As a student, finding ways to earn some extra cash is always going to be a challenge. However, if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, there are numerous business ideas that can be started right from your student halls. Whether it’s a little side hustle to help you get through university, or you want to launch a full-fledged business.
We put together a few ideas to give you a starting point for your entrepreneurial journey. With a bit of creativity and hard work, you can turn your passions and skills into a profitable venture while still being a successful student.
If you have a passion for clothes, why not
set up a Depop store. Whether you’re a crafty thrifter, rework or sew your own clothes, or just want a way to make some space and
sell your old clothes, it might be time for you to consider opening a Depop store!
It’s a great way to make some quick money, and if you work hard enough you can build your online store into a fully fledged business. You never know where this could lead. One girl started selling clothes on Depop and built her side hustle into opening her own Vintage Store in Manchester!
Read more about that story here.
If you have a passion for crafts, art, or any other creative hobby, there might be somebody out there who would pay for some of your work! You can turn your passion into a business, and open an Etsy store. Whether it’s your own handmade pottery, homemade bags, stitch work or any other wild and wonderful craft, Etsy is a brilliant platform to start making some money from your work. Shoppers on Etsy love to discover individual unique pieces from craftspeople all around the world.
It makes for a perfect little side hustle to help you through university, and if you build up a big fanbase, you might be lucky enough to make it your full time job once you’ve graduated. So, if you have a niche, creative idea, then setting up an Etsy is definitely something you should look at. There are endless possibilities to what you can sell on Etsy. We heard about one graduate student selling her old university notes as a guide on Etsy. Crazy!
More about that here.
Similar to setting up an Etsy, if you have a love for art and would consider yourself somewhat of an artist, then consider sharing and selling your artwork. Set up your own Instagram account to help spread the word, alongside a website or Etsy store. If you’re getting recognition and great feedback, you can consider heading down to your local gallery and offering some pieces to them to sell. There is always someone looking for unique art to adorn their home with, so you’re in with a good chance.
We live in an age fuelled by social media, so why not make some money out of it all. If you have an interest in marketing, offer to run a social account for a local company, and set up your own social media management agency. If that’s not quite right for you, consider going down the influencer route. Make use of the following you have on Insta or TikTok, collab with brands, and make a little cash. You never know, you could become the next Molly-Mae!
If you’re skilled in a specific field, whether that’s writing, graphic design, coding or anything else, maybe now’s your time to go freelance. Websites like
Fiverror
Upworkplace you in front of different companies looking for your skills. There are a lot of students managing to turn their freelance side hustle during uni into a full time job once they finish university. Work on your own time, wherever you choose, and earn your money. What more could you ask for.
If you love animals, then why not become a pet sitter or a
dog walker. Not only do you get to have all the good bits of looking after a dog, you can get your daily steps in, and give yourself a much needed break from uni work. Loads of people would love to have someone to help them out with their pets, so this is definitely somewhere that you can make money from. Check out everything you need to know on
Earning Money as a Dog Walkerfor more info.
If you have a talent for photography and know your way around a camera, you can turn it into a profitable business while studying at uni. Think about trying event photography, portrait sessions, or stock photography sales. If pet sitting wasn’t quite right for you, you can earn money taking pictures of pets instead!
You can market your services to friends, family, and on social media, and set your own rates based on your experience and the type of photography you offer. Additionally, you can sell your photos online through stock photography websites, or offer your services to local businesses for product photography or marketing materials. What’s more, if you hope to become a full time photographer after uni, now's the time to start building your portfolio so you can hit the ground running when you graduate. With some effort and creativity, you can turn your passion for photography into a rewarding part-time job.
A really great business to start while at university is to become a tutor. Whether you're a whiz at math, have a talent for writing, or are fluent in a second language, there are plenty of students who need extra help with their studies.
You can advertise your services online or on your uni campus, and set your own rates based on your experience and the demand for your subject. It can fit around any schedule, in between your studies and social life. Tutoring not only provides a flexible and lucrative source of income, but also allows you to develop valuable teaching and communication skills that can be applied to future career opportunities.
Setting up a podcast while your studying is a great way to turn your passion for storytelling and audio production into a profitable business. This can be a fun thing to do with your friends too! First, choose a niche topic or theme that aligns with your interests and expertise, and develop a format and structure for your show. Then, invest in some audio equipment and software, and record and edit your episodes.
You can market your show through social media and podcast directories, and monetize through sponsorships, advertisements, or Patreon subscriptions. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful podcast business that generates income and helps you gain valuable skills and experience.
With a bit of creativity and hard work you can turn your skills into a side hustle while at uni and make some great money. If starting your own business is not quite right for you, there are so many other options if you’re looking to earn some extra money. Have a look at the
Student Saviour Jobs Finderto find the perfect job for you at your university or city. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to get yourself a job, click here to learn
How to Get a Job Guide For Students! For more advice on life at Uni visit our
Student Advice Hub.