Side Hustles For College Students
Navigating through college expenses can feel like a steep mountain to climb, and buddy, you’re not alone! Would you believe it if I told you that 43% of full-time students and a whopping 81% of part-time learners juggle work alongside their studies just to keep the financial boat steady? In this blog post, we’re walking together down the path of discovering side hustles – jobs that will be kind not only to your wallet but also peppered with opportunities for learning invaluable skills, gaining experience, or perhaps even kick-starting your future career at an early stage.
Buckle up for hustle mode — let’s jump right in!
Key Takeaways
- A side hustle is a job you do besides your main work or study. They can help college students earn extra money and skills.
- Some side hustles use what you know already like social media managing. Others need specific skills like writing, design, and coding.
- Online jobs like freelance writing or graphic designing let you earn from anywhere. In-person jobs like babysitting or house cleaning also give good pay.
- Side hustles add worth to your resume by giving real-life job skill before finishing school. Plus, they allow some freedom to set up how much you get paid!
Understanding Side Hustles
Side hustles are jobs you do on the side. They add money to your pocket while giving you extra skills too. Not all side hustles are the same, though. Some may need a specific skill like writing or designing, such as being a freelance writer where you can earn from $19 to $45 per hour on Upwork! Other times, it might be a job that uses what we already know and love, like using social media every day!
You can also become a social media manager with an hourly rate ranging from $14-$35 based on your talent level. But don’t worry if these jobs don’t suit you, there are many other options out there too! Some require no special training at all so they’re easy to start with.
Side hustles give college students more than just cash – they also provide hands-on experience for future full-time jobs!
Why Do College Students Need Side Hustles?
College students often need extra money. Side hustles can help with this. They do these tasks in their free time or on weekends. This way, they earn cash and also focus on studies.
Some sell old stuff online, others write blogs for money. Tutoring is a good job too since it uses what they know already.
Side hustles let students stay away from big student loans too. These loans have to be paid back after school ends and can become a huge worry if not managed well.
Some side jobs are listed on university websites or Facebook groups made just for this reason. Finding the right side job becomes easy because of such help.
Getting work skill early is another advantage of side hustles for college kids. Jobs like web design or writing give them real-life know-how even before they finish school!
Online Side Hustles for College Students
Dive into the tech-savvy world of online side hustles, where college students can leverage their skills in areas like writing, design, social media management and teaching to make a lucrative income without leaving their dorm room.
Interested? Let’s uncover how you can kick start these empowering endeavors!
Freelance Writer
As a college student, you may think about freelancing to earn extra money. One good job is being a freelance writer. Many companies are hiring writers who can work from any place at any time.
They pay per hour or project – sometimes $19 to $45 an hour! This way, you can use your writing skills and also learn new things, like SEO. Plus, it won’t take up all your time so you have enough left for studying too! The internet has made finding these jobs pretty easy.
Social Media Manager
Being a Social Media Manager is another cool side hustle. It’s all about looking after websites like Twitter or Facebook for companies. You make posts, answer comments and build the company image online.
I have seen that there’s a high need for this job because so many businesses want to look good on the internet now! You can even earn between $14 to $35 per hour if you use sites like Upwork.
Not bad, right? This might just be your chance to show off how well you know social media while making some extra money at the same time!
Graphic Designer
I am a graphic designer. I make good cash doing it as a side hustle. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer have jobs for me. These platforms let people hire me for one job at a time.
There is always work there for me to do. My hourly rate ranges from $15 to $35 on sites like Upwork. This type of role fits well with my life as a college student because it is online so I can do it anywhere and anytime that works best for me.
Web Developer
If you know how to create websites, being a web developer can be a good side hustle. It pays well. On sites like Upwork, web developers get paid between $15 and $35 for each hour they work.
Java developers make even more on Upwork — up to $35 per hour! WooCommerce ones charge around $15 to $29 per hour.
With AI jobs on the rise, this is also an area where you could earn money if your skills are right. Some engineers who work with AI pull in as much as $150 an hour! So if you’re into coding or website design, this might just be the perfect hustle for you.
Virtual Assistant
Being a virtual assistant can give you good money. You might earn $10 to $20 per hour on Upwork. Being one will also make your resume stand out because of the skills it shows. As a virtual assistant, you deal with emails and set up plans each day.
You may even design things too! If you have these talents, show them off on Fiverr to find people who need help. This job is flexible which makes it great for students in college. It lines up well with their schedule and gives steady pay.
Data Entry Clerk
Being a data entry clerk is an easy job you can do from home. All you need is a computer and basic skills to use it. You fill in forms, put facts into tables or write what someone said on paper.
You might also check details to make sure they are right. Websites like Upwork pay about $10 to $20 per hour for this job. The best part? You choose when and where to work! It’s a great way to earn cash while studying at college.
