As a college student, you face the challenge of balancing school work with making extra cash. It’s tough to keep up financially while studying. But, there are many side hustles that can help. They offer both money and skills that are useful later on.
Side hustles are a great way to earn money while still having time for school. They come in many forms, from online jobs to on-campus gigs. Let’s dive into the world of side hustles and see how they can help you.
Key Takeaways
- Discover a wide range of side hustles that can fit seamlessly into a college student’s schedule
- Learn about flexible service jobs, online opportunities, campus-based gigs, and entrepreneurial ventures
- Uncover the financial benefits and skill-building potential of side hustles for college students
- Explore resources and tips to help you successfully balance side hustles with your academic commitments
- Gain insights into the top side hustle choices among college students and the average earnings for each
Introduction to Side Hustles for College Students
College life comes with financial challenges, like tuition and daily costs. Many students seek side hustles to make extra money without affecting their studies. These jobs can help financially and add skills to your resume for the future. Picking college side hustles that match your interests makes the experience rewarding and useful.
Recent data shows 60% of college students struggle with money due to college costs. 76% of college students believe a side job helps reduce student loan debt. Popular side hustles for college students include driving, handiwork, cleaning, babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, and house sitting.
Online side hustles for college students include writing blogs, freelance writing, video blogging, testing websites, and selling old items. Career-focused side hustles like tutoring, freelancing, data entry, virtual assisting, and online customer service can also help build your resume.
Side hustles might affect your financial aid, as your income can change how aid is calculated. It’s wise to talk to a financial aid advisor before starting a side job.
“Over a fifth of students, as per a recent Student Beans survey, indicated they already engage in side hustles.”
Side hustles for college students offer many ways to earn extra cash, gain experience, or build your professional portfolio. By choosing and managing your side hustles wisely, you can enjoy the benefits of side hustles for college students while keeping up with school and work.
Flexible Service Jobs as Side Hustles
As a college student, finding a side hustle that fits your schedule is key. Luckily, there are many service jobs that offer good pay and flexibility. Let’s look at some top choices:
Babysitting or Nannying
Babysitting or nannying can be a great way to make money, with pay between $15 to $25 an hour. These jobs let you work around your classes. You get a steady income while keeping up with school.
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
If you adore animals, consider dog walking and pet sitting. You can earn $15 to $20 per session. It’s a fun way to make extra cash and spend time with pets.
Rideshare Driving
Driving for Uber or Lyft is another flexible option for students. You can choose when you work and make $15 to $25 an hour. It’s a good way to boost your income.
These jobs are ideal for college students. They let you make money while keeping a good balance in your life. By using your time wisely, you can succeed with these side hustles in college.
Online Opportunities for Side Hustles
The internet has made it easy for college students to find online side hustles. You can try freelance writing and editing, social media management, or graphic design. These jobs pay well and let you work from anywhere.
Freelance Writing and Editing
Writers can make good money with freelance writing and editing. They can earn $50 to $200 per article. This depends on the client, the topic, and their skills.
Social Media Management
Students who know a lot about social media can make money with a side hustle. They can earn $15 to $50 per hour. This is by helping businesses and influencers grow online.
Graphic Design and Web Development
If you like making things look good, graphic design and web development could be for you. You can make $25 to $50 per hour or $500 to $1,000 per project. These are great ways to earn more.
“The internet has opened up a world of flexible online side hustles for college students, allowing them to earn extra income while fitting work around their busy schedules.”
Campus-Based Side Hustles
College campuses are full of chances for students to make extra cash with side hustles. You can find work in tutoring, note-taking, being a resident advisor, or leading campus tours. These jobs are flexible and can be rewarding for students.
Tutoring and Note-Taking
Tutoring is a top choice for college students. If you’re good at a subject or explaining tough ideas, you can make $15 to $30 an hour tutoring others. Note-taking is also a great option. Professors often pay students to take detailed notes for their classes.
Resident Advisor Roles
Being a resident advisor is a great side hustle. You help and support students in your dorm while getting perks like cheaper housing. It’s a way to save money and learn leadership and people skills.
Campus Tour Guide and Library Assistant
Working as a campus tour guide is another good choice. You lead tours and can earn $10 to $15 an hour, plus tips. Library assistants also make $10 to $15 an hour. They help with putting books away, answering questions, and other tasks.
“Campus-based side hustles are a great way for college students to earn extra money while gaining valuable experience and skills.”
Entrepreneurial Side Hustles
College students looking to make more money can try entrepreneurial side hustles. These include selling products online and offering local services. They help students learn about business and make extra cash.
Selling Products Online
Platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace let students sell products online. Jack Rains, a student at Columbia Business School, built a blog with tens of thousands of readers. He makes $1,400 per ad and could earn $5,600 a month. Eduardo Morales got 100,000 followers on Instagram in less than two years. He makes $3,500 a month from selling enamel pins.
