As a college student, I know how tough it can be financially. Tuition fees keep going up, and living expenses don’t stop. But, there’s a way to make some extra cash without giving up on your studies. Side hustles offer a chance to earn more and gain real-world experience.
Looking to use your skills online, do some physical work, or offer personal services? There are many side hustles perfect for college students. These jobs help increase your income and improve your entrepreneurial skills. They also give you valuable work experience, which is great for your future job prospects.
Key Takeaways
- Side hustles can provide college students with a financial cushion to cover expenses.
- Engaging in side hustles can help develop practical skills and work experience.
- There are numerous flexible side gigs that can complement the schedules of college students.
- Online and service-based side hustles offer versatile options for earning extra cash.
- Balancing side hustles with academic success requires effective time management strategies.
The Benefits of Side Hustles for College Students
College students face high costs for tuition, living, and other fees. Many turn to side hustles for extra money and to ease financial stress. A recent survey found that 47% of college students have side hustles to cover their college costs.
The most popular side hustles are freelance writing, digital marketing, and web development. 22%, 17%, and 15% of students work in these fields, respectively. Students make $100 to $500 per month from these jobs, which helps a lot with college expenses.
Supplementing Income for College Expenses
Side hustles let students earn extra money for college needs like books, rent, food, and more. This extra cash reduces financial stress. It lets students focus on school without worrying about money.
Developing Entrepreneurial Skills and Work Experience
Side hustles also boost entrepreneurial skills and work experience. They teach time management, problem-solving, and communication. These skills improve a student’s resume and job prospects after graduation.
About 63% of college students like side hustles that offer remote work. This lets them work from anywhere and manage their time well. The top skills for these jobs are digital marketing, web development, and data entry.
Starting a side hustle in college opens doors to networking and reaching different customers. It also teaches valuable skills like time management and budgeting. These skills are great for future careers.
“Side hustles offer students a creative outlet and an opportunity to build wealth, leading to financial freedom.”
Flexible Side Gigs Perfect for College Schedules
Side hustles for college students are great because they are flexible. They don’t have the same strict hours as regular jobs. This means students can work when it fits their schedule, around classes and other activities. This flexibility is key for managing school and making extra money.
College students have many flexible side gigs to choose from. They can find something that matches their lifestyle and goals. Options range from service jobs to self-paced work. Some popular choices include:
- Tutoring, either in-person or online
- Selling products or services through platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon
- Dog walking, a flexible and enjoyable way to earn extra cash
- Furniture flipping, a creative side hustle with profit potential
- Car detailing, a practical and flexible option for car enthusiasts
- Blogging and creating digital products, a passive income source
- Refereeing sports events, a paid opportunity for sports fans
These flexible side hustles offer extra income and help students learn new skills. They also let students try out their business ideas while fitting into their college schedules.
If you want to make more money, improve your resume, or follow your passions, flexible side gigs are a great choice. By picking a side job that fits your life and interests, you can succeed in school and be financially independent.
Online Side Hustles for College Students
In today’s digital world, college students have many chances to make extra money online. They can try freelance writing, content creation, or sell products and services. These jobs let students use their skills and work when they want.
Freelance Writing and Content Creation
Freelance writing and content creation are great for college students. They can write blog posts, articles, or social media content for clients. This job is flexible and fits well with college life.
Selling Products or Services Online
College students can also sell products or services online. They might open an Etsy shop for handmade items, offer freelance services like graphic design, or sell digital products like e-books. These jobs let students work from anywhere and set their own pace.
Thanks to remote work, college students have more ways to earn extra money. They can sell things online, work in ecommerce, or offer freelance services. By using their skills and creativity, students can make a steady income with digital products and freelance writing.
side hustles for college students
The idea of college students looking for extra income isn’t new. Many students have always taken on side jobs to help pay for things. Now, with the gig economy growing, there are more college side hustles, student jobs, and part-time work options than ever before.
Today, college students can choose from many side hustles. These include online surveys, freelance writing, and virtual assistant roles. These jobs not only help students earn extra money. They also teach important skills and give them work experience.
Selling items online is a popular side hustle for students. Sites like eBay take a 10% commission on sales up to $750. Students can also earn by doing online surveys at places like Survey Junkie, MintVine, Toluna, and Nielsen Digital Voice. These sites offer points that can be traded for cash or gift cards.
If you’re good at typing or data entry, there are jobs for you. Sites like The Smart Crowd, Clickworker, and DionData Solutions offer remote work. You can also earn cash by doing tasks on Bing Rewards, Swagbucks, and Qmee.com.
Students with special skills or interests can try freelance or service-based side hustles. You can find virtual assistant jobs on PeoplePerHour.com. Sites like TextBookRush, Chegg, BookScouter, and Cash4Books let you sell old textbooks for cash.
On-Campus Side Hustles for College Students
College campuses are full of chances for students to make extra cash with on-campus side hustles. These jobs use your knowledge and leadership skills. They also offer flexible hours and valuable experiences that go well with your studies.
