- Rachel Bistricer
- Mar 27
- 28 min read
Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher →
Making money as a student is not just about covering daily expenses, it's also an opportunity to learn the value of money, gain financial independence and develop a work ethic that will be beneficial throughout life.
Whether you're looking to save for the future, reduce your student loans or to simply afford the occasional night out, this guide will provide actionable tips to make money as a student while also potentially starting a business too.
Make sure your business idea is as strong as the name you choose. Use the Wix Business Launcher to explore various opportunities based on your skills and experience. Simply chat with AI to receive personalized business ideas. Then, get set up with a full market analysis, earning strategies and launch kit for each idea, so you can get started with confidence.
41 ways to make money as a student
Ways to earn money online as a student
Making money online as a college student or in high school is all about being resourceful and creative. If you're looking for quick cash or a steady income stream, there are plenty of ways to earn using just your laptop or phone. Here are some of the best money-making ideas with practical ways to get started:
Online freelancing & services
Got a skill like writing, graphic design, social media management, video editing or organizing? As a college student, you can turn it into a freelancing gig and get paid while building your resume.
Writers can offer blog posts, copywriting or resume services. Designers can create logos, marketing materials or full websites. Love organizing? Consider virtual assistant roles, project management or data entry. Fast typing? Offer transcription or captioning for videos and podcasts. With remote work on the rise, freelancing lets you work on your terms, earn extra cash and gain real-world experience.
01. Online tutoring
For many students online tutoring is a great way to make money, as it allows you to apply your expertise and learning to a way to make money that can be done easily from home or online. It takes minimal resources to set it up and if you’re teaching something you love, it can also be rewarding too.
You may be able to naturally find students to tutor from your classes, faculty or college. Or your school may already have a platform set up in order to connect students offering tutoring services with those who need help. Whether you’re studying IT, a language, literature or art and design, there are ample opportunities to use those skills and knowledge to tutor others.
Pros: High demand, good pay and you reinforce your own knowledge at the same time as making money. It's also a great idea for students studying to be teachers, to gain practical teaching experience.
Cons: Can require certification or proof of proficiency. You’ll also often need to navigate parental demands and communication as well.
02. Freelance writing
If you have a way with words, freelance writing can be a lucrative way to make money as a student. This can include writing for online publications, blogs, businesses or agencies looking for writers for web content. Consider creating a portfolio website in order to showcase and market your writing skills and experience.
Be inspired by these creatives using online portfolios (made on Wix) to showcase their work:
Pros: You can work from anywhere and choose topics you're passionate about. Many freelance writers write in or on a niche that interests them. From creative writing, to writing for tech businesses to freelancing for lifestyle magazines or similar, there’s no limit to the writing opportunities available to students looking to make money online.
Cons: It can be difficult and competitive to find writing opportunities and to keep them. You’ll need to create high-quality work to stand out.
To learn more:
03. Graphic design
If you’re studying graphic design or have some design skills you can make money creating logos, marketing materials or website graphics for clients. Many businesses look for third parties or freelancers to help them design their websites and other online materials.
Pros: This can be a creative way to make money as a student with the potential for high pay.
Cons: You’ll need great design skills, in order to stand out and potentially advanced software knowledge depending on what design tools your client has access to. Plus consider learning how to make a website to showcase your own graphic design skills and win clients.
04. Virtual assistant
Businesses and influencers often need help with email management, scheduling appointments, research, social media tasks, and customer service. These daily responsibilities can eat up a lot of time, which is why virtual assistants (VAs) are so valuable for keeping workflows smooth and focusing on bigger priorities.
If you’re organized, tech-savvy and a great communicator, becoming a VA might be the ideal remote job for you. VAs regularly use tools like Google Workspace, Trello, Asana and Hootsuite to manage tasks, so knowing these platforms is a big plus. You can focus on areas like social media management, content creation, admin support, podcast editing or bookkeeping, offering services that match your skills.
