A Guide to the Best Student Side Hustles That Really Make Money

Life at university offers plenty of flexibility, but also a lot of financial pressure that can weigh you down if you aren’t in control of your money. Whether you’re trying to cover rent, pay for groceries, send money home, or just avoid dipping into your overdraft, a side hustle can make a real difference. Not all gigs are worth your time though. This guide focuses on the best student side hustles that are flexible, reliable, and, most importantly, profitable.

Why Pick Up a Side Hustle During University?

Getting a side hustle isn’t all about the money (though it certainly helps!). They offer benefits beyond your student loan without the commitment to any long term contracts.

Flexible working patters can fit around your lectures and study schedules, and give you practical working experience that adds a little weight to your CV. You also get a sense of independence from your student loan, meaning you’ve more cash to enjoy.

Depending on what you’re studying, you can also gain valuable experience in your desired field. It’s importantly to find something you like doing as your side hustle as it’s only meant to help you earn a bit on the side.

1. Freelancing: Earn from the Skills You’ve Got

If you know you’ve a talent for writing, coding, photography, or anything else, then consider monetising it. There are now plenty of online platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr that offer remote earning opportunities through connecting with potential clients around the world.

What You’ll Need:

A strong internet connection and equipment suitable for the job you want to do.

Earning Potential:

Beginners will find it hard to earn much at first, but persistence can see your earnings increase over time.

Practical Example:

A media student could build a part time editing gig that helps improve the social media performance of a small business.

2. Tutoring: Teach What You Know

Tutoring is consistently one of the best paid student side hustles. It’s a common misconception that you need to be a straight A student to make it work, but in reality anyone with confidence in a subject you know can do it.

Best Subjects:

Support with GCSE level Maths, English, and foreign languages are always in high demand.

How to Get Started:

You can either advertise locally through social media, or try using platforms such as MyTutor to reach your own students.

Rates:

Anywhere between £15 and £30 per hour, depending on your subject and experience.

3. Food Delivery Services

Signing up and getting started with food delivery services like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat is pretty easy in the city. There’s plenty of demand for riders or drivers, with on demand work that fits your schedule.

You’ll need to make sure that you’ve got either a bike or car with you to get your deliveries complete in time, as you’ll lost your position if orders are regularly late.

What You’ll Need:

As well as the above, don’t forget about insurance and a background check.

Advantages:

• No interviews or experience required
• Set your own hours
• Paid on a weekly basis, making earning fast

Rates:

£100 – £300 depending on your location and the number of hours you can dedicate to it. The best delivery jobs for students are found in larger cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

4. Reselling: Flip Items for Profit

Buying low and selling high is a business tactic that’s almost as old as time. There is good reason for this though, and it can make you money without too much work (if you know where to look).

Many UK students make a decent earning from using platforms such as Vinted, Depop, and eBay. It helps to search your local charity shops and car boot sales for items you know can be sold for more.

What Sells Well:

• Designer or vintage clothing
• Sportswear such as football shirts and trainers
• Popular books, course materials, and equipment

Tools You’ll Need

A good camera (your phone will work), a haul of packaging supplies, and a keen eye for a bargain.

5. On Campus Roles and Brand Ambassador Gigs

These side hustles can be a bit more time consuming, and public facing than some of our other suggestions. That isn’t a reason to count them out though.

Many universities offer part time work through the student union, particularly running the bars and cafés on campus. Certain brands such as Red Bull or local bars also offer paid promotional work for students as they try to attract more customers.

Where to Find Them:

Check your university or student union jobs board on a regular basis.

Rates:

Usually around minimum wage, but with additional benefits and free products.

6. Print On Demand Platforms: Set (and Mostly) Forget

For students looking for one of the best passive income ideas, print on demand platforms let you create designs for sale on their respective platforms. We’re talking Etsy, Redbubble, and TeePublic.

You’ll need to make sure you create visually appealing designs in order for them to be sold, as it can be easy to fall into the tap of creating things that have been made before.

Best For:

Student with a creative mind who enjoy designing new things. Entrepreneurial spirits will also enjoy seeing their small business grow.

Rates: 

That all depends on how much you sell!

Be Cautious With These

Not all side hustles are exactly as the first seem, and won’t really make you any money. Watch out for:

• Survey sites that promise high rewards for minimal effort
• Pyramid schemes that encourage you to invest before you start earning.
• Gigs with vague job descriptions and no clear payment plans

If you think something sounds too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is.

Explore More Tips for Student Life

Want some more guidance into how to find the best food deals, budget responsibly, or just having fun at uni? Read on for more of the very best student life tips. 

Start Small, Learn Fast

There’s no guarantee that any role in the gig economy will be an instant success, but the best student side hustles are those that you devote some time and effort into.

Wherever your starting from, there’s a way to make it work on your terms. Just stay consistent and be wary of any time wasters. You want to find a gig that you enjoy, and adds something extra to your CV.

You’ve got the options. Get started with one today, and see where it takes you.