From broke to ballin': 7 side hustles college students are obsessed with

Pratham Basu

All three books — Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth, and You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero — hold a fun little secret: if you want to clutch your financial future, start earning and managing money early on!

Now, I know that the idea of students working might be challenged with various debates, especially because many parents believe that a student doesn’t need to worry about earning as it is the parents' role to cover all expenses. However, there is a dire need to do away with this mindset as it is detrimental to a student’s growth. 

Robert T. Kiyosaki echoes this sentiment in Rich Dad Poor Dad, saying,

“When I was in high school, my rich dad urged me to work part-time for the learning experience. He believed that working while studying would teach me lessons beyond what I could learn in school, such as money management, business skills, and real-world problem-solving. The practical experience and financial education were invaluable for my future success.”

Having a source of side income while in school/college is like hitting the jackpot! It helps you cover your personal expenses which means lesser conversations that start with “Can I borrow some money because…...?” Besides, it's a great way to pick up skills like money management and budgeting early on in life — skills that come in handy throughout life. 

So how do you get started? Check out these 7 side-hustle ideas that are going viral amongst students. 

1. Freelancing 

A student working as a video editor Source - unsplash.com

If you've got a knack for photography, graphic design, video editing, content writing, coding, sound designing or any other specialized skill, freelancing is a fantastic way to start earning money while you're in college. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer a great starting point for showcasing your talents and finding clients. 

Freelancing offers the flexibility to work around your academic schedule, making it a great option for students

But don’t limit yourself to just online gigs! Get involved in local communities and networks where you can offer your services. Starting with free or discounted projects can help you build a solid portfolio and gain valuable experience. As you develop your skills and reputation, you'll find more opportunities to turn your passion into profit. Whether online or offline, freelancing can be a rewarding way to earn money and gain practical experience.

2. Manage a student-run business

As digital natives who are already equipped with the skills of setting up an online business, students can leverage their access to peer groups and sell handmade items such as t-shirts, jackets, paintings, posters, jewelry and so on. Thus, students can tap into a ready-made audience that would be willing to purchase unique and bespoke items. 

For instance, students like @theeunoiaaa, @beigeartiste and @vende___ have turned their passions into successful online businesses while balancing their academic responsibilities. @theeunoiaaa creates and sells personalized art pieces, drawing on her artistic skills and student connections, while @beigeartiste offers custom jewelry, appealing to classmates who value distinctive and handcrafted accessories. By focusing on these niche markets, students can effectively use their skills and social networks to build a thriving online business and generate significant income.

3. Tutoring 

Tutoring is a fantastic way for students to earn money while leveraging their academic strengths. By teaching subjects you’re knowledgeable about, you not only strengthen your own understanding but also share valuable information with others. In your spare time, you can offer tutoring services to school children or provide guidance for competitive exams. This kind of support is highly sought after and can be both rewarding and financially beneficial.

4. Volunteering at events 

Local events like stand-up shows, seminars, forums, festivals, Comic-Cons, and TEDx events often need volunteers to manage venue logistics. These opportunities can be lucrative, with event management companies paying students a few hundred to a thousand dollars for tasks such as crowd control, hospitality, and talent management. By volunteering after school hours, students can earn money while also gaining valuable industry connections and experience.

From managing event logistics to assisting with guest services, volunteering can offer diverse experiences and connections.

Student volunteers at the Under 25 Summit Under25 Universe

5. Join an internship/student ambassadorship program 

Individual brands like OnePlus, NewMe, Paradyes, and Realme, along with platforms such as Under 25 and Viral Fission, offer exciting opportunities for students to secure brand deals. These programs often involve using your video-making and editing skills to create engaging user-generated content (UGC) for various brands.

Keep in mind that applying for these programs often involves a selection process, so showcasing your skills and enthusiasm is key.

In return, students receive some remuneration, valuable benefits such as products from these brands, certificates, access to networking events, and the chance to enhance their skills. This not only provides practical experience but also helps build a professional portfolio and connect with industry leaders.

Campus Ambassadorship programs of Realme, Under25, OnePlus and Buzzent

6. Working as an in-store support specialist or barista

This is likely one of the oldest tricks in the book. For years, students have had the chance to work at local coffee shops as baristas or in restaurants as servers. This is especially true for those who move to metropolitan areas for their studies, where the abundance of cafes and eateries often offers part-time positions tailored for students.

A student working as a part-time barista Source - bruite.com

These roles not only provide a steady income but also help you develop valuable customer service skills and gain real-world experience.

Additionally, stores like Decathlon and Ikea frequently hire students as in-store support assistants. To find these opportunities, students should actively search for vacancies in their city and reach out to store managers online.

7. Become a content creator to secure brand collaborations 

You don’t need top-of-the-line cameras or advanced editing skills to become a successful content creator. The key is to focus on producing high-quality content consistently with the resources you already have.

Developing a unique style that sets you apart can boost your chances of going viral. Content centered around specific niches like travel, finance, fashion, or education and so on can lead to brand collaborations within those fields. While building a successful content creation career takes time and persistent effort, it allows you to refine valuable skills such as video editing, photography, on-camera presence, and promotional content creation. These skills can be incredibly rewarding and profitable in the long run.

An Indian content creator making a reel Source : Unsplash.com

I think it's time that we forget the notion that all expenses are to be borne by the parents. Earning your own money can be a real eye-opener to the real cost of things around you and thus helps to appreciate them with a fresh perspective. 

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