Top Side Hustles for College Students: Practical Ways to Make Money While Studying

Published on 20 June 2023 8 min read

As a college student, finding the best side hustles can be a game-changer since it allows you to make extra money while also balancing your academic life. In this blog, we'll explore various side hustles perfect for college students that can help you build a steady income stream without sacrificing your studies.

Freelance Gigs

Freelancing offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects. Let's explore some of the best freelance gigs for college students:

Writing

Writers are always in demand, and if you have a knack for words, this can be one of the best side hustles for college students. Here are some writing opportunities:

Content writing — create articles, blog posts, and more for various clients.
Copywriting — write persuasive text for marketing materials, such as ads and emails.
Technical writing — create instruction manuals, user guides, and other technical documents.
Ghostwriting — write articles, books, or other content that will be published under someone else's name.

Design

If you have a creative eye, consider exploring design-based side hustles. Here are some options:

Graphic design — create visual elements for websites, ads, and social media.
Logo design — design unique and memorable logos for businesses or individuals.
Web design — create user-friendly and visually appealing website layouts.
Illustration — produce custom illustrations for books, articles, or other projects.

Web Development

Web development is another in-demand skill that can be a great side hustle for college students. Some web development opportunities include:

Front-end development — build the visual and interactive aspects of websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Back-end development — work on the server-side of websites, managing databases and ensuring site functionality.
Full-stack development — handle both front-end and back-end development tasks, making you a versatile choice for clients.

Overall, freelancing offers a range of options for college students with different skills, making it one of the best side hustles for college students to explore.

Tutoring

Tutoring is another excellent side hustle for college students, especially if you excel in a particular subject. With the flexibility to set your own hours and rates, tutoring can be both rewarding and profitable.

Local Tutoring

Helping students in your local area can be a fulfilling and lucrative side hustle. Here are some ways to start:

Word of mouth — tell friends, family, and classmates that you're offering tutoring services.
Community centers — post flyers or reach out to local community centers to offer your tutoring services.
College tutoring centers — check if your college has a tutoring center, and inquire about becoming a tutor.

Online Platforms

Online tutoring platforms can help you connect with students from around the world. Some popular platforms include:

Wyzant — offers one-on-one online tutoring in various subjects, with tutors setting their own rates.
Varsity Tutors — connects tutors with students for one-on-one or group tutoring sessions, both in-person and online.
Preply — focuses primarily on language tutoring, but also offers other subjects.
Tutor.com — provides tutors with a platform to offer their services in a wide range of subjects.

Whether you prefer local or online tutoring, this side hustle can be an excellent way for college students to share their knowledge and make money while studying.

Rideshare Driving

For college students with a reliable car and a clean driving record, rideshare driving can be a flexible and profitable side hustle. You can work when it suits you, and you'll have the opportunity to meet new people while exploring your city.

Uber

Uber is one of the most popular rideshare platforms, and it's a great option for college students looking to make some extra cash. Here's what you need to know:

Requirements — you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and meet vehicle requirements.
Earnings — your earnings will depend on the number of rides you give, the time of day, and your location.
Flexibility — you can choose your own hours, making it easy to fit around your class schedule.

Lyft

Lyft is another popular rideshare platform that can be a great side hustle for college students. Here's what you should know:

Requirements — similar to Uber, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and meet vehicle requirements.
Earnings — earnings will vary depending on factors such as location and demand, but Lyft claims that drivers can make up to $35 per hour.
Flexibility — like Uber, you can set your own schedule and work when it's convenient for you.

Both Uber and Lyft can be excellent side hustles for college students who enjoy driving and want to make money on their own terms. Just remember to factor in expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance when considering your potential earnings.

Delivery Services

For those who prefer driving without passengers, delivery services offer a great alternative to rideshare driving. With the increase in demand for food and grocery delivery, there's plenty of opportunity for college students to make some extra cash while hitting the road.

DoorDash

DoorDash is a food delivery service that partners with local restaurants to deliver meals to customers. Here's what you need to know:

Requirements — you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and own a reliable vehicle or bike (depending on your city).
Earnings — DoorDash drivers, known as Dashers, can make up to $25 per hour, but earnings will depend on factors like location, number of deliveries, and tips.
Flexibility — you can choose your own hours and work on a schedule that fits your college life.

Instacart

Instacart is an on-demand grocery delivery service that allows college students to make money by shopping for and delivering groceries to customers. Here's what you should know:

Requirements — you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have access to a reliable vehicle.
Earnings — earnings can vary, but Instacart claims that shoppers can make up to $20 per hour.
Flexibility — like other delivery services, you can set your own hours and work when it's convenient for you.

Both DoorDash and Instacart can be great side hustles for college students who enjoy driving and want a flexible way to make some extra money. Plus, with Instacart, you'll be able to stretch your legs while shopping for groceries, providing a nice break from sitting in the car or in class.