To get started, platforms like Belay, Fancy Hands, Upwork and Fiverr are great for connecting with clients. Just set up a profile, highlight your skills, set your rates and start applying for jobs. As you gain experience and build a strong reputation, you’ll attract higher-paying clients and grow your business over time.
Pros: Generally the work can be varied and involve learning new skills, whether crucial life ones like time management or specific business skills like accounting or bookkeeping.
Cons: Making money as a virtual assistant may require considerable multitasking and organizational skills. You’ll have to work to deadlines and other clear goals so it’s important to make sure working as a virtual assistant can be managed along with school commitments.
05. Transcription & captioning
If you're fast at typing and pay close attention to detail, transcription work can be a great way to make money from home. By converting audio or video into text, you can help YouTube creators, podcast hosts and businesses make their content more accessible. This could involve creating subtitles, transcripts for accessibility or meeting notes.
Platforms like Rev, GoTranscript and Scribie offer transcription jobs where you're paid per minute of audio transcribed. The faster and more accurate you are, the more you can earn. Many of these sites provide tools like adjustable-speed audio players, timestamping and other features to make the process easier.
To get started, all you need is a reliable computer, stable internet and good-quality headphones to hear the audio clearly. Improving your typing speed and learning transcription shortcuts will help you work faster and earn more. Some platforms even offer beginner-friendly tasks to help you build experience.
06. Translation services
If you’re fluent in another language, offering translation services for documents, websites or other content is a great way to earn money as a student. Businesses, authors and organizations need accurate translations to reach global audiences, and your skills can help make that happen. You could translate academic papers, marketing materials, video subtitles or even legal documents, depending on your expertise.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr or ProZ.com can help you connect with clients looking for translators. You can also find opportunities by networking in your academic or local community. It’s a flexible way to make money and sharpen your language skills while gaining valuable professional experience.
Pros: Due to the high demand for certain languages, translation can often mean good pay for consistent work.
Cons: You’ll need fluency in a language and sometimes certification to prove it.
07. Digital decluttering services
Many professionals struggle with cluttered inboxes, messy digital files and slow computers that kill productivity. This wastes time and adds unnecessary stress. Offering a digital decluttering service can help them get organized and back on track.
Start by tackling their emails—set up filters, unsubscribe from spam and sort important messages into easy-to-access folders. Next, organize their digital files with a clear folder structure, rename documents for better organization and delete duplicates. For slow computers, run a full system cleanup by clearing cache, removing unused programs, updating software and optimizing settings to boost performance.
You can also provide personalized tips and tutorials to help clients maintain their digital space long-term. List your service on platforms like Fiverr or TaskRabbit and highlight your ability to turn chaos into an efficient, easy-to-manage system. Offer different package options like one-time deep cleans or ongoing maintenance to match different budgets and needs.
08. College social influencer
Consider making money as a student by working with brands to promote their products on campus or online to a target student audience. This might include everyday items, like toiletries or clothes. You’ll probably need to show that you have a strong social media presence and following.
To do this you’ll first need to start a social media account and build it up with content and followers. Potential ideas include an account sharing your college experiences, humorous content about what it means to be a student or quick tips for navigating life at college or university.
Pros: This can be a great way to gain marketing experience and understand how to work with large brands. It can also lead to a brand relationship that could last for years and be lucrative at the same time.
Cons: It can take a lot of time and work to build up a strong social media following and maintaining it can take as much effort as a full-time job.
09. Social media management
If you’re studying digital marketing and have social media experience you can make money as a student by helping businesses or influencers manage their social media presence. You can work across multiple social media platforms or choose one to specialize in, like Instagram for example. Perhaps start by volunteering to help manage your college social media or start one if they don’t have one.
For more inspiration:
Pros: There are many businesses looking for help building and managing their social media accounts. This is also a great way to make money, without needing to leave home as it can be done from anywhere, you just need a computer and an internet connection.
Cons: You’ll need social media experience and knowledge of social media trends and analytics in order to start a marketing business.
