Clothes or Vintage Finds
Fashion-savvy students can make money by reselling thrifted or vintage clothes. Thanks to apps like Depop, Poshmark, and eBay, listing and selling items is really quite simple. Spend weekends hunting for unique, trendy pieces at second-hand stores, then style and photograph them to attract buyers. This hustle, especially, is a great deal if you have an eye for what’s on trend.
Food Delivery or Ride-Sharing
If you have access to a car, then food delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash or Postmates offer flexible ways to bring in some money. Your hours are up to you—so perfect for fitting around even the busiest of student schedules. If you like driving and being with people, you may make a good amount through ride-sharing via Uber or Lyft. Keep track of fuel costs and wear-and-tear maintenance to ensure this stays profitable. Lots of students love this kind of work because it requires little training and upfront investment.
Selling Handmade Goods
If you are creative, then Etsy or other platforms provide the perfect place to sell your handmade goods, ranging from jewelry to artwork to knitted items. This is the ideal side hustle for any student who enjoys crafting during their free time. It requires an initial effort in setting up the virtual shop, but it can later be managed with respect to the taking of orders and listings according to one’s own convenience. Such goods can be promoted through social media. That said, many sellers on Etsy start off small and build their shops to sustainable streams of income.
Side hustles provide a sense of accomplishment, a chance to invest in future career prospects, and a way to navigate the demands of student life without feeling overwhelmed. Choose one (or a few) that align with your skills and schedule.