Online Tutor
Making cash as an online tutor is easy if you are good at a topic. You can help other students while earning some money for yourself! There’s always someone who needs extra help with their learning.
This work is done from anywhere and fits into your own student timetable well. You set the rate of pay too. Tutors earn between $23 to $34 every hour, based on what they teach and how good they are.
It’s quick money without leaving your room!
Blogger or Vlogger
Starting a blog or vlog is easy. You just need a camera and basic skills in taking pictures. If you like to share your thoughts, ideas, or daily life, this side job is for you. With a blog or vlog, you can make money from ads.
You can also join affiliate marketing programs or get brand partners.
The more followers you have, the more cash comes in. This work lets college students reach people all over the world right from their dorm room! Always aim to make good content that gets attention on social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube.
Blogs and vlogs can be about anything – food adventures, study tips, style hacks – it’s up to you!
Editor or Proofreader
Being an editor or proofreader is another good job for students. This job puts your writing and language skills to real work. You can find many jobs on sites like Upwork. The pay ranges from $18 to $35 per hour based on the task at hand.
Not only does this gig help you earn more, but it adds value to your resume too! Many companies and people need others to check their written content before they put it out in public.
So, there will be no shortage of work for sure!
Translator
As a college student, being a translator can put extra cash in your pocket. If you speak more than one language, consider turning this skill into money. You will translate documents, websites or audio video content for people who need it.
Many companies look for translators on sites like Upwork where the pay is around $15 to $25 per hour on average. There are also many types of translation jobs available across different industries if you want to mix things up! This job gives language-savvy students an amazing way to earn income while still at school.
Virtual Bookkeeper
As a virtual bookkeeper, I sit at my computer and help people with their money. It’s all about making sure the numbers add up right. Some of my tasks include taking care of bills, sending out invoices, and recording financial data.
The best part? I can work from home or anywhere else! Upwork is a good place to find jobs like this one. Bookkeepers there make between $11 to $25 an hour. Making money while helping others with theirs — that works for me!
In-Person Side Hustles for College Students
Exploring the value of in-person side hustles, we’ll debunk jobs like babysitting, pet sitting and house cleaning that do not just provide a decent income but also improve your skill sets and networking.
We’ve more to share on how these jobs can fit into your busy college schedule and add feathers to your cap!
Babysitter
Babysitting is a great job for college students. It’s not hard to start. You need a background check and CPR and first aid training. Many parents want someone they can trust with their kids.
With an average pay of $17 per hour, you can earn some nice extra money. Plus, the hours are flexible so it fits with your school schedule well. Babysitting also gives you useful lessons in childcare that could come in handy later!
Pet Sitter
Being a pet sitter is one of the top roles for college students. Pet sitting brings in about $16 per hour on average. This job also lets you gain helpful work skills if you want to work with animals later in life.
To get ready, it’s good to have CPR and first aid training done and background checks passed. Best part? The hours are flexible so you can pick when you want to work around your school schedule!
Rideshare Driver
Becoming a rideshare driver is one of the handy side hustles for college students. You can drive your car and get paid about $18 per hour on average. The best part? It fits well with busy study schedules because you choose when to work! Apart from basic pay, you may also earn extra money through tips.
Driving jobs are good if you want more than one income source without giving up too much free time. So, start by signing up for services like Uber or Lyft!
House Cleaner
As a college student, you can earn as a house cleaner. It’s an easy job where you make houses clean and tidy. The good thing is, you don’t need to buy any fancy tools for this job.
You get paid around $13 per hour on average when cleaning homes – not bad! Plus, your pay changes based on the size of the home and what type of cleaning people want from you. This work suits students who like to keep things neat or those that feel relaxed while they clean up stuff!
If marketing isn’t scary for you – go ahead and start selling your service locally! And hey, before we forget: this job also offers flexible working times perfect for busy college life! Clears clutter in homes along with helping grow careers if interested in related fields such as professional household management or hospitality.
Dog Walker
Dog walking is a fun way for me to make money. I love dogs and enjoy the time outdoors, which makes this job perfect. It’s easy for me to find dog owners who need my help. I can just put up some flyers or sign up on online sites like Rover.
The pay is not bad either; I earn close to $15 per hour! Plus, it’s flexible and fits around my class schedule well. For all you fellow students out there, if you too are good with dogs why not give it a shot?.
Lifeguard
I enjoy working as a lifeguard during the summer. I had to get good at swimming and learn how to save lives. This job is not just about sitting by the pool all day. It gives me important skills that will help even after college.
On top of that, being a lifeguard means spending my time outside in sunny weather watching over kids who love to swim too. The best part? My job hours don’t clash with my classes!
Personal Trainer
Becoming a personal trainer is one way you can make money. College students with fitness knowledge and skill might love this job. They can teach others how to work out in the right way.