10. IT support or web development
If you’re studying tech at college, why not make money by providing tech support or building websites for individuals or small businesses with a website builder or fully coded.
An example of this is Potterton Creative which offers web and blog design services as well as ongoing website management. Or Keords which offers website creation and marketing services,
Pros: This way of making money as a student can help you develop your own IT and web design or development skills, all of which should help you build a successful career later on. It can be a great way to build a client base or network for future employment opportunities in the field.
Cons: You’ll need a certain amount of technical knowledge, networking skills and ability to run a business on top of your website creation and design expertise.
Online content creation & digital products
Looking to make money as a student? Consider creating videos, blogs or podcasts on topics you're passionate about and then monetize your content through ads or sponsorships.
Pros: Creating content means a great deal of creative freedom and if done consistently, passive income, which can help you make money as you study.
Cons: This can be a time-consuming way to make money, which might be tricky to organize when you’re a student with different competing commitments. It can also take time to build up a blog or podcast to the point where it can be monetized - you’ll need a consistent readership or audience of listeners to start and then you’ll need to keep creating content to maintain your followers.
11. Social media content creation
Love making videos? Turn your passion into a side hustle! Start a TikTok, YouTube or Instagram channel about something you enjoy—gaming, fashion, fitness or study tips. Start by finding your niche—what’s a topic you love and what value can you share with your audience? Once you’ve nailed that, focus on creating content consistently.
Experiment with tutorials, reviews, challenges or vlogs to see what resonates with viewers. Use trending hashtags, catchy captions and engaging visuals to boost your reach. Stay connected with your audience through comments, polls and Q&As to grow a loyal community.
As your followers grow, you can earn money through ads, brand deals and affiliate marketing. Keep exploring editing tools, trends and platform algorithms to keep your content fresh and relevant.
Learn more:
12. Selling digital products
Design and sell digital products like printable planners, study guides, website templates, stock photos or business logos on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad or Creative Market. These products are great for creators since you only have to design them once, but they can bring in passive income for years.
Start by researching trending topics in your niche or popular designs people are looking for. Productivity planners, minimalist logos or themed stock photo bundles usually do well. Use tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create professional-looking designs. For stock photos, focus on good lighting and use a decent camera or editing tools to make them stand out.
Bundle your products to make them more appealing, like a full planner set for different goals or a brand kit with logos, fonts and color palettes. Use strong product descriptions and mockup images to help buyers visualize how they can use your designs. To boost sales, try offering seasonal or niche-specific items like holiday-themed templates or study guides tailored for specific exams or topics.
13. Template designs
Many small businesses, influencers and job seekers need templates for resumes, social media posts, presentations and more—but don’t always have the time or skills to design them.
Start by picking a niche. Job seekers look for professional resumes, small businesses need marketing materials like flyers or email templates, and influencers want content calendars or media kits. Create templates that are easy to edit with drag-and-drop features and flexible layouts. Include simple instructions to make customization quick and hassle-free.
Stand out by using modern designs, trendy color palettes and offering formats like PDFs or editable slides. Bundle similar templates, like matching invoices and business cards, to provide more value. Share your work on social media or create demo videos that show how your templates work. You can also add value with custom design options or regular updates to keep your products fresh and useful.
14. Write and sell interactive fiction
Twine and Choice of Games are awesome tools for making text-based adventure games and interactive stories, now often enhanced by AI for a more dynamic experience. With Twine, you can create nonlinear, decision-driven stories without needing to code, though advanced users can customize more. You can also add visuals, sound and effects to make the gameplay more engaging.
Choice of Games uses ChoiceScript, a user-friendly language that lets you build immersive stories with mechanics like tracking player stats and relationships. It’s a great option if you’re looking to publish to a wider audience.
To get started, brainstorm a compelling story—mystery, drama or adventure works well—and choose the platform that fits your goals. Twine is ideal for experimenting and sharing on itch.io, while Choice of Games offers a clear route to publishing and monetization. AI tools can also help polish your narratives, and connecting with writing and development communities can help you promote and level up your projects.