Tutoring and Academic Support Services
One top side hustle for college students is tutoring and academic support. You can make money by helping your classmates with homework, test prep, or just getting through tough subjects. These jobs fit around your class times and other plans. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says SAT/ACT tutors earn about $22 an hour. This makes it a good choice for students who are good in their subjects.
Campus Tour Guide or Resident Advisor Roles
College students can also work as campus tour guides or resident advisors. These jobs pay extra and give you leadership skills. Resident advisors might even get housing perks. If you’re good at talking to people, love your school, and want to help others, these jobs are a great fit.
On-campus side hustles are a great way for college students to make more money, learn new skills, and improve their college life. By using what their schools offer, students can find jobs that are both flexible and fulfilling. These jobs help them earn money while they’re working towards their degrees.
Freelance and Service-Based Side Hustles
College students can earn extra cash through freelance and service-based side hustles. These include ridesharing, food delivery, and task-based services. They offer flexibility, fitting around school schedules and other commitments.
Ridesharing, Food Delivery, and Task Services
Driving for Uber or Lyft can be a great way to make money. Drivers earn about $20.33 per hour, says Harvard Business Review. Food delivery jobs through DoorDash or GrubHub also offer flexible hours, with earnings around $20 per hour.
Students can also try task-based services on platforms like TaskRabbit or Fiverr. They can offer services like furniture assembly, house sitting, or proofreading. These jobs let students work on their own time, fitting it around school.
| Side Hustle | Average Earnings |
|---|---|
| Ridesharing | $20.33 per hour |
| Food Delivery | $20 per hour |
| Task Services | $45 per hour for IKEA furniture assembly |
Freelance work and service-based side hustles are great for college students. They offer extra income, valuable skills, and experience. By using these gigs, students can help pay for college and stand out in the job market.
Creative Side Hustles for Artistic Students
College students with a keen eye for creativity and a passion for the arts can turn their talents into side hustles. They can explore opportunities in photography, videography, graphic design, and illustration. These fields offer many chances for artistic individuals to make money from their passions.
Photography, Videography, and Design Services
Students can earn extra income by offering photography services for events, selling stock photos, or doing graphic design for local businesses or classmates. Creative side hustles like these let students make money and gain valuable experience. They turn their hobbies into profitable ventures.
Etsy lets creators keep 95% of each sale, and Alamy gives students 100% of the profit from their photos. Redbubble and Fiverr also let artists set their own prices. This way, they can earn more from their work.
Students can also try videography as a side hustle. They can offer video production for events, sell stock footage, or start a YouTube channel. For those good at telling stories through visuals, these can be great ways to make money.
| Platform | Earnings Potential |
|---|---|
| Etsy | 95% of every sale |
| Alamy | 100% of photo sales |
| Redbubble | Flexible pricing set by artists |
| Fiverr | 80% of sales revenue |
| Printful | Flat pricing, allowing artists to set their own product prices |
By using creative side hustles, college students can boost their income and gain valuable experience. This experience prepares them for future success in the artistic skills and graphic design fields.
Seasonal and Part-Time Side Hustles
College students can look into seasonal or part-time jobs to make extra money. Jobs in retail, hospitality, or event staffing can give you more cash during busy times like holidays or summer. These jobs might have set hours, but they can still help pay for college.
Retail, Hospitality, and Event Staffing Opportunities
Retail jobs, like being a sales associate or cashier, are good for making extra cash, especially in the holiday season. Ziprecruiter says Instacart shoppers earn about $15.25 an hour, and Peapod shoppers make around $16. Hospitality jobs, like serving or bartending, can pay well in summer when more people are on vacation. Food delivery drivers usually make $16.8 to $30.6 an hour, not counting gas. Working at events, as a server, bartender, or coordinator, is another good choice. It’s great for big events or festivals that happen at certain times of the year.
- Retail jobs (e.g., sales associates, cashiers) – Average hourly rate: $15.25 – $16
- Hospitality jobs (e.g., serving, bartending) – Average hourly rate: $16.8 – $30.6
- Event staffing (e.g., servers, bartenders, event coordinators)
“Seasonal and part-time jobs can be a great way for college students to earn extra money without sacrificing their academic commitments. These roles offer flexible schedules and the opportunity to work during peak demand periods when students are more available.”
Balancing Side Hustles with College Life
Managing a side hustle and college studies needs good time management and prioritizing. It’s key to keep up your academic success. Use time management strategies like a structured schedule, setting limits, and prioritizing academic commitments. This way, you can enjoy your side hustles without hurting your studies or personal life.
Time Management Strategies
Here are some tips to manage a side hustle in college:
- Make a weekly schedule with time for classes, studying, and your side hustle.
- Set limits on your side hustle time to keep it from taking over your school work.
- Use tools like the Pomodoro method to stay focused and avoid distractions.
