The start of a new semester is upon us, with most college students soon to be back in class. While autumn provides an ideal opportunity to dedicate oneself to academic pursuits and lay strong foundations for the term, it’s also a perfect window for seeking side-income. No longer does the cliche of the ‘cash-strapped college student’ need to be your narrative. A multitude of profitable and legitimate side gigs are available, perfectly tailored for those in higher education.
Let’s delve into six side-hustles that college students can take up.
1. TUTORING
If you have an academic prowess in any specific subject, consider tutoring. Many colleges and universities provide remuneration for students tutoring their peers. Peer-to-peer tutoring can be extremely effective, helping fellow students navigate challenging math problems or polishing their essays. Enquire at your institute’s Career Services department or local community for any leads, if your school doesn’t provide led tutoring opportunities.
2. DJING
Do you live in a college town with bustling nightlife? Being a DJ at local bars could be a terrific and fun way to earn some side money. Even though the equipment is not inexpensive, if you’re proficient, you can make fairly substantial sums nightly. Regular gigs could even fund your college lifestyle, leaving you to focus on your studies.
3. FREELANCE WRITING
Freelance writing tops many favorites’ lists as go-to side jobs. Do you enjoy composing articles, blogs, or literary pieces? Create an online portfolio, showcase your work, and see if customers would pay for your written content. Networking, mentoring, LinkedIn connections, or even writing courses could assist in getting your freelance writing career off the ground. The flexibility it offers makes it stand out, enabling you to schedule your work around classes and deadlines.
4. BABYSITTING
Reach out to friends or family members with kids and see if they need occasional babysitting services. Registering on sites like SitterCity.com or Care.com can also help widen your client base. Many busy college mothers often look for babysitters, so advertising your service around campus could garner quite a reception.
5. MYSTERY SHOPPING
If shopping is a pastime you cherish, being a mystery shopper could be the gig for you. In essence, you are paid to dine, buy products, or try services at various venues. The payment comes from companies who hire mystery shoppers to evaluate different aspects of their enterprise. Interesting and varied assignments and the potential reimbursement of money spent on services or goods are benefits attached to the role. Websites like SecretShopper.com and BestMark.com are good starting points for those interested.
6. SELLING ITEMS ONLINE
Do you have items laying around that could be worth a pretty penny? Sell your old electronics, clothes, college textbooks, DVDs, and more on platforms like Amazon or eBay. Investing your earnings into items to resell could also generate a continuous revenue stream.
BOTTOM LINE – FLEXIBILITY RULES
Juggling academic commitments, part-time jobs, and a personal life can make the prospect of earning extra money seem distant. This is where flexible and profitable side hustles come in to save the day. High pay or no income cap, a simple scaling of work as per your availability and requirements, makes side hustles the perfect fit for your demanding schedule.
So, have you ever tried these side hustles? Do they seem like a good fit for your situation?