Learn more: How to make money with AI
15. Start a niche blog or newsletter
Pick a topic you’re passionate about—student budgeting, anime reviews, minimalist travel—and launch a blog or Substack newsletter. Monetize with ads, sponsorships and paid memberships.
One potential idea is starting a blog where you share your experiences as a student and all the different aspects of your life at college. Blogs such as Navigating Exam Stress, How to Balance Studies and a Small Business, or How to Build a Community Around You, should all appeal to a student body. You can provide useful tips and advice for other students and partner with brands who might then want to offer services or products for your audience.
Get started with your own blog, with the Wix blog maker
Online gaming & entertainment earnings
Make your free time more rewarding. Earn extra cash as a student by doing what you love—playing games, reviewing music or creating art. Have fun, build skills and turn your passions into profits.
16. Make money with your gaming skills
If you’re great at games like Fortnite, Valorant or Minecraft, you can turn your skills into a side hustle. Coaching is a popular option—platforms like GamerSensei and ProGuides connect experienced players with beginners who want to get better.
Streaming is another fun way to make money gaming. Share your gameplay on Twitch or YouTube and make money through ads, subs, sponsorships and donations. Add engaging commentary or unique strategies to stand out.
If you’re more into the creative side, sell in-game items, rare skins or accounts. Minecraft lets you sell mods, maps and custom assets, while PlayerAuctions is great for trading in other games. For a more hands-off option, create tutorials, e-books or video guides to teach tips, techniques or builds. Platforms like Udemy or Skillshare are great for turning your knowledge into income.
17. Review and test music
Love finding new music? You can turn that passion into extra cash with sites like Slicethepie. Just sign up, listen to tracks from upcoming artists or lesser-known bands, and share your honest feedback. Your reviews help artists improve their sound and shape what gets released to the public. The more detailed and thoughtful your feedback, the more you’ll earn per review.
Focus on aspects like lyrics, melody and production quality to increase your earnings. All you need is a pair of headphones and some free time. Plus, you’ll get to hear tracks before they go mainstream—a fun and rewarding side hustle for music fans.
18. Create meme or sticker packs
Funny, relatable memes are a hit, and the same humor drives the growing popularity of digital sticker packs. Creating and selling custom sticker packs for WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage can be a fun and profitable side hustle. Tap into trending memes, pop culture, or everyday scenarios your audience connects with. Use quality design tools to craft eye-catching stickers that meet the platform’s size and resolution guidelines.
Bundle your designs into themed sets to encourage people to grab the whole collection. You can sell your packs as digital downloads on platforms like Etsy or upload them to the App Store or Google Play using sticker maker apps or developer tools. Promote your stickers on social media like Instagram or TikTok—viral trends can boost visibility fast. Collaborating with influencers or meme creators can also help you reach more people. Keep your audience excited by adding fresh designs regularly so they keep coming back.
19. Become a virtual tour guide
If you live in a vibrant or historic city, hosting live virtual walking tours on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or Heygo is a fun way to share your local knowledge and make some extra money. These platforms let tourists explore your city from home while you guide them through landmarks, hidden gems or unique neighborhoods.
Make your tours stand out by mixing historical facts, cultural insights and personal stories. A good smartphone and stabilizer can help you deliver smooth video and clear audio. Add interactive elements like quizzes or live Q&A to keep your audience engaged. To reach more people, promote your tours on social media or in local tourism groups.
20. Sell your handwriting as a font
Got unique handwriting? Turn it into a digital font and start earning from it. Tools like Calligraphr make the process simple—just download their template, fill in the characters, and upload it to create your custom font. Once it's ready, you can sell it on platforms like Creative Market, MyFonts or your own website.
To stand out, try creating variations like bold, italic or decorative styles. Designers, brands and creators are always searching for hand-crafted fonts for logos, social media, packaging and more. Promote your font on social media or in design communities to reach more buyers. You can even bundle it with other design elements like logos, templates or illustrations to offer more value.