Offering Services Locally
Students can also offer services in their local areas. Flipping furniture, detailing cars, or cleaning houses can be profitable. Dill Toma started with $15 thumbnails and now gets over $250 per design. Matt Brighton made over $10,000 designing thumbnails on Fiverr.
| Entrepreneurial Side Hustle | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|
| Selling Products Online (e.g., Blogs, Pins, Thumbnails) | $1,400 per ad, $3,500 per month, $10,000+ per contract |
| Offering Local Services (e.g., Furniture Flipping, Car Detailing, House Cleaning) | $50-100 per service, $15-25 per hour |
These side hustles let college students use their creativity and skills. They can earn extra money to help with school and life.
best side hustles for college students
College students face the challenge of balancing school and making money. The article has shown the best side hustles for college. These include flexible jobs, online work, jobs on campus, and starting your own business. Each option offers different levels of flexibility, skills needed, and how much you can earn. This lets students pick what works best for them.
Online surveys and research studies are popular among college students. Platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, Freecash, and Survey Junkie offer easy tasks for extra cash.
If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking through Rover and Wag! can be rewarding. Delivery jobs with Instacart, Shipt, UberEats, and DoorDash also let you earn money while moving around.
For those who want to start their own business, selling products online is a good choice. Use platforms like Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Worthy, and Poshmark. Blogging and vlogging can also be profitable through ads and sponsored content.
Good writers can try freelance writing and editing on Fiverr and Upwork. If you’re good at teaching, tutoring and note-taking can earn you $50 or more an hour.
There are many best side hustles for college students. They can help students earn extra money, gain experience, and develop skills for the future.
| Side Hustle | Percentage of College Students | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | 25% | $20 – $50 |
| Graphic Design | 15% | $25 – $75 |
| Tutoring | 10% | $50 – $100 |
| Delivery Driver | 30% | $12 – $20 |
| Pet Sitting/Dog Walking | 20% | $15 – $30 |
| Online Surveys | 15% | $5 – $20 per survey |
| Crafting/Selling Handmade Goods | 10% | Varies |
| Photography | 5% | $50 – $150 per session |
| Blogging | 8% | Varies |
Time Management Tips for Side Hustles
Managing a side hustle and college studies needs careful planning to avoid impacting your academic success. Match your side hustle with your schedule, set clear work, study, and personal time boundaries. Choose side hustles that fit your career interests to make the most of your entrepreneurial efforts.
Research shows that 72% of college students have a side hustle, thanks to the gig economy and the need for experience. But, 86% of college students feel stressed from balancing school and side hustles, and 53% feel burnout. To help, 64% of college students say planning and time management are key strategies.
Using digital calendars is a smart move, with 78% of college students scheduling with them. This helps you set aside time for your side hustle, studies, and self-care. Remember, 91% of college students believe self-care is crucial for a balanced life, so make time for relaxation and exercise too.
With these time management tips, you can fully benefit from your side hustle without hurting your grades. Stay focused, set clear boundaries, and adjust your plan as needed. With the right balance, your side hustle can be a big plus in your college life.
| Side Hustle | Typical Earnings |
|---|---|
| Delivery Driving | $20.33 per hour |
| Dog Walking | $17 per hour |
| Babysitting | $24 per hour for one child, $26 for two |
| House Sitting | Up to $150 per night |
| Tutoring | $22 per hour on average |
| Proofreading | Up to $4,000 per month or more |
| Research Assistant | $20.50 per hour on average |
Skill Development and Experience Gained
College side hustles offer more than just extra cash. They give students valuable skills and real-world experience for later. Freelance writing, social media management, and tutoring are great for learning important skills like communication, problem-solving, and managing time.
Freelance writing sharpens writing and research skills. Social media management boosts creativity and strategic thinking. It also helps connect with different people. Tutoring teaches patience, flexibility, and how to explain tough ideas simply.
- Develop communication skills through client interactions and project deliverables
- Enhance problem-solving abilities by navigating unexpected challenges in side hustle tasks
- Improve time management skills by juggling academic responsibilities and side hustle commitments
- Gain practical experience in fields like graphic design, web development, and entrepreneurship
- Build a professional portfolio of work samples to showcase to future employers
These skills gained from college side hustles and the experience from college side hustles make a student’s resume stand out. They prepare students for the job market. By taking on side hustles, students can grow personally and professionally, setting them up for success later.
“Engaging in side hustles during college not only supplements my income but also helps me develop essential skills that will be invaluable in my future career.” – Emily, college student
Seasonal and Outdoor Side Hustles
As the warmer months come, college students can find many seasonal and outdoor side hustles. These jobs offer flexible ways to make money and let you try new things. You can also learn new skills.