It’s good for meeting new people, too! This side hustle needs no special training or job skills but it does need a strong will to help others stay fit and healthy!
Unique Side Hustles for College Students
If it’s variety you’re after, think about these unique side hustles – give car-sharing a shot with services like Turo or Getaround; consider food and grocery delivery; tech-savvy students can freelance as computer technicians.
Fixing iPhone screens is another brilliant fit for gadget gurus. Keen on making a difference? Try teaching English online to non-native speakers. For those daily tasks that some people just don’t enjoy, why not run errands for others, or donate plasma for extra cash? Selling stock photos is great for the artistic souls out there, while those who adore animals could make money from house or pet sitting.
These are just but a few novel ways college students can hustle cleverly to pad their wallets!
Rent Out Your Car
You can make money from your car when you’re not using it. Services like Turo and Getaround let people rent cars from owners. It’s easy to do and could make you up to $876 a month for each car!
Deliver Food or Groceries
I found a great way to make money is to deliver food or groceries. On platforms like Instacart or DoorDash, I can get paid to drop off meals or shop for others. This side job pays well too.
Food delivery drivers earn about $19 per hour and grocery shoppers make between $15.25 and $16 an hour on average. Plus, I get tips now and then! What’s best is, it lets me pick when I want to work.
This makes juggling school work easy along with earning some cash on the side!
Teach English Online
You can make good money by teaching English online. This job lets you work from home and set your own hours. You don’t need a teacher’s degree or special paper to teach English online.
Pay is quite nice, between $12 and $40 an hour on average. It not only puts cash in your pocket but also gives real experience for jobs later on. Pick the days and times that work best for you, working as little or as much as you want.
So, if you like helping others learn, think about teaching English online!
Run Errands
Running errands can be a good way to make money in your free time. Busy people always need help with tasks like grocery shopping, post office runs, or picking up dry cleaning. Websites like TaskRabbit let you list your services and set your rates.
As a student, this job lets you pick the times that work for you. Plus, it’s simple and doesn’t require any special skills. So why not make some extra cash while helping others get their to-do lists done?.
Donate Plasma
Giving plasma is another unique way to earn extra money. You can make up to $400 each month just by doing this! Firms like iDonate and CSL Plasma help you find places where your plasma is needed.
The whole process does not put you at any high risk, as it’s very safe and managed carefully. Sometimes, after giving out the plasma, you might feel a bit tired or thirsty but that goes away pretty fast.
What makes this even better? As a college student, not only do I get some extra cash in my pocket, but I also get to help other people who need my plasma. It’s truly win-win!
Sell Stock Photos
I use my camera to click cool pictures and sell them online. This is called selling stock photos. It’s a fun way for me to make extra money, especially because I love photography. People who run businesses or websites buy these photos for their work.
This means my pictures get seen by lots of people too! If you also like taking pictures, you might want to try this out.
House or Pet Sitting
House or pet sitting can be a great way to make some extra money. You get paid to stay in someone else’s home and care for their pets while they are away. It’s like a mini vacation, but you also have responsibilities.
Trust is key in this job because people need to know that you will take good care of their homes and pets. If animals or real estate are your passion, this could offer useful work experience too! Some jobs might require a background check.
Freelance Computer Technician
Make good use of your computer skills by working as a freelance computer technician. This job involves fixing hardware and software issues that customers have with their systems. If you know how to set up software, deal with viruses, or even replace parts like screens or keyboards, this could be the right fit for you.
The pay can vary but some technicians earn around $16 per hour. If someone’s iPhone screen gets cracked and they don’t want to buy a whole new phone, they’ll likely come to tech-savvy people like yourself for an affordable repair fix.
Just one job of fixing a damaged screen can bring in about $80! Shake off those worries about time; this work happens as per your free hours.
Fix iPhone Screens
Fixing iPhone screens can be a great way to earn some cash in your free time. Many people have iPhones these days, and screens often break or crack. With practice, you can learn how to fix these screens yourself! It’s easier than it sounds – all you need are some tools and guidance from online resources like iFixit or YouTube videos.
Once you’ve learned this skill, offer your service around campus or even within the neighborhood. You’ll find that many people will rather fix their screen than buy a new phone. Plus, they might refer others to you too!
Tips for Successfully Managing a Side Hustle in College
Having a side hustle in college is great. Here are some tips to help you manage it right:
- Set clear goals: Know what you want from your side hustle.
- Make a schedule: Plan your time well so that your school work does not suffer.
- Use online tools: There are many free online tools that can help you manage your time and tasks.
- Rest when you need to: Your health comes first.
- Find the balance: You have to juggle school, work, and fun times with friends.
- Ask for help if needed: There’s no shame in needing a hand.