Online reselling & eCommerce
Turn your spare time into extra cash. Flipping hidden gems, reselling trendy items or starting an online store without holding inventory are just a few ways students can explore the world of eCommerce and reselling.
21. Dropshipping
Start a dropshipping business without managing inventory. Research trending products on AliExpress or Zendrop—focus on high-demand, low-competition items. Once you’ve found your niche, set up a Shopify store that reflects your brand. Use engaging product descriptions, strong visuals, and clean design to build trust.
Drive traffic with social media ads on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Create attention-grabbing visuals and target specific demographics to connect with the right audience.
When a customer places an order, your supplier handles packaging and shipping directly, so you can focus on scaling. Keep customers updated with order notifications and add personal touches like thank-you emails or discounts for repeat buyers. Use analytics to track sales and ad performance. Test different pricing, product options and ad creatives to see what gets results.
22. Flipping domain names
Buying and selling website domains can be a smart way to make money if you have a clear strategy. Look for domain names that are short, memorable and tied to trending industries or popular keywords. Businesses and individuals often pay more for a domain that fits their brand or project perfectly. Check out expired domains or affordable options on platforms like GoDaddy Auctions or Namecheap. Focus on names with high-demand keywords, niche terms or simple, easy-to-type options.
Once you buy a domain, hold onto it until the right buyer comes along. Platforms like Sedo, Flippa or Afternic are great places to list your domain and connect with potential buyers. Make your listings stand out by highlighting what makes the domain valuable, like its SEO potential, industry relevance or simplicity. Patience is important—some of the best offers come from buyers who recognize the value of the domain over time. Stay ahead by keeping track of market trends, new technologies or growing industries that could increase demand for specific domains.
23. Reselling clothes & gadgets
Hunting for thrift store treasures, vintage sneakers or used electronics can be a fun and profitable side hustle for students. Start by checking out local thrift shops, garage sales or flea markets to score unique finds like retro clothing, rare collectibles or gently used electronics at great prices. Keep an eye out for limited-edition sneakers, popular gaming consoles or designer accessories that can sell for a high profit. Research trending items on platforms like eBay, Depop or Facebook Marketplace to see what's in demand and set competitive prices.
Take well-lit photos of your items and write detailed descriptions to grab buyers' attention. For sneakers, clean them up and highlight details like their condition, brand and rarity. For electronics, test them first and include any accessories. Social media can be a great way to market your listings, or you can join forums where collectors and enthusiasts hang out. With some consistent effort, students have been able to earn steady income—some even make over $1,000 a month flipping limited-edition sneakers alone.
24. Sell class notes or study guides
If you're good at taking clear, organized notes, why not turn that skill into extra cash? Detailed, well-structured notes are super helpful for students who struggle to keep up in class or need extra resources for studying. Start by reviewing your notes and making sure they’re neat, readable, and thorough. Add headings, subheadings, and summaries to make them even more useful. Once ready, save them as PDFs for easy sharing.
Platforms like Stuvia and Nexus Notes let you connect directly with students looking for study help. You can also create your own website to sell your notes and have full control over pricing and distribution. Promote your work on social media, in student groups, or within your college to get the word out.
Some note-takers earn over $200 per semester, especially for high-demand subjects like math, science, or law. To boost your income, try creating study guides, flashcards, or video tutorials to go along with your notes.
25. License your photos & videos
Capture stunning photos of glowing cityscapes at sunset, dramatic landscapes, or candid moments that tell a story. These kinds of images are always in demand on platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock and Alamy.
Start by building a diverse portfolio around themes like travel, food, technology or lifestyle since buyers often look for specific niches. Work on improving your composition, lighting and editing to make your photos stand out in a competitive market. Always upload high-resolution images—quality is what attracts buyers.
Stock videos are also in high demand. Create short, simple clips like bustling city streets, peaceful natural landscapes or hands typing on a keyboard. Use a tripod or gimbal for smooth footage and aim for 4K quality to meet professional standards. Add watermarks to protect your work and include relevant keywords and descriptions to help buyers find your content easily.
