Being a college student can be tough, especially when it comes to money. But, there’s a way to get extra cash without affecting your studies. It’s called “side hustles” – jobs you can do on your own time.
We’re going to look at 18 top side hustles for college students. These include everything from flexible jobs to online work, gig jobs, and even starting your own business. If you want to make more money, save up, or just have some extra cash, these side hustles can help.
Key Takeaways
- Flexible side hustles can help college students earn extra money without compromising their academic commitments.
- A diverse range of opportunities exist, from service-based jobs to online ventures and on-demand gig work.
- Some side hustles allow for passive income, while others offer the potential for higher hourly earnings.
- Choosing a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and schedule can lead to a fulfilling and financially rewarding experience.
- Exploring multiple side hustles can help diversify your income streams and maximize your earning potential as a college student.
Flexible Service Opportunities
College students looking for side hustles should check out babysitting, nannying, dog walking, and food delivery. These jobs offer good pay and flexible hours, perfect for busy students.
Babysitting and Nannying
Babysitting and nannying are great for students who love working with kids. They’re flexible and can be done on your own time. Advertise on social media or local boards to find clients. You can earn $15-25 per hour.
Dog Walking
Dog walking is another flexible job for students who like being outdoors and with animals. Use social media or Rover to find clients. You’ll make $15-20 per walk.
Food Delivery Services
With a car, students can work as delivery drivers for GrubHub, UberEats, or DoorDash. This job lets you pick your hours. You’ll earn $15-25 per hour.
These side hustles let students make extra money while keeping a flexible schedule. Whether it’s babysitting, dog walking, or delivering food, there are many options for students.
Online Ventures
Today, college students have many chances to make extra money online. They can sell digital products, write freelance, or manage social media. These jobs let students use their skills to earn money and keep a flexible schedule.
Selling Digital Products
Students who know a lot about a topic can sell digital products like eBooks or courses. Musicians, photographers, and artists can sell their work online too. This way, they can make money from something they create once and sell many times.
Freelance Writing and Editing
Freelance writing and editing are great online jobs for students. They can show off their writing skills by making a portfolio. Then, they can find work on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. Freelancers can earn $50-200 per article or $20-75 per hour.
Social Media Management
Students who know how to manage social media can help local businesses or individuals. They can create content, talk to followers, and grow a brand’s online presence. This job pays $15-50 per hour and is a good chance for students in digital marketing.
“70% of college students work while in school, making flexible online side gigs an attractive option for balancing academics and finances.”
On-Demand Gig Economy
College students face high tuition and living costs. The on-demand gig economy offers a flexible way to earn more. Rideshare driving through Uber and Lyft is popular among students. It’s a job that fits easily into their busy lives.
Driving for these companies can earn you $15 to $25 an hour. It’s a great way to make extra money. The best part is, you can work as much or as little as you want.
Rideshare Driving
Rideshare driving lets you earn money on your own time. You can log in to the app during breaks, weekends, or evenings. This way, you can balance school with making money.
| Rideshare Company | Average Hourly Earnings |
|---|---|
| Uber | $18-$25 |
| Lyft | $16-$22 |
Rideshare driving fits easily into a student’s schedule. You can take advantage of busy times to earn more. This flexibility and the chance to earn more make it a great choice for students.
Campus-Based Hustles
College students can find many on-campus side hustles. These jobs offer valuable experience and extra cash. They include tutoring, being a resident assistant, or a tour guide. These jobs have flexible hours and help students give back to their community.
Tutoring Fellow Students
Students who do well in certain subjects can make money by tutoring others. They can work for online tutoring companies from anywhere, like their dorm. Tutoring pays $20-$40 an hour, which is a great way for students with strong grades to earn.
Resident Assistant Roles
Being an RA is a side job that gives students free or cheap housing. They lead and support in the dorms. RAs plan events and help students, which is great for those into leadership and living on campus.
Tour Guide Positions
Students can make money by showing around prospective students as tour guides. They earn $10-$15 an hour, plus tips. It’s a great way to improve speaking and presenting skills.
These side jobs let students earn more money and gain experience. They can tutor, be an RA, or lead tours. It’s a way to use their skills and interests to help with school.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits
For college students with artistic or creative talents, starting an Etsy store can be a great way to earn extra money. Etsy is a place where you can sell things you make, like jewelry, clothes, and unique items. If your store does well, you could make $10-$50 from each sale. This lets students turn their hobbies into money.
