Side hustles have become increasingly popular among students, offering a flexible and enjoyable way to earn money while pursuing your passions. According to the latest National Student Money Survey, 30% of students have their own side hustle or business. The beauty of side hustles lies in their flexibility, focus on your interests, and the value they add to your CV. Not only do they provide an opportunity to make money doing something you love, but they also offer valuable experience that can set you apart in future job interviews.
Before diving into a side hustle, it’s important to be realistic about the potential earnings. The amount you make will depend on various factors, such as the type of side hustle you choose and the time you can dedicate to it. In the early stages, it’s possible that you may not make any money for a while, so having a part-time job as a backup income source could be a wise decision.
There are numerous side hustle options to choose from, ranging from small projects that you can do in your spare time to ongoing businesses that require regular input. Let’s explore some popular side hustle ideas to help you find the one that suits you best.
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Review Products on YouTube: Starting a YouTube channel to review products can be a lucrative side hustle. By focusing on products you know and love, you can attract subscribers and potentially receive products to review. You can also earn money through affiliate marketing by sharing affiliate links in your videos.
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Start an E-Commerce Site: Launching an e-commerce store can be a profitable side hustle. Platforms like Shopify make it easy to set up an online store and sell products/services. Even a small-scale website can generate a good income with the right strategy.
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Become an Influencer: Social media influencing is a popular way to make money online. By building a strong online presence and engaging with your audience, you can earn money through affiliate marketing and brand deals. Influencing can also provide valuable skills for your future career.
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Work at Events: Working at festivals, concerts, and other events on a flexible basis can be a fun way to earn money and gain unique experiences. Websites like Flair offer event recruitment opportunities, and volunteering at festivals can also provide free event tickets.
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Do Freelance Gigs via Fiverr: Fiverr is a platform that offers a wide range of freelance opportunities. Whether you’re skilled in photography, proofreading, graphic design, or social media content, you can find gigs that match your interests and skills.
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Rent Out Your Clothes: If you have clothes in your wardrobe that you rarely wear, consider renting them out instead of selling them. Platforms like Swished allow you to rent out your clothes and earn money while keeping your wardrobe fresh.
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Become a Rider with Gopuff: Working as a delivery partner for food delivery companies like Gopuff can be a flexible and rewarding side hustle. You can earn a fee for each order and keep 100% of your tips while working around your schedule.
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Sell Handmade Products on Etsy: If you’re skilled in arts and crafts, selling handmade products on Etsy can be a great way to showcase your creativity and make money. Running an Etsy store can also enhance your CV with valuable skills in customer service and organization.
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Teach Your Hobbies as an Online Tutor: If you’re passionate about a hobby like music, art, or video games, consider teaching it as an online tutor. Platforms like Superprof connect tutors with students seeking to learn a wide range of topics.
- Create Pet Portraits While Pet-Sitting: Combining pet-sitting with pet portraiture can be a unique and rewarding side hustle if you have a talent for looking after animals and creating art. By offering pet portraiture services alongside pet-sitting, you can earn money while indulging in your creative passion.
In conclusion, side hustles offer a fantastic opportunity to make money doing what you love. Whether you’re reviewing products on YouTube, selling handmade products on Etsy, or working as an influencer on social media, there are endless possibilities to explore. By choosing a side hustle that aligns with your skills and interests, you can turn your passion into a profitable venture while gaining valuable experience for your future career.