26. Start a digital escape room business
Design and create unique printable escape room puzzles that players can enjoy at home or online with friends. These puzzles are great for virtual game nights, family gatherings or team-building activities. Get creative with themed challenges like mystery, adventure, fantasy or sci-fi.
You can sell your escape room kits on platforms like Etsy, your website or partner with schools and event planners looking for interactive entertainment. Make sure to include clear instructions, engaging storylines and varying difficulty levels to appeal to a wide audience.
Ways for students to make money beyond the screen
While there are endless ways to make money online, stepping away from the screen can sometimes be even more rewarding. If you're ready to get creative, offer a service, or connect with your local community, there are plenty of flexible options that fit into a student’s busy schedule. From freelance gigs to side hustles, here are some fun and practical ways to earn money offline while keeping up with your studies.
27. Part-time retail
This involves working in a store, helping customers and managing stock. The benefits of making money this way as a student, include a steady income and potential employee discounts.
Pros: Regular income, discounts and customer service experience. Some stores, especially the bigger brands, also have management training programs for students which can lead to longer-term career opportunities.
Cons: Hours tend to be less flexible than working from home or online and you’ll always need to be present in person which may involve traveling. This might make it harder to arrange around studying and other college commitments.
28. Selling handmade crafts
Make money as a student by turning your hobby into a business by selling handmade crafts or art online. Other examples include: making and selling candles, starting a jewelry business, woodwork or knitted goods.
If you’re feeling ambitious, these handmade furniture examples are a creative way to make money with a craft business. There’s really no limit to how you can apply your creativity and crafting skills to make money as a student, as this craft business example, Tiny Paper Things, proves.
Pros: Selling crafts online can be a great way to monetize a creative passion and is one of the best businesses to start with little money. It might also lead to a business that you can scale post-graduation too.
Cons: This can be a time-consuming way to make money as you’ll need to spend time making your crafts or handmade goods and then market and sell them. You’ll also need to invest in crafting supplies as well, as well as a website and other ways to market your products.
Create an eCommerce website to get your craft business off the ground.
Learn more:
29. Participating in research studies
Universities often pay for participation in research studies, which can be a quick way to earn money as a student. You’ll need to check with your own college for what studies are available and if you meet the criteria to join.
Pros: These studies generally require little time commitment and take place on campus, making it convenient to work around classes and studies.
Cons: Most research studies have quite stringent requirements for who can participate. You might not always meet these and so income from studies might not be regular or something to be counted on long term.
30. Baby or pet sitting
A popular way to make money as a student is to offer your services to busy parents or pet owners who need help with their children or pets. College towns are often popular with young families and professionals, which should create significant demand for both types of services.
Pros: Baby or pet sitting is usually easy to fit around studies and college commitments and most of the time will be regular and consistent, leading to income you can rely on.
Cons: Making money with pet or child care, requires a great deal of commitment and responsibility. It’s best for someone who already has experience with taking care of children or pets.
Learn more:
31. Fitness instruction
Leading fitness classes or personal training sessions, if you're knowledgeable and passionate about fitness, can be a healthy and fun way to make money as a student. You can tap into your school’s student body for your first clients in order to start your own fitness business.
Alpine Fitness is a great example of a fitness business and how you can create a website to showcase and manage your business.
Pros: There’s plenty of potential for flexible working hours that can be organized around your own classes. You can also run training online or in-person depending on your schedule and location.
Cons: To run a fitness business you may require certification and personal liability insurance. It’s best to check the requirements in your local state or region.
32. Event planning
Colleges can be a great location to make money as a student event planner, as there are always social events ongoing throughout the year. You might also choose to extend your services into the local town or state as well. Event planning can range from organizing children’s birthday parties to casual after-work cocktails or formal occasions and weddings. A good way to get started is by volunteering to help plan college and local events.
