14 Side Hustles For Busy University Students [$1-3k/month]

Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by John Cirelly

In today’s fast-paced world, juggling the demands of university life with the need for financial independence can be challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous side hustles for university students to earn extra income, gain valuable skills, and even explore their passions.

Best Side Hustles for University Students in 2024

Below are some of the best side hustles for university students based on flexibility, earnings, and fit for a university student lifestyle.

Freelance Writing

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Freelance writing offers flexibility, allowing students to work on assignments between classes and study sessions. It also hones valuable writing skills and can lead to a portfolio for future job opportunities.

How to Get Started: Create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, where you can find writing gigs. Build a portfolio by writing sample articles, and actively apply for jobs that match your interests and expertise. Soon, you’ll get published and start getting more opportunities. You can even use artificial intelligence to do the writing for you.

Earnings: Earnings can vary widely, but beginners might earn around $10 to $30 per hour, with potential to increase as you gain experience and positive reviews.

Tutoring

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Tutoring leverages your academic strengths and can be highly rewarding. It provides an opportunity to reinforce your knowledge while helping others succeed in their studies.

How to Get Started: Advertise your tutoring services on campus bulletin boards, social media, or platforms like Wyzant. You can also reach out to local schools and tutoring centers. Set your rates based on your expertise and the subject matter.

Earnings: Tutors often charge between $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the subject and level of expertise.

Graphic Design

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: A graphic design side hustle allows you to showcase your creativity and design skills. You can work on projects ranging from logo design to promotional materials.

How to Get Started: Create a portfolio showcasing your work and skills. Use freelance platforms like Fiverr or 99designs to find clients, or approach local businesses that may need design work.

Earnings: Graphic designers can earn anywhere from $15 to $50 or more per hour, depending on the complexity of the projects.

Social Media Management

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Students often have a strong grasp of social media trends. Managing social media accounts for businesses can be done remotely and offers valuable marketing experience.

How to Get Started: Build your own social media presence to demonstrate your expertise. Reach out to small businesses in your area and offer your services. You can also find freelance opportunities on platforms like Freelancer or Indeed.

Earnings: Social media managers can charge around $15 to $40 per hour, depending on the level of service and the size of the client’s business.

Web Development

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Web development skills are in high demand, and many businesses need websites. It’s a versatile skill that allows you to work remotely and take on projects that match your expertise.

How to Get Started: Create a portfolio showcasing your web development projects. Use platforms like Upwork or Freelancer to find clients, or offer your services to local businesses.

Earnings: Web developers can earn between $25 to $100 or more per hour, depending on their level of expertise and the complexity of the projects.

Photography

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: If you have photography skills and equipment, you can earn money by photographing events, portraits, or even selling stock photos online.

How to Get Started: Build a portfolio showcasing your best work. Offer your services for events or portraits to friends and family, and create profiles on stock photography websites to sell your photos.

Earnings: Photographers often charge between $50 to $150 per hour for event photography, while stock photography can earn you royalties each time your photos are downloaded.

Content Creation

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: If you enjoy creating videos or podcasts, content creation can be monetized through ads, sponsorships, or fan support on platforms like YouTube or Patreon. I personally think it’s one of the best side hustles in terms of flexibility and earning potential.

How to Get Started: Choose a niche that you’re passionate about and create high-quality content. Build an audience on platforms like YouTube or social media, and monetize through ads and sponsorships.

Earnings: Earnings from content creation can vary widely, but successful creators can earn thousands of dollars per month or more once they have a substantial following.

Delivery Driver

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Delivery driving for services like UberEats or DoorDash offers flexible hours that can fit around your class schedule.

How to Get Started: Sign up as a driver on the respective platform, meet the vehicle and age requirements, and start accepting delivery requests.

Earnings: Earnings depend on factors like location, tips, and the number of deliveries completed. On average, drivers can earn $10 to $20 per hour, not including tips.

Online Surveys and Market Research

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Participating in online surveys and market research studies can be done from anywhere and at any time, making it a flexible option for students. It requires minimal time commitment and no specific skills.

How to Get Started: Sign up for reputable survey websites and market research panels such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Pinecone Research. Complete surveys and provide your opinions to earn rewards or cash.

Earnings: Earnings vary depending on the length and complexity of surveys, but you can expect to earn $5 to $50 or more per month in your spare time.

Content Writing

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Similar to freelance writing, content writing allows you to leverage your writing skills. It’s especially suitable for students who can produce blog posts, product descriptions, or website content.

How to Get Started: Create a portfolio of writing samples and apply for content writing gigs on platforms like ContentWriters or Textbroker. You can also start your blog to start earning a side income.

Earnings: Content writers typically earn around $10 to $30 per hour, or between $0.04-$0.12 per word, with the potential to increase their rates as they gain experience and expertise.

Virtual Assistant

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Virtual assistant work involves tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data entry, making it suitable for students with strong organizational skills.

How to Get Started: Create a profile on freelance platforms like Upwork or Freelancer and highlight your organizational skills and ability to handle administrative tasks. Bid on relevant jobs and build your virtual assistant career.

Earnings: Virtual assistants can earn approximately $10 to $30 per hour, with potential for higher rates as they gain more clients and experience.

Affiliate Marketing

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: Affiliate marketing doesn’t require you to create products or services. Instead, you earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services through your website, blog, or social media.

How to Get Started: Sign up for affiliate programs of companies or products you believe in. Create content that includes affiliate links and drive traffic to your website or blog to earn commissions.

Earnings: Earnings in affiliate marketing can vary widely. Some affiliates earn a few dollars per month, while others generate significant income, especially if they have a substantial online audience.

E-books and Courses

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: If you have expertise in a particular subject, creating and selling e-books or online courses can be a passive income stream. It allows you to share your knowledge and earn money over time.

How to Get Started: Write an e-book or create an online course on a topic you are knowledgeable about. Publish it on platforms like Amazon Kindle or Udemy, and market it to your target audience.

Earnings: Earnings depend on factors like the quality of your content, marketing efforts, and demand for your topic. Successful e-book authors and course creators can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars per month.

Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

Why It’s a Good Side Hustle: If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking allows you to earn money while spending time with furry friends. It’s a flexible and enjoyable side hustle. If you spend some time learning, you can earn even more, by offering grooming services.

How to Get Started: Create flyers or advertise your services on pet-sitting websites like Rover or Care.com. Build a reputation by providing excellent care to clients’ pets.

Earnings: Earnings can vary depending on the services you offer, location, and the number of clients you have. Pet sitters and dog walkers typically charge per visit or per hour, earning around $10 to $20 per visit or walk.