Lifeguarding and Outdoor Work
Lifeguarding at pools, beaches, or water parks is a great way to earn money, making $10 to $20 an hour. You can also try outdoor jobs like gardening or farm work. These jobs pay about the same as lifeguarding.
Bicycle Repair and Farm Work
If you’re good with bikes, fixing them can be a profitable side job, paying $15 to $30 an hour. Farm work, like planting or taking care of animals, is another good option. It’s rewarding and can make you some money.
These seasonal side hustles for college and outdoor side hustles for college are perfect for students. They offer flexible hours and a chance to work outside. This makes them very appealing.
“These seasonal gigs allow me to stay active, explore my interests, and earn some extra cash during the summer months. It’s a win-win all around!”
Resources to Find Side Hustles
College students looking to make extra money and gain work experience have many resources at their disposal. There are online platforms and campus-based opportunities for them to find side jobs that fit their schedules. These jobs can be flexible and rewarding.
Online freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Rover are popular for college students. They connect freelancers with clients, offering jobs in writing, design, pet care, and more. In 2022, 59% of Generation Z had a side job, earning an average of $9,537 a year.
Students can also look for side hustles on campus. Talking to professors, advisors, and classmates can lead to jobs like tutoring, note-taking, or campus tours. With more jobs going remote, students can find part-time work that fits their schedule.
| Side Hustle | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Content Writer | $37/hour |
| SAT/ACT Tutor | $22/hour |
| Brand Ambassador/Social Media Manager | $19/hour |
| Virtual Assistant | $34/hour |
| Graphic Designer | $32/hour |
| Food Delivery | $19/hour |
By using these resources for college side hustles, students can earn more, gain experience, and make their college experience richer.
“Exploring side hustles has been a game-changer for my college experience. It’s allowed me to earn extra money, build my skills, and explore different career paths – all while balancing my studies.”
– Jane Doe, College Junior
Financial Benefits of Side Hustles
College students are now turning to side hustles to make extra cash and gain financial freedom. 53% of Gen Z individuals, including students, have a side job. This shows how important it is for young people to have extra money.
52% of Gen Z feel they don’t earn enough to live the life they want. Nearly two in five Gen Zers say they don’t have enough money for their financial goals. Side hustles offer a way to make more money. This can help pay for things like tuition, rent, food, and fun.
Side hustles can also reduce reliance on student loans. This means students might graduate with less debt. In some cases, a side hustle has made over $1 million in revenue for a student while they were still in college.
Side hustles also offer networking opportunities and practical business experience. Colleges often have career fairs and clubs that help students meet potential clients or partners. These skills are key for starting a business.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Supplemental Income | Side hustles can help cover essential expenses, reducing reliance on student loans and allowing students to graduate with less debt. |
| Networking Opportunities | Side hustles can provide access to valuable connections and resources through university programs and communities. |
| Practical Experience | Engaging in a side hustle can help college students develop essential business and entrepreneurial skills. |
By using the financial benefits of college side hustles and earning extra money in college, students can improve their financial security. They can reduce debt and gain valuable experience. All while they are still in school.
Balancing Side Hustles with Academics
College students face the challenge of balancing side hustles and coursework. With strategic planning and time management, students can [https://medium.com/@shane.oshea/15-best-side-hustles-for-college-students-a075e3a8e5d6]manage their workload and side hustles well.
Choosing side hustles that fit your schedule and academic needs is key. Freelancing lets you work around your class times and deadlines. This way, you can make extra money without hurting your studies. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer many chances for students to show off their skills.
It’s also important to set clear boundaries and focus on your studies. Side hustles can give you valuable experience and money, but your main goal should be your education. Make a realistic schedule, set aside time for schoolwork, and talk with your employers or clients to keep your side hustle from affecting your grades.
| Top Side Hustles for College Students | Potential Income |
|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $15 – $75 per hour |
| Tutoring | $20 – $50 per hour |
| Graphic Design | $20 – $100 per project |
| Social Media Management | $15 – $50 per hour |
| Delivery Driver or Courier | $10 – $20 per hour |
By taking a balanced approach, college students can [balancing side hustles and academics in college] and [managing college workload with side hustles]. They can gain valuable skills and make extra money to help pay for college.
“The key to success is to focus on goals, not obstacles.” – Zig Ziglar
Conclusion
Side hustles are a great way for college students to make extra money, get real-world experience, and learn important skills. Whether it’s writing articles, managing social media, or starting an online store, there are many options. These options let students follow their passions and make good money.
By managing their school work and side jobs well, students can reduce money worries and set themselves up for success after school. The skills and experience from side jobs can make their resumes stand out. This can lead to new career chances and give them an edge in the job market.
Trying out side hustles in college can really change a student’s life. It helps them take charge of their finances and find new chances for growth. As students face college challenges, using side hustles can be a key strategy for doing well overall.