Pros: Event planning is interesting and dynamic work especially if you have a flair and love for it. It’s also something that can become a long-term business even once school is done.
Cons: It can involve irregular hours, deadlines and stress. All of which need to be juggled alongside studying and exams. You’ll also need to be good at or committed to networking, to build clients.
33. Freelance photography
If you’ve got a camera and a good eye, freelance photography can be a fun and rewarding way to make money. You can shoot events like parties, graduations or family portraits, or partner with local businesses for product photos. Even if you’re not a pro, people are often willing to pay for high-quality candid shots of their special moments. Start by offering packages to friends, family and local businesses. Use social media to promote your work and grow your client base. The more you practice, the stronger your portfolio will be, helping you land more clients over time.
Learn more:
34. Dog walking or pet grooming
If you love animals, dog walking or light pet grooming is a fun way to make some extra cash. Many pet owners need help exercising their dogs or keeping them groomed, especially in busy cities. You can charge per walk or grooming session and even offer packages for regular visits. Advertising in local communities or on platforms like Rover or PetBacker is a great way to find clients. It’s not just a rewarding side hustle—it’s also a chance to spend time outside and get paid for it.
35. Tutoring for local students
In-person tutoring is a great way to support students in your community while earning some extra cash. Meeting face-to-face makes sessions more personal and interactive compared to online tutoring. You can focus on subjects like math, science, languages or test prep. Start by advertising with flyers, word of mouth or posting on local community boards. Libraries, coffee shops or even clients' homes are all flexible options for hosting tutoring sessions that work for everyone involved.
36. House cleaning or organizing
Many people struggle to keep their living spaces clean and organized, making house cleaning and organizing a great in-person service to offer. You can clean apartments, dorm rooms, or organize storage spaces and charge by the hour or create package deals. Some people need help decluttering before a move, while others just want regular cleaning. This is a flexible side hustle that fits around your schedule and can grow easily through word of mouth.
37. Car washing or detailing
Car washing or detailing is a practical, in-demand service you can offer right in your neighborhood. Lots of people are too busy to clean their cars, so providing this service can earn you a solid income. Advertise on local boards or social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace to get started. You don’t need much equipment—just basic cleaning supplies and a few hours. If you’re skilled at detailing, you can charge more for services like waxing or interior cleaning.
38. Tour guide for your city
If you live in a city or popular tourist area, becoming a local tour guide is a fun and engaging way to make money. Share your city’s history, hidden spots and local culture with visitors. Create themed tours like food tours, historical tours or adventure tours. With a bit of research and preparation, you can make your tours stand out and leave a lasting impression. Promote your services through local travel groups or Airbnb Experiences, where tourists can book your tours directly.
39. Rent out personal equipment
Got extra gear sitting around? Rent it out to people who need it for short-term use. Things like bicycles, camera gear, power tools or camping equipment can be great options for someone who doesn’t want to buy. You can list your items on platforms like Fat Llama or through local community groups. It’s a simple way to make some extra cash while giving others access to equipment without the hassle of ownership.
40. Become a tattoo artist
Becoming a tattoo artist is an awesome path for students passionate about art and ready to put in the work. Focus on building your drawing and illustration skills since tattooing requires creativity and precision. Many start with an apprenticeship under an experienced tattoo artist for hands-on experience, while some take courses or attend tattoo schools to improve their technique.
You'll also need health and safety training to get certified and licensed based on where you live. As a student, you can start small by practicing on fake skin or tattooing friends and family to build your portfolio. Over time, you might pick up part-time work at a studio or offer freelance services with flexible hours that fit around your studies.
Pros: Tattooing is a great way to explore your creative side if you’re artistic. It also comes with solid earning potential since artists can charge more as they build a strong reputation. The job offers flexible hours too, so you can easily fit clients around your classes or study schedule if you’re freelancing.
Cons: The apprenticeship process takes time and often comes with upfront costs for equipment, training and supplies. Tattooing also requires precision, focus and consistent practice, which can be hard to balance with a busy study schedule or exams.