Selling Handmade Products

If you have a knack for creating unique, handmade items, why not turn your passion into a profitable side hustle? Selling handmade products online can be a fantastic way to make money while showcasing your talents and creativity, and there are several platforms available to help you get started.

Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade or vintage items, making it the perfect platform for college students with a creative flair. Here's what you need to know:

Types of products — you can sell a variety of items on Etsy, including handcrafted jewelry, clothing, artwork, home decor, and more.
Setting up shop — creating an Etsy shop is relatively straightforward, and you can customize your store's appearance to showcase your unique brand.
Fees — Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item and takes a 5% commission on each sale, so be sure to factor these costs into your pricing.

Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is another popular platform for selling handcrafted products online, and with the reach of Amazon's massive customer base, it can be an excellent choice for showcasing your creations. Here's what you should know:

Types of products — similar to Etsy, you can sell a wide range of handmade items on Amazon Handmade, from jewelry to home goods.
Setting up shop — you'll need to apply to join Amazon Handmade, but once accepted, you can set up your shop and start selling.
Fees — Amazon Handmade charges a 15% referral fee on each sale, which is higher than Etsy's fees but can be worth it for the increased exposure.

Both Etsy and Amazon Handmade are excellent platforms for college students looking to turn their creative hobbies into profitable side hustles. By selling handmade products, you'll not only make extra cash but also build a personal brand that showcases your unique skills and talents.

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces can be a goldmine for college students looking for the best side hustles. These platforms allow you to sell various items, from gently used clothing to vintage finds, without the need for a physical storefront. Let's explore some popular online marketplaces where you can start making money today.

eBay

eBay is a well-known online marketplace where you can buy and sell almost anything, making it an excellent choice for college students looking to earn some extra cash. Here's what you need to know:

Types of products — from vintage items to electronics, eBay is a versatile platform for selling a wide range of products.
Setting up shop — creating an eBay account is quick and easy, and you can list items for sale using the platform's user-friendly interface.
Fees — eBay charges various fees, including insertion fees and final value fees, which depend on the type of item you're selling and its final sale price. Be sure to factor these costs into your pricing strategy.

Poshmark

If you have a closet full of clothes and accessories you no longer wear, Poshmark could be the perfect side hustle for you. This online marketplace specializes in new and used fashion items. Here's what you should know:

Types of products — Poshmark is ideal for selling clothing, shoes, accessories, and even home goods.
Setting up shop — creating a Poshmark account is simple, and you can start listing items for sale using the platform's user-friendly app.
Fees — Poshmark takes a 20% commission on sales over $15 and a flat fee of $2.95 for sales under $15, so consider these costs when pricing your items.

Whether you choose eBay, Poshmark, or another online marketplace, selling items online can be a lucrative side hustle for college students. By decluttering your space and selling unwanted items, you can not only make extra money but also create a more organized living environment — a win-win situation!

Task-Based Services

Task-based services are another excellent option for college students seeking the best side hustles. These platforms connect you with individuals in your area who need help with various tasks, ranging from simple errands to more complex projects. Let's dive into two popular task-based service platforms that can help you make money while studying.

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is a platform that connects you with people who need help with various tasks, from home repairs to deliveries. As a Tasker, you can choose which tasks to take on and set your own schedule. Here's what you need to know:

Types of tasks — TaskRabbit offers a wide variety of tasks, including cleaning, moving, furniture assembly, and more.
Setting up your profile — to become a Tasker, you need to create a profile, undergo a background check, and attend an online orientation.
Earnings — you set your own hourly rates, and TaskRabbit takes a 15% service fee from your earnings. Don't forget to consider this when setting your prices.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack is another platform that connects service providers with clients in need of various tasks. This platform is particularly well-suited for college students with specialized skills, such as photography or web design. Here's what you should know:

Types of tasks — Thumbtack offers a wide range of services, from professional photography to personal training and beyond.
Setting up your profile — creating a Thumbtack profile involves providing information about your skills and services, as well as submitting a photo and personal bio.
Earnings — on Thumbtack, you pay for "leads" or potential clients who are interested in your services. Pricing for leads varies depending on the service and location. Be sure to factor this cost into your pricing strategy.

Task-based service platforms like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack offer flexible opportunities for college students to earn money while using their unique skills. By selecting tasks that align with your abilities and interests, you can make the most of your free time and gain valuable experience for your future career.

If you're interested in diversifying your income as a freelancer, don't miss the workshop 'Freelance Freedom: Creating Multiple Streams Of Income' by dominique_eloise. This workshop will provide you with valuable strategies and insights on how to create multiple income streams, ensuring your financial stability and freedom as a freelancer.