If you need some extra money, you might want to turn a hobby or passion into a side hustle. This article explains what side hustles are, how they work, and offers ideas to help you get started.

What Are Side Hustles?

A side hustle is a way to earn extra money while still studying or working. Most of the time, this type of work is done independently, either as a freelancer or by running a small business. Because you’re in charge, side hustles are usually flexible and can be done on your own schedule.

“Unlike regular jobs that have fixed hours and a steady paycheck, side hustles require you to find or create work for yourself,” says Helena Joyce, an entrepreneurship consultant at the University of Sussex.

How Many Students Have a Side Hustle?

More and more students are trying out side hustles. The 2024 National Student Money Survey by Save the Student reports that 30% of students are doing some kind of side work alongside their studies.

The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) says that around 460,000 people in the UK are currently working on a side hustle. A whitepaper from Henley Business School, The Side Hustle Economy, found that one in four UK adults has a side hustle, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the way.

What Are Some of the Best Side Hustles for Students?

If you’re looking for ideas, here are some side hustles that can help you earn extra money and get you away from your desk:

• Crafting – Make and sell jewellery, candles, home décor, calligraphy, or textile items at local markets or fairs. If you’re good at drawing, try selling portraits or illustrations.
  
• Baking – Bake bread, pastries, and cakes for local events. You could also see if local cafés are interested in selling your treats.
  
• Tutoring – Help other students or younger learners by offering one-on-one tutoring, either in person or online.
  
• Delivery driving – If you have a clean driving record, you can deliver food with companies like Uber Eats or Deliveroo, or deliver packages with Amazon. Some services only require a bicycle.
  
• Upcycling furniture – Find old or unwanted furniture, fix it up, and sell it for a profit.
  
• Festival or event work – Working at events or festivals can be hard work but it often pays well and sometimes comes with free entry.
  
• Mystery shopping – Sign up with companies like IShopFor Ipsos, Tern, or ESA Retail to get paid to shop or eat out and give feedback on the experience.
  
• Pet sitting or dog walking – If you like animals, offer pet sitting or dog walking in your neighborhood.
  
• Music gigs or teaching – If you play an instrument, earn money by performing locally or teaching others how to play.
  
• Photography and videography – Turn your creative skills into income by offering services to local businesses or individuals.
  

Also, check if your university offers part-time jobs. There could be an opportunity already available right on campus.

Can Students Side Hustle Online?

Yes, many side hustles can be done online:

• Become an influencer – Share your interests on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or a blog. Once your audience grows, you can make money from ads and sponsorships.
  
• Start a podcast – Talk about something you’re passionate about. It may take time to earn money, but successful podcasts can bring in ad revenue and sponsors.
  
• Sell items online – Use platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Vinted to sell handmade items, collectibles, or second-hand clothes.
  
• Take online surveys – Sign up with websites like Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, OnePoll, or Toluna to earn money by giving your opinion.
  
• Freelance writing – Use your writing skills to earn money by writing blogs, articles, or marketing content. If you’re fluent in another language, even more opportunities are available. Websites like Fiverr are a good place to start.
  
• Transcription work – Listen to audio recordings and type them out. This works well for those who are good at taking notes.
  
• Virtual assistant – Help clients with tasks like managing emails, setting up calendars, or entering data. You can find jobs on platforms like Upwork.
  
• Social media management – Use your skills to help local businesses improve their social media pages.
  
• User testing – Try out websites or apps and share your feedback. Websites like UserTesting or Enroll pay users for this kind of work.
  

Why Should Students Consider Side Hustling?

• Earn extra money – Most students live on a tight budget. A side hustle can help cover your expenses without always turning to your parents or using your student loan.
  
• Flexible schedule – You can work around your classes and free time. Choose something you enjoy and fit it in during evenings, weekends, or breaks.
  
• Try out different careers – According to Ben Dalton, an entrepreneurship officer at the University of Liverpool, side hustles help you explore different industries and jobs. This can guide your career decisions.
  
• Build experience and skills – Doing side work helps you learn valuable skills. If your hustle relates to your studies, that’s even better. It also improves your time management, problem-solving, and communication.
  
• Make new connections – Ben adds that side hustles often help you meet new people. These connections can be helpful later in your career, so try to stay in touch.
  
• Stand out on job applications – Employers like to see self-motivation and creativity. Side hustles can give you strong examples to talk about in job interviews and show you can manage your time and take initiative.
  

How Much Can Students Earn from Side Hustles?

How much you earn depends on what you’re doing and how much time you can put in. While some influencers make a lot, most students earn smaller amounts at first. It can take time to grow your side hustle.

According to the National Student Money Survey:

• 81% of students with side hustles earned under £500 in the last year
  
• 9% earned between £501 and £1,000
  
• 7% earned between £1,001 and £3,000
  
• 2% earned between £3,001 and £10,000
  
• Only 1% earned more than £10,000
  

Keep in mind, if you earn more than £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year, you must declare it to HMRC. However, you only start paying tax if you make over £12,570 in a year.

How Do I Choose a Side Hustle?

Your choice should be based on what you enjoy and what you’re good at. Ben suggests that choosing something that fits your interests will help you stick with it and succeed. Ask yourself:

• What skills do I have? Can you offer something valuable, like organisation skills or musical talent?
  
• What are my goals? Do you want to make money, build experience, or follow a passion?
  
• How much time do I have? Be honest about your schedule. This will help you avoid side hustles that take too much time.
  
• What resources do I need? Do you already have what’s needed to start? Think about materials, equipment, and delivery options.
  

Helena advises sharing your goals with people around you. Friends and family might help by giving you ideas or making introductions. Also, always ask for feedback and reviews from your clients. This can help improve your services and build your reputation.

Are There Any Downsides to Side Hustling?

“Side hustles offer many benefits, but they’re not always easy,” says Ben.

• Unsteady income – Helena notes that side hustles may not provide the regular pay that traditional part-time jobs offer.
  
• Getting started is hard – It might take a while to grow your hustle, so don’t get discouraged if it’s slow at first.
  
• Time management – Balancing work and study can be difficult. Ben warns that if not handled well, your studies might suffer. Make sure you manage your time wisely.
  
• Risk of burnout – Your free time is already limited. Overworking to earn more money can lead to stress. Try to stick to a regular schedule and take breaks.
  
• Distractions – If your side hustle takes too much time or energy, it might affect your focus on your studies.
  
• Visa limits – If you’re an international student in the UK with a Tier-4 visa, you’re not allowed to be self-employed or run a business. Make sure you understand your visa rules before starting any paid work.
  

Side hustles can be a great way for students to earn money, build experience, and learn valuable skills. Just make sure to choose something that fits your lifestyle and goals, and be realistic about what you can handle.