Pro tip: Find a perfect name for your business with tattoo name generator
41. Provide delivery services
Delivery services are a great way for students to make money if you have a bike, car or scooter. Apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub and Postmates let you deliver food, groceries or packages on your own schedule. The flexibility makes it easy to work around classes and exams.
You can also use apps like TaskRabbit or promote your delivery or errand-running services locally. Most gigs pay per delivery, and you can earn tips on top of the base rate. It’s easy to get started, doesn’t require much training and fits perfectly into a student lifestyle.
Why students might need to make money
The life of a student is often a balancing act between academics and personal responsibilities, with financial challenges adding an extra layer of complexity. Learning how to make money easily can help make life as a student easier.
For many students, the primary motivation to earn money is the need to cover basic living expenses. Tuition fees, textbooks, housing, food and transportation can amount to a significant sum. Part-time business ideas or business ideas for students can alleviate this financial burden and help reduce student loan amounts.
Beyond financial necessity, working while studying offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical work experience. Employers increasingly look for candidates with real-world experience and early exposure to the workforce can set a student apart from their peers. Jobs related to a student's field of study can be particularly beneficial, providing a clearer understanding of their chosen industry and potentially opening doors to future career opportunities.
Finally, earning money during college or university isn't just about meeting immediate financial needs, it's also about planning for the future. Whether it's saving for post-graduate studies, a dream vacation, or a safety net for after graduation, having a consistent source of income can help students set financial goals and develop saving habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. It also teaches the importance of budgeting and financial planning, skills that are essential in the adult world.
What defines a good way to make money for a student
When students look for ways to earn money, not every job will suit their unique circumstances. A good student job is one that strikes a balance between providing income, offering flexibility and contributing to their overall personal development.
Flexibility
The most crucial aspect of a student job is its flexibility. Academic commitments can be demanding and unpredictable, so positions that offer flexible hours or the ability to choose shifts can be incredibly valuable. Jobs that accommodate exam periods and school breaks are particularly beneficial, as they allow students to prioritize their studies when necessary.
Relevance to studies
A job that complements a student's area of study can provide a competitive edge in the job market upon graduation. It can serve as a platform for applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing learning and making the educational experience more holistic. Moreover, it can help in building a professional network within the industry, which could be advantageous for future career prospects.
Decent pay
While flexibility and relevance are important, the pay rate is also a significant factor. A good student job should offer a fair wage that reflects the value of the work being done. It should help students meet their financial goals without requiring excessive hours that could detract from their academic performance. Decent pay means that students can work fewer hours for the same financial benefit, allowing them to maintain a healthy work-study-life balance.
Tips for how to make money as a student
Embarking on the path to earning money while studying can seem daunting when you first start. However, with the right approach and resources, you can find a way to make money as a student that not only fits your schedule but also contributes to your professional growth. Here's how to get started:
Choose your business idea: Begin by exploring job boards specifically designed for students, such as your university's career center or websites like Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn.This can be a great way to assess what demand there is and for which services. This demand might inspire your business idea. Networking can also be incredibly powerful, reaching out to family, friends and professors who might know of opportunities for jobs or a small business idea. Don't forget to leverage social media platforms to connect with potential clients or to inspire your student venture.
Build a professional profile: Creating a professional profile is crucial in today's job market. Start by crafting a compelling online resume that highlights your skills, experiences and academic achievements. For freelance work, consider putting together a portfolio that showcases your best work. Use a website builder to get started.
Balance work and study: The key to successfully managing work alongside your studies is organization and time management. Be realistic about how many hours you can commit to working without compromising your academic performance. Making sure to maintain open communication with your employer about your availability and study needs is also essential to maintaining a healthy work-study balance.
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How to make money as a student FAQ
What are the best ways to make money as a college student online?
Some of the easiest and lowest risk online business ideas for students include:
Dropshipping
Print on demand
Online tutoring
Freelance writing or blogging
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