- Don’t forget to rest and take care of yourself to keep a good balance.
Prioritizing Academic Success
Side hustles are great for making money and gaining experience, but your studies should come first. Keep your academic performance in check by managing your course load, keeping a good GPA, and balancing extracurricular activities. Think about how your side hustle might affect your studies and adjust as needed to stay focused on your education.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Manage Course Load | Plan your courses so you have enough time for studying and your side hustle. |
| Maintain GPA | Focus on doing well academically to show you’re serious about your education. |
| Balance Extracurriculars | Think about the time needed for extracurriculars to make sure they don’t get in the way of your side hustle and school work. |
“The key to balancing a side hustle and college life is to treat your academic work as the priority and your side hustle as a complementary activity, not the other way around.”
Building a Side Hustle Portfolio
College students start side hustles for extra cash and to build a portfolio of entrepreneurial experience. This portfolio shows their growth, achievements, and skills. It makes their resume stronger and proves they can handle many tasks.
This portfolio is key when looking for internships, jobs, or more entrepreneurial projects after graduation. It makes students stand out by showing their entrepreneurial experience, resume building, and career development skills.
To make a great side hustle portfolio, students should:
- Keep detailed records of their side hustle’s success, like revenue and customer satisfaction.
- Point out the skills and knowledge gained, like digital marketing or financial planning.
- Include any awards or recognition from their side hustle, like being a top freelancer or launching a successful product.
- Make a portfolio that looks good and professional, either online or in a binder, for employers or investors.
With their side hustle portfolio, college students show off their entrepreneurial experience, resume building, and career development skills. This prepares them for success in their future.
“Building a side hustle portfolio is a game-changer for college students. It showcases their entrepreneurial spirit and valuable skills that employers are seeking.”
Legal and Tax Considerations for Side Hustles
College students looking into side hustles need to think about the legal and tax sides. They might need to register their business and get permits. They also need to know their tax duties and how their side income could affect their financial aid or college benefits.
Reporting income to the IRS is a key legal step for side hustles. The IRS requires people to report income from side jobs. But, those under 65 with low incomes might not have to report their side job income for taxes.
Side hustlers must watch out for self-employment taxes, which can be about 15.3% of their earnings. They also need to make quarterly tax payments. Not paying taxes on time can lead to penalties and interest from the IRS.
| Tax Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Self-Employment Taxes | Approximately 15.3% of side hustle income |
| Quarterly Tax Payments | Due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 |
| Penalties for Non-Payment | Taxes owed plus interest and a potential monthly penalty of 0.5% |
| Deductions and Itemization | Eligible for deductions on ordinary and necessary business expenses |
College students with side hustles should get help from a tax expert. Understanding the legal and tax sides of their work helps them build a strong side hustle. It also helps them avoid problems.
Knowing the legal and tax rules for side hustles helps college students manage their ventures well. They can keep up with their school and personal life too.
Finding the Right Side Hustle for You
Exploring side hustles as a college student can be exciting and rewarding. It’s key to think about what you like, what you’re good at, and what people might want. This way, you’ll find a side hustle that’s both fun and sustainable.
Recent surveys show that 87% of college students take on side hustles to make extra money. They usually spend 8-12 hours a week on these jobs. Also, 45% of students find side hustles online using apps and platforms.
Most students prefer active side hustles like moving or gardening, making up 55% of choices. On the other hand, passive income options like renting out items make up 21% of the options. Lastly, 33% of students go for online side hustles, like blogging or freelance writing.
To pick the right side hustle, think about your goals, time, and what you have. Do you want something long-term or short-term? Does it need to be done from home or does it require traveling? Look at your skills, interests, and what people might want to find a good match for you.
Finding the right side hustle means balancing school and work. With the right side hustle, you’ll make more money and gain skills that help your future career.
| Side Hustle Type | Percentage of College Students |
|---|---|
| Active Side Hustles (e.g., moving, gardening) | 55% |
| Passive Income Side Hustles (e.g., renting out bikes/cars) | 21% |
| Online Side Hustles (e.g., blogging, freelance writing) | 33% |
| Creative Side Hustles (e.g., selling merchandise, photography) | 12% |
“The side hustle with the highest reported earnings for college students is offering driving services through platforms like Airtasker, Lyft, or Uber, with an average weekly income of $200-300.”
Conclusion
Side hustles offer college students a chance to earn extra money, learn new skills, and get experience in business. They help students keep their focus on studies too. By picking side hustles that fit their interests and schedules, students can make the most of these extra earnings without falling behind in school.
Side hustles can be a rewarding part of college life. They prepare students for their future careers and businesses. Students can try out different side hustles like freelance writing, content creation, online tutoring, or delivery services. This lets them follow their passions, improve their resumes, and earn more money.
Students can manage their side hustles and keep up with school by planning well and staying committed. As college costs go up and students need more personalized help, side hustles become even more important. They help students deal with money issues, learn business skills, and get ready for the future.