There are also other ways for students to make money through freelancing. Websites like Upwork or Fiverr let you show off your skills. You can work in areas like web design, writing, coding, marketing, and graphic design. Freelancers can earn $50-$200 for a project or $15-$50 an hour. This is a good way for students to make extra cash.
Starting an Etsy Store
- Leverage your artistic and creative talents
- Showcase unique, handmade products to a wider audience
- Potential to earn $10-$50 per product sale
Freelancing Platforms
- Showcase your skills and build a portfolio on sites like Upwork or Fiverr
- Find gig work opportunities in areas such as web design, writing, coding, marketing, and graphic design
- Earn $50-$200 per project or $15-$50 per hour
By starting Etsy stores and freelancing, college students can make money and gain experience. These online jobs are part of the growing gig economy. They help students earn more and learn about the real world.
good side hustles for college students
Being a college student means juggling school and money. Luckily, there are many good side hustles that can help. These jobs offer extra cash without taking away from your studies. You can use your skills, start your own business, or find jobs on campus.
Online tutoring is a top choice for students. You can make $20 to $40 an hour by helping others in subjects you know well. Selling digital products like e-books or courses is another way to make money without much effort.
If you like working with animals, consider dog walking or babysitting. These jobs are flexible and pay between $15 to $25 an hour. They’re perfect for students who want to earn extra money.
The gig economy is another option. Driving for Uber or Lyft can earn you $15 to $25 an hour. Freelance writing and social media management are also great choices. They let you use your skills and get paid well.
The best side hustles match your interests, skills, and school life. By trying different options, you can make more money and learn new things.
“The key to a successful side hustle is finding something you’re passionate about that also fits your lifestyle and schedule.”
Photography and Videography
College students who love photography and videography can make money on the side. They can take photos at events or edit videos for clients. These jobs are flexible and can be very rewarding.
Event Photography: Immortalizing Memorable Moments
Students who are great at capturing special moments can become event photographers. They can make $100-$200 per event, like weddings or parties. By showing off their work and networking, they can become the top choice for events in their area.
Video Editing Services: Bringing Visual Stories to Life
Students who know their way around video editing software can offer their skills to others. They can make videos for companies or help students with their projects. This freelance videography work pays $20-$75 an hour. By sharing their work online and building a good reputation, they can find lots of clients.
These creative side hustles in photography and videography let students earn more money and improve their skills. With talent, marketing, and hard work, these jobs can turn into steady income for ambitious students.
Skilled Trade Services
College students with practical skills can make extra money through various skilled trade services. They can offer house cleaning, yard work, bicycle repair, and maintenance. These side hustles can give students a steady income.
House and Yard Work
Many college students know how to clean houses, work in yards, and do handyman tasks. They can offer these services to people in their area. These jobs usually pay $15 to $25 an hour. This can be a great way for students to make money.
Bicycle Repair and Maintenance
Students with mechanical skills can make good money fixing and maintaining bicycles. This is great on college campuses where biking is common. They can earn $15 to $30 an hour. It’s a good choice for students looking for extra cash.
By using their skills, college students can succeed in many trade services. They can earn extra money to help with school and personal costs.
Creativity and Talent
College students with a creative flair or musical talents can find side hustles that let them show off their skills. These can include selling handmade crafts on Etsy or giving music lessons. These artistic activities can be a great way to make extra money while you study.
Selling Handmade Crafts
Students who love making things can sell their crafts on Etsy. This can be jewelry, clothes, or decorations for the home. Selling these items can bring in $10 to $50 each, making it a good way to earn from your hobby.
There’s a big demand for unique, artisan products. This makes selling crafts on Etsy a rewarding side job. It lets you share your creativity and make money at the same time.
Providing Music Lessons
If you play a musical instrument, you can teach others. You can give music lessons to students or people in your area. This can pay $20 to $40 an hour. It’s a great way to share your love for music and make some extra cash.
Teaching music can be a rewarding side job. It combines your passion for music with artistic side hustles. Plus, it can help increase your income.
“As a college student, I’ve been able to earn extra money by selling my handmade jewelry on Etsy. It’s been a great way to showcase my creativity and earn some additional income on the side.” – Emma, 21
Seasonal Opportunities
When summer comes, college students can find many jobs to make extra money. Farm work, like picking fruits or taking care of crops, is a great choice. These jobs pay $12-15 an hour and let you enjoy the outdoors.
There are also seasonal side hustles for the holidays. You can offer gift-wrapping services, holiday decor installation, or catering support. These jobs pay $10-20 an hour and are flexible, perfect for students wanting to earn more.
