A side hustle allows new college students to earn money during the semester. It’s different from a job because it doesn’t require the same commitment or hours. And if something goes wrong, you can pass on the burden to someone else. Side hustles are super convenient, but they can also be a great way to build up your resume and show off what you can do. Here are some great side hustles you can do on the side, even before you graduate.
1. Ride Sharing/Food Delivery
While ridesharing and food delivery with rideshare companies might not be as lucrative as it sounds, it’s still transport people or deliver food (perfect for the person who likes to sit quietly alone) to hungry people and make your own money at the same time. This may be the best gig for college students because it’s flexible and can be done while on a break, during the nights and weekends, holidays, or any other free time. But beware, ridesharing/delivery accidents and assaults are becoming more commonplace, so consider that before you open your vehicle up to strangers.
2. Proofreading
If you’ve taken even one English class before, you should know that professors are lousy at proofreading their work. That’s why proofreading is such as great side hustle—everyone needs to do it once in a while. Whether it’s an essay or a simple email, you can use Grammarly (yes, there is a free version) to fix any errors, and ensure your message gets across the way you want it to. Not only does this side hustle make you look great in front of your teacher, but it also shows that you’re dependable and responsible. This can be a great part-time job opportunity for college students while still taking classes.
3. Sell Products or Services Online
With the growth of online shopping, college students can quickly earn extra cash by selling their products and services through sites like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon. More than 80% of Americans use these marketplaces to shop, find deals, and search for brands’ products. You can list your products on these websites. The best part about selling online is that you can do it from the comfort of your home. It’s a quick way to make extra cash without much effort. If you like designing, you can even use your creativity to make unique products and sell them online. And by connecting with a print-on-demand company such as gelato, you can print your designs on items and then sell them directly to customers. This also eliminates the need to keep inventory or pay for shipping.
4. Sell Stock Photos/Videos Online
Hundreds of websites sell stock photos/videos. A super popular website is Shutterstock. If you love photography, you can use your skills to make money by selling your work on the site. It’s also a great way to get your college student blog off the ground because it has plenty of features that allow you to do it quickly. It’s easy to build up an audience and make some extra cash.
5. Participate in Market Research Surveys
This is another great side hustle for college students looking to make money while they’re busy with their education. You can earn a small fee by participating in market research surveys. Each time you share a survey, you can earn $1-$5 (depending on the site) and more if the place gives you points for filling out surveys. Since most online surveys are online-only, it’s a great way to make extra money on the side and keep busy when your schedule allows. Facebook marketplace is an excellent place for college students to participate in market research. They can request to complete surveys or share the ones they have already completed on the platform. College students are at a great advantage because they often can get paid by completing simple tasks that take less than 10 minutes.
6. Rent Out Your Parking Space
This is a good side hustle for college who live on campus and don’t have a car. Instead of leaving your parking space empty, rent it out to someone who needs it. Maybe you’re only going to class Monday through Friday, and you’ll be available the rest of the time. Or perhaps you’re in class before everyone else is up and don’t have anywhere to be after dark. Whatever your situation, if you have a parking space, you should try renting it out.
7. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Dog walking and pet sitting can be significant side hustles for college students. Need extra spending money? You can work for Rover when you aren’t in class or on a group project. The site is a great resource for dog walkers, pet sitters, and all animal lovers who want to make extra cash. Most of the time, it’s just a few hours a week.
8. Tutoring
Tutoring is one of the best side hustles for students because it doesn’t require a significant time commitment or unrealistic hours. You can use your skills and knowledge to tutor other people in subjects you already know about or are interested in learning about. You can also join forums and social media groups (many of which are free) to connect with people looking for help. With this side hustle, you don’t have to worry about perfecting your craft because you’ll be working with the same person and, often, the same topic over time.
These side gigs can be a great way to generate extra cash if need additional income in your pocket. Depending on where you live, there will always be opportunities to make money on the side. You can earn extra cash without committing to anything significant with just a little effort, planning, and a few hours of your time.