Unlocking opportunities for cash-strapped students to ease the financial burden.
Do you need help funding your education and living expenses or a little extra money to spend?
Engaging in a side hustle is the answer. And there is a bonus! You will earn some cash plus learn valuable lessons and business skills as a budding entrepreneur.
You will learn:
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- Set clear goals: Define your priorities for each area – academics, side hustle, personal life – and set specific, achievable goals for each.
- Create a schedule: Use a planner, calendar app, or digital tool to create a weekly schedule that includes all your commitments, such as class times, study sessions, work hours for your side hustle, and personal time.
- Prioritise tasks: Identify the most critical tasks for each day or week and prioritise them accordingly. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first, especially those related to your academic responsibilities.
- Use spare time: Make the most of your spare time between classes or during breaks to review lecture notes, answer emails related to your side hustle, or complete minor tasks.
- Stay organised: Keep track of deadlines, assignments, and appointments using organisational tools like to-do lists, task managers, or project management apps.
The benefits
Extra income will help you cover your educational and living expenses, which will take the pressure off you and your parents.
The experience you gain adds to your skill set and makes you more competitive in the job market. Setting up your side hustle, the responsibility of keeping it running and solving problems will help you in all areas of life.
Some side hustles may have the potential to evolve into full-time businesses and give you a head-start after graduation.
10 side hustle ideas
Handmade crafts
If you have crafting skills, you can sew or knit, create, and sell your items through online platforms or local markets – for example: beadwork and jewellery, artworks, and stitched and knitted items.Babysitting
Are you good with kids? Working as a babysitter might be an excellent option. Childcare positions pay fairly well, especially if you have experience or credentials such as a First Aid certification.
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Virtual assistant work
If you are confident in your administration skills, you can remotely provide administrative support to busy businesspeople. -
Walking dogs
If you like dogs, you could be paid to take them for walks in your spare time. Offer to walk dogs in your neighbourhood.
Selling clothes, books, electronics and more
Earn extra cash by buying and selling items online through platforms like eBay or creating your online store on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Search local yard sales for cheap trinkets and resell them.Tutoring
If you get good grades and are a good student, offer to tutor fellow students. You can tutor in person or online.
Cleaning, lawnmowing, yard work and odd jobs
You can get paid for doing yard work, housekeeping, painting houses, mowing lawns, washing cars, and running errands. Advertise these and other services on Facebook community groups.
Waitering or shop assistant
Restaurants and retail shops offer roles such as cashiers, baristas, or servers. Food and retail work may offer shifts that will accommodate your student schedule.
Baking
If you have the talent and facilities to bake simple muffins, biscuits, etc., you can sell them to students, their families, and people in the neighbourhood. Take orders to ensure sales.
Freelance writing/graphic design skills
If you have a flair for writing, offer content creation services for blogs, websites, and small businesses. The same goes for graphic design skills.