- Try different hustles until you find the right one for you.
Considerations When Choosing a Side Hustle
Picking the right side hustle is very important. You need to think about what you like and what you’re good at doing. Maybe you’re great with words and love telling stories. Being a freelance writer could make sense for you.
But let’s say your best skill is finding spelling errors on anything from web pages to billboards, becoming an editor or a proofreader seems perfect for how keen-eyed you are.
The time that the job would take is also very key! If it drains so much time making school work tough, then it might not be the best pick regardless of how well it pays. It’s also good to pay attention if they let one choose when they want to work as some jobs maybe only available during times in which class schedules do not allow one to participate.
One of the ways most side hustle works is by paying per hour worked while others are through rates per project completed. Therefore thinking about one’s financial needs can help in selecting between them – perhaps even consider trying more than just one over different periods to comprehend which fits better into their system financially.
Wouldn’t online or offline setting matter too? Some people enjoy working around other people but others may prefer getting tasks done alone, from picking up clothing strewn across parks (and earning lots) compared to data entry gigs offering $10-$20 hourly with requirements fitting closely into student academic programs especially those studying computer science.
Also being aware of physical limits humans get exhausted therefore taking breaks allows rejuvenation preventing stress related ailments thus having ability maintaining quality productivity over long duration encourages health living allowing more concentration towards academics.
Where will these guru jobs come from? College websites are gold-mines bursting with opportunities: Facebook groups both local/national level has tons fit all together daily circumstances as online platforms generally swarm millions globally throughout year long.
FAQs
These are common questions and answers to guide you about side hustles, including the most lucrative options, flexible jobs for students, and how earning extra income could influence your financial aid.
What are the most lucrative side hustles for college students?
Making money on the side can be great for college students. Some of the best ways to earn extra cash are online jobs. For example, freelance writing can bring in between $19 and $45 an hour.
Being a social media manager or graphic designer is also good, with pay rates from $14 to $35 per hour. Web developers can make about $15 to 29 an hour too. Lastly, online tutors get paid around $23 – 34 each hour they work.
What are the most flexible side jobs for college students?
Flexible side jobs are great for college students. You get to earn and learn at the same time! Jobs like freelance writing, social media managing, or graphic design allow you to work from anywhere.
They offer good pay too, between $10 – $45 per hour. Web development and online tutoring also give a nice paycheck while honing your own skills. Acting as a virtual assistant or data entry clerk can fit into any busy schedule very well with their flexible hours.
Clear editing, proofreading or translation tasks during free times makes your resume shine brighter in future job hunts all while providing extra income today! Virtual bookkeeping is another smart choice where you manage money smartly on both ends – earning for yourself and saving for someone else! If you have an eye for snapping unique photos then why not sell them? Selling items like photos on eBay, Poshmark or Depop is easy and profitable which fits well with any academic timetable without disturbance.
Bigger cheers if swimming happens to be one of your hobbies because that may get you some sweet summer cash cleaning pools as a part-time pool cleaner around the town!
There’s even money in proctoring exams which means there’s no excuse not to study because either way – it pays off!
Does making income from a side hustle affect financial aid eligibility as a college student?
Yes, making money from a side hustle can change your financial aid as a college student. You use info about the income and assets you have to get financial help for school. When you make more money from a side job, it adds to your total income.
This might lead to less aid for school because it seems like you need less help. So if you’re in college and think about getting a side gig, be careful! Make sure to talk with the folks at your school’s finance office before taking any steps that may harm your financial aid program.
Conclusion
Side hustles are a smart way for college students to bring in extra cash. With so many options online and offline, it’s easy to find jobs that match your skills and schedule. As you work and study, remember not to let making money get in the way of getting good grades.
Always make sure managing your side hustle doesn’t stop you from doing great at school!
FAQs
1. What are some side hustles for college students with flexible schedules?
Some good fits can be a web designer, product photographer, or podcaster. These jobs allow college kids to balance work commitments and full-time study.
2.What tools can help manage academic and job tasks?
Many use online tools like project management software, productivity apps, and digital calendars. Good time management helps keep an eye on both the academic responsibilities and freelance opportunities.
3. Can I do my side hustle from home?
Yes! Many remote side hustles like blog editing or translation services are available that you can do in your free time without leaving your room.
4.How does one set financial expectations from a side hustle while studying?
Firstly, think about what you need money-wise from part-time jobs – this is your income potential. Then check how much others earn doing similar work as this helps decide hourly rates.
5.Can I turn my passion into a Side Hustle?
Absolutely! Start by looking at personal skills related to interests such as pet care or podcast hosting to start creative side hustles getting paid for things you love!
6.How can I add more money with less effort in term of Side Hustles?
There are ways like advertising on blogs which creates passive income through monetizing the website with sponsored content balancing student budget needs.
