The average cost of college (including materials, books, and living expenses) is:Over $38,000 per year College students across the United States are looking for different ways to earn extra income. But as a college student, you know how difficult it can be to balance a busy class schedule with a full-time job. Luckily, the gig economy continues to grow, giving you more side hustle options than ever before to supplement your income.
Here are some tips for balancing your workload with the best side hustles for college students.
The best side hustles for college students
Despite their busy schedules, college students can earn money in the following ways:
Food delivery
Deliver food through services like Grubhub, DoorDashor Uber Eats Grocery delivery is a popular side hustle because you can set your own hours. To make money delivering food, all you need is a reliable car or motorcycle and a phone. There are even services that specialize in delivering groceries. Instacart and Fresh Direct.
Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistants provide administrative support to professionals by organizing emails, scheduling meetings, booking travel, data entry tasks, etc. College students can apply for virtual assistant positions on freelancing websites such as: Upwork, Fiberand Fancy HandsYou can earn Average hourly wage: $25 You can work as a part-time virtual assistant while gaining valuable skills that you can apply to a regular job after you graduate.
Resale of used goods
If you’re good at finding valuable second-hand items at thrift stores and garage sales, consider reselling them for a profit. Facebook Marketplace, Etsyor Ebay It can help you make some extra money. You can repair expensive items like furniture to increase your profit margin, or you can sell second-hand items that you already have but no longer need, like old clothes or textbooks.
Private Tutor
You can tutor classmates in person on a university campus or become an online tutor through platforms such as: Wyzant, Pre-plyand Chegg.Tutors Approximately $24 per hour You can set your own rates and working hours.
Consider offering tutoring services to clients who need help learning a specific subject. For example, you could teach high school students math or English in preparation for standardized tests like the SAT, or teach a specialized skill like coding, video editing, or music production.
Selling stock photos
If you have a talent for photography, you can monetize your work by licensing it. iStock and Shutterstock It hosts images from photographers and allows businesses to pay to use the images in advertising, brochures, websites, presentations and other commercial purposes.
Photographers selling stock photos can make anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of dollars a month, depending on the quality and marketability of their work.
Freelance writer
Earn some extra cash on the side by offering your writing services to paying clients who need written material like website content, advertisements, email campaigns, press releases, technical manuals, and more. You can apply for freelance writing jobs on websites like: FlexJobs, The work of the writerand Upwork.
Freelance writer Average hourly wage: $22Prices vary depending on the client and the job. If you’re pursuing a career as a writer, freelancing can help you hone your communication skills and strengthen your resume.
Take on odd jobs
Explore sites like Task Rabbit and Pushpin Short-term odd jobs such as pet sitting, dog walking, or house sitting assistance can help you make extra money without interfering with your class schedule. Other common jobs include house cleaning, furniture assembly, and lawn care. If you’re interested in child care, try searching for babysitting jobs on sites like: Care.com or Sitter CityRates vary depending on the job, so you can choose what works for your schedule.
Social Media Management
If you know how Grow your audience If you work for a social media platform like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, consider a part-time job as a social media manager. You’ll create content and develop strategies to improve your clients’ social media accounts. Social Media Engagement Offer your services and start building your portfolio.
E-commerce
Earn money by launching a successful e-commerce store. This side hustle requires work up front, but it can develop into a profitable business that continues to generate profits even after you graduate. For example, a tattoo aftercare company Mad Rabbit I started it as a side job when I was a senior in high school. $56 million company.
To Launch an online storeIdentify market needs, Developing a Product or services, and Write a business planPlatforms like Shopify make it easy to create a professional online store with customizable templates, secure payment gateways, built-in marketing tools, and more. Shopify Email.
graphic design
If you have the talent graphic designserving clients who need design work for websites, publications, advertising, and packaging. To build your portfolio as a graphic designer, establish an online presence with a website that showcases your work and connect with potential clients on platforms such as: 99 Design and dribble.
While it may take time to acquire paying clients, starting your own graphic design business can be a profitable side hustle for designers. Average hourly wage: $22-23.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate Marketing Businesses can pay individual affiliate marketers to promote their products, services, or brand. If you have built an audience online through content creation or social media, you can promote businesses using the specific affiliate link you’ve been assigned. The more times your followers click on your link and purchase your product, the more commission you’ll earn.
Wide range Affiliate Program Available now, find the one that suits your audience and earn commission.
Web Development
The software industry continues to grow, with the global market size predicted to exceed $2 billion by 2025. $858 billion by 2028. learn Website Development Learn a language like HTML, JavaScript, or Python and apply these valuable skills to freelance projects. With time and practice, you can start a lucrative side hustle with flexible hours and rates.
How to balance university with a side job
Here are some tips for balancing a side hustle with your college studies.
Set goals
Before choosing a side hustle, set realistic goals for how much time you want to devote to your pursuit and how much money you want to make. A clear understanding of your availability and financial needs will help you identify side hustles worth considering.
Choose a side hustle idea that aligns with your career interests: for example, tutoring offers teaching experience, while social media management or affiliate marketing offer insight into the marketing industry.
Manage your schedule
Unlike a traditional job, earning money from a side hustle allows you to decide your own schedule. Write out your full class schedule and any existing commitments you have, such as extracurricular activities or hobbies. Allocate a specific time each week for your side hustle so that it doesn’t interfere with your classes.
Build a network
Look for clubs on your campus that are related to side hustles. For example, you could join a writing group to hone your skills and find freelance opportunities.
Look into local networking events related to your side hustle. Reach out to professors with relevant experience and request a meeting to gain their insight. Apply for internships to build connections with experts in your desired field.
Identify and develop your skills
Once you have a clear goal and schedule, make a list of the skills you need to get the side job. For example, improve your communication skills, Customer Service Skillsor technical skills such as coding and design.
Execute SWOT Analysis Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your new side hustle. Business Strategy Look for resources to help you achieve your goals or develop your skills in your college library.
Frequently asked questions about side jobs for college students
What are the best side hustles for college students?
Some great side hustles for college students include freelance writing, website development, and odd jobs like walking dogs or taking care of the house.
How can I make a lot of money as a college student?
It may take some time to make a lot of money from a side hustle, but tutoring, doing odd jobs, or Online Business You can end up making a decent amount of money.
Are remote side hustles better for college students?
It all depends on your location, interests, and skill set: College students with writing, coding, or marketing skills could benefit from a remote side hustle, while those who want to get out of campus might prefer in-person tutoring or a job at a food delivery service.