Summer Farm Work
Summer is a great time for farm work. You can pick fruits or take care of crops. These jobs pay $12-15 an hour and let you stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
Holiday-Themed Services
For holiday-themed side hustles, college students can offer gift-wrapping services, holiday decor installation, or catering support. These seasonal gigs pay $10-20 an hour and are flexible, making them a great choice for extra income.
| Seasonal Opportunity | Potential Earnings (Per hour) | Time Investment (Per week) |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $15 to $45 | 10-20 hours |
| Social Media Management | $14 to $35 | 5-10 hours |
| Graphic Designing | $15 to $35 | 10 hours |
| Babysitting or Nannying | $22.68 | 14 hours |
| Dog Walking | $14 to $19 | 7 hours |
| Pet Housing or Housesitting | $16 | 6-14 hours |
| Driving for Lyft or Uber | $15 to $25 | 10-20 hours |
| Selling Stock Photos | $20 | 5-6 hours |
| Part-time Photography | $25 to $45 | 10-12 hours |
| Tour Guiding | $8 to $15 | 10-15 hours |
“Seasonal job opportunities can be an excellent way for college students to earn extra income. Flexible hours are often available for seasonal work.”
Maximizing Your Assets
As a college student, you’re likely looking for ways to make extra money and get financially stable. There are many creative ways to do this, and one great option is to use what you already own – your car.
Renting Out Your Car
If you have a car, you can make money by renting it out. Use services like Turo or Getaround when it’s not in use. This turns your car into a car rental chance, giving you passive income and helping you use your assets better.
Advertising on Your Vehicle
You can also make money by advertising on your car. Companies pay students to show their ads and vehicle wraps on your car. This car advertising is a simple way to earn passive income for smart students.
By using these creative ways to use your car, you can find new ways to make passive income. You can turn your vehicle into a tool that makes money. With a bit of creativity and smart thinking, you can make the most out of what you already own.
Research and Focus Groups
As a college student, you can earn extra cash by joining research studies and focus groups. These jobs let you share your thoughts on different products and services. You can make $10 to $150 per study.
Many companies help connect you with focus group jobs. For example, UserInterviews.com pays up to $150 an hour. Respondent offers $75 per project and lets you know about studies you might fit into, paying up to $750 an hour.
Other sites like Rare Patient Voice, Survey Junkie, and Product Report Card let students earn money through focus groups and testing. You can make $75 to $150 an hour.
- Rare Patient Voice pays patients and caregivers $120 an hour for medical research studies.
- Survey Junkie sometimes offers focus groups and product testing for up to $75.
- Product Report Card pays up to $150 an hour for testing products at home and online interviews.
In-person focus groups can pay $125 or more for two hours. Online focus groups pay between $150 and $200 per session.
“I earned $150 for participating in a paid focus group in San Francisco, talking about my travel habits for an hour and a half. It was a great way to make some extra money and share my opinions.”
Focus groups and paid studies are great for college students. They offer a flexible way to make extra money. By joining these, you can use your opinions to earn cash.
Odd Jobs and Gigs
As a college student, finding flexible and lucrative side hustles can change the game. Moving services and handyman work are great options. They use your physical and skilled labor in the gig economy.
Moving and Hauling Services
College students can make extra cash by offering moving and junk hauling services. You can work for companies like College Hunks Hauling Junk or go independent with junk removal services. These physical side hustles pay $15 to $25 per hour, perfect for busy students.
Handyman Services
If you’re handy, handyman services can be a great side hustle. You can do minor home repairs, assemble furniture, or handle basic household maintenance. Handyman work pays $15 to $30 per hour, based on the job’s complexity and your skills.
By exploring these skilled side hustles, college students can make extra money and gain valuable skills. Whether it’s moving furniture, hauling junk, or doing handyman work, these gigs are flexible and can help students earn more.
Conclusion
This article shows many side hustles for college students to make extra money. They can pick from flexible, campus-based, or online jobs that fit their skills and interests. This way, students can earn more and get real-world experience.
Side hustles like freelancing, offering services, or starting their own businesses can help. They fill the gap between financial aid and college costs.
Side hustles are getting more popular among college students, especially in digital marketing and the gig economy. The article talks about the importance of managing time well, setting realistic goals, and being clear with others. This balance helps students grow personally and professionally.
In short, there are many side hustles for college students to choose from. They can work online, offer services, or start their own businesses. These options let students earn more and learn important skills during college.