When young people are 18, 19, and 20, they’re often told that going to university guarantees a high-paying job. However, relying solely on a degree isn’t enough to become wealthy. Students need to start a side hustle that can grow into something much bigger. I had side hustles that turned into multimillion-dollar businesses and made me a millionaire. That’s why I’m going to talk about 10 side hustles today.
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Why Side Hustles Are Perfect for College Students
Side hustles for college students are a great and convenient way to earn money to manage their expenses and college bills. Side hustles don’t require you to dedicate your entire day to work, allowing you to earn money by working for a few hours when you are free. This way, it doesn’t impact your studies and allows you to learn new things. Side hustles are perfect for college students.
Continuing a side hustle of your interest while in university allows for slow growth. Once your side hustle starts making a decent amount of money, you can consider dedicating your full time to it after finishing college.
10 Best Side Hustles for College Students
faceless short-form content
Creating short-form content such as videos, images, or writing blogs does not require showing your face. You can easily create short videos on a specific niche and post them on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook. These videos could be product reviews, educational content, funny videos, or any other type of content. Posting on these social media platforms can help you generate leads and earn money as a side hustle.
This side hustle is perfect for college students because you can work on it in your free time. You can earn money from brand deals, promoting affiliate products, and getting verified by Google AdSense.
online coaching
“If you have expertise in any field, you can offer online coaching to individuals or groups. You can start coaching in areas such as fitness, academic subjects, career advice, and language teaching using platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.
You can teach people from the comfort of your own home and earn a good amount of money. Coaches can charge per session or offer monthly packages. With specialized expertise, this can become a high-paying side hustle for college students.”
Reselling luxury items
Acquiring second-hand luxury goods such as designer bags, sneakers, or watches and selling them online for a profit is a lucrative side hustle. You can obtain these items from online marketplaces, thrift stores, or auction websites and then proceed to resell them on platforms such as eBay, Depop, or Poshmark.
Having a good understanding of luxury brands and being able to authenticate items are crucial for successful sales. Luxury items often command high resale prices, offering the potential for substantial profits on each sale.
online writing
You can freelance write for websites, blogs, businesses, or self-publishing ebooks in your free time and make money from it. For these side hustles, you only need a device and an internet connection.
You can find freelance writing jobs on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and many others, and offer your services to them.
Depending on the quality of your work, you can charge per article or per word, earning from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per article. This side hustle is especially suitable for college students.
Discord building
Discord server building can be a profitable side job for college students who are tech-savvy and enjoy creating online communities. Here’s how you can make the most of this skill:
Offer freelance services for Discord server design and development, including layout customization, bot integration, and moderation setup. Target specific niches such as gaming communities, educational platforms, or interest-based groups. Utilize freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to connect with potential clients.
Create and sell pre-designed Discord server templates that can be easily adapted to different themes. Market your templates on social media, Discord forums, and relevant online communities. You can also offer additional services like customization options or support for buyers who need assistance.
To succeed in this side hustle, build a strong portfolio, network with other Discord enthusiasts, stay updated with Discord’s features and trends and provide excellent customer service. By leveraging your skills and understanding of Discord, you can turn this side hustle into a profitable venture that complements your studies.
Gig Economy Apps
You can use apps like Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit, or Instacart to earn money by completing different tasks such as food delivery, ridesharing, or small handyman jobs. You simply sign up on these platforms and work on tasks based on your availability. Most of these gigs offer flexible schedules, allowing you to work whenever it’s convenient for you. The pay varies depending on the platform and the number of tasks you complete, but it’s a quick way to earn money with flexible hours.
Online freelancing
Online freelancing is a great way for college students to earn extra money. You don’t need any money to start. You can offer your skills such as graphic design, web development, marketing, and more as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr.
You can create a profile to showcase your skills and portfolio, bid on jobs, and complete projects for clients around the world. Freelancing can involve a wide range of services like editing, social media marketing, or programming.
With the right skill set and good reviews, freelancing can provide a steady income, with some freelancers earning full-time incomes from part-time work.
E-commerce
Setting up an online store, you can sell physical or digital products through platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon. You have the option to sell handmade products, dropship goods, or create digital products such as printables or online courses. E-commerce allows you to start a business with low initial costs and provides the flexibility to sell anything you’re passionate about.
E-commerce businesses have the potential to grow rapidly, particularly if you find a niche market. Once your store gains traction, it’s possible to earn thousands of dollars per month.
selling items online
Selling unwanted or unused items such as clothes, electronics, and furniture on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist can be a good way to make some extra cash. Many students find that they can make quick money by selling items they no longer need or by buying second-hand items and reselling them for a profit. For example, purchasing items at thrift stores and then selling them online. The income potential of this side hustle is decent, especially if you have high-demand items. Your income will depend on what you’re selling and how much of it you’re selling.
socila media management
Small businesses, influencers, and startups often need help managing their social media accounts. This involves creating content, interacting with followers, and building a strong online presence. Because many businesses lack the time to handle social media, they often hire social media managers to take care of tasks such as posting, responding to messages, and increasing their number of followers. These managers can work with platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Social media managers typically charge either monthly retainers or fees per project. This field is rapidly growing, and there is high demand from businesses seeking to enhance their digital presence.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Side Hustle
When considering a side hustle as a college student, it’s crucial to evaluate its alignment with your goals, schedule, and skills. Here are the key factors to consider:
Time Commitment
Assess how much free time you have each week and whether the side hustle can be done in flexible increments or requires long, consistent hours. For example, freelance work allows for flexible hours, whereas ride-share gigs may need longer, consistent blocks of time.
Skill Set
Consider your existing skills and interests. Some side hustles, such as tutoring or social media management, require specific skills you may already possess, while others, like blogging or dropshipping, can help you develop new skills for your future career.
Income Potential
Determine how much money you need to make from the side hustle and set realistic expectations based on the income potential of different hustle options. Some side hustles may provide only a modest income, while others have the potential to become substantial income streams.
Scalability
If you’re thinking long-term, consider a side hustle that can grow into a larger, more profitable business as you build your skills and invest more time. For instance, creating content on YouTube or running an online store can grow into significant passive income, while gig-based hustles typically have limited growth potential.
Passion and Interest
Choose a side hustle that aligns with your passions or interests. When you enjoy what you’re doing, it feels less like work and more like an enjoyable way to earn money. Consider hobbies like photography, content creation, or working with animals if they match your interests.
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