College can be one of the most fulfilling, eye-opening, and fun times of your life! But, not if you’re stressed out about how to pay next month’s rent. If that’s the boat you find yourself in, you’re not alone! Studies show that 53% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennials have a side gig that gives them more financial freedom. The key is to find something that will feel like a positive addition to your lifestyle!
In this article, we’re going to talk about 10 reliable side hustles for young people so that you can start enjoying yourself like a college student should!
Tutoring
Tutoring is a fast way to earn extra income by doing something that comes easily to you. All you have to do is find the right platform, such as Wyzant, Chegg, or Preply and get connected with students who need help in a subject you excel at. Here are a few tips for finding the best tutoring gig:
- Choose your platform carefully. The websites we’ve mentioned here allow you to set your own rate and hours, which can give you flexibility with your own busy schedule
- You’ll have to learn how to explain your subject. If a certain subject comes naturally to you, you’ll need to spend time learning how to teach it to someone who is struggling. The good news is, that this is an amazing social skill-building opportunity and will deepen your own understanding of the subject material.
Freelance Writing
If you have a knack for the written word, freelance writing is an excellent side gig during college. And there are so many different avenues to explore! Freelance writers can pursue projects in website content writing, social media copywriting, editing, reviews, proofreading, and even ghostwriting.
Another benefit is that you’ll be able to choose a field that interests you, whether it’s law, technology, travel, engineering, or something that you’ve always wanted to learn more about. If you’re able to find jobs within your niche, you’ll graduate with writing projects to put on your resume!
Here’s how to get started:
- Look for writing jobs on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer
- Tailor your writing pitches to the project you’re applying for
- Learn more about SEO techniques to make your writing more marketable
- Be open to feedback!
Virtual Assistance Services
With everything that can be done online these days, it’s no wonder that VA jobs are some of the most in-demand side hustles for college students.
What we love about this option is that you can find someone in need of a virtual assistant in any sector you can think of. Whether you want to get your foot in the door in the art world, publishing, public relations, fashion, the medical field, or social work, you can find a relevant VA job that will help you become more familiar with this area. Once you’ve got your diploma, you’ll know the ins and outs of how your chosen field operates!
Not sure where to find VA jobs? Luckily, there are a few platforms, such as Upwork and Fancy Hands that can put you in touch with businesses and individuals looking for a virtual assistant. Or, you can check on LinkedIn or even try cold-emailing businesses in your chosen field to ask whether they are seeking VAs.
Reselling Used Items
On the one hand, if you have a bunch of items in your home that you’re not using or no longer need, reselling them is a quick way to make some money.
But, let’s say you want something more sustainable than that. Then, you might be interested in becoming a professional thrifter. These folks have the patience and passion to sift through racks and shelves and online publications of second-hand clothes, books, furniture, and whatever else they think is valuable. Then, they buy it, spruce it up if needed, and resell it at a higher price on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark.
This will, of course, require you to invest upfront. And, you’ll have to factor in the time and effort that goes into posting your finds, talking with potential buyers, and arranging shipping or meet-ups. But, if thrifting is something you like and you have an eye for things that people want to buy, this will be an enjoyable side gig for you—just make sure you can part with the things you buy to resell!
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
Studies show that even brief interactions with dogs and cats can reduce cortisol in college students. So, we really couldn’t think of a better option for a college-side gig than dog walking and pet sitting!
Here are a few ways to make the most of this stress-reducing side hustle:
- Get started on a reputable platform like Wag! or Rover
- Brush up on basic animal behavior
- If possible, prioritize existing clients over new ones. This will allow you to build rapport with certain pets to make sitting more predictable
- Make sure that you’re able to focus 100% on the pet you’re walking or sitting. Being a good dog walker or pet sitter means not being distracted by your phone or other work, engaging with the pet, and in some cases, sending updates to the owner.
Participating in Online Surveys and Focus Groups
It may seem too good to be true, but there are people willing to pay you for nothing more than your time or opinions! Take a look at some of the more common participant-based activities available:
- Academic studies. Your campus or nearby campuses likely have research studies that need participant involvement! That might mean spending a couple of hours doing seemingly random activities like puzzles or reciting the alphabet while listening to music. Every research study is designed differently, so you may not always know what the research study is trying to find out. But, you will walk away with some extra cash.
- Focus groups. Whether it’s for a political campaign, company, or research purposes, focus groups are another way that you can be paid for your time. Make sure that you show up ready to speak up and share your opinions in a group setting!
- Online surveys. Online surveys are popular with researchers as well as market researchers for companies. These tend to pay less than in-person research studies or focus groups, but you can complete them from the comfort of your home.
Food Delivery Services
If you have a reliable car, a smartphone, and some extra time, being a food delivery person is a sure way to put some money in your pocket. There are many different platforms out there for you to try, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, so take some time to learn more about what delivery service is most popular in your area. Then, all you have to do is make a profile and get started!
Selling Handmade Crafts and Designs Online
Do you have a creative hobby that you use to wind down when you’re not studying? Well, you could be getting money from it!
Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Printify allow you to sell items such as knitwear, crocheted items, artwork, jewelry, and custom designs to people all over the country. Or, if you’re looking for something more local, consider selling your work at craft fairs or farmer's markets!
Creating pattern designs for other people in your hobby is another smart way to make money from your craft. Whether you publish crochet patterns on Ravelry or Etsy or submit your designs to knitting or sewing magazines, you’ll set yourself up for a passive income stream that will support you over time!
Rideshare Driving
Another way that you can put your car and your driving skills to good use is to become a rideshare driver for Lyft or Uber. Take a look on forums like Reddit to see what platforms are currently most popular for drivers in your area.
One of the great things about offering rideshare services is that you’ll get the chance to work on your people skills! Use this time to get better at being outgoing, asking people about their day, and creating a calming driving experience. As long as you’re able to keep the atmosphere pleasant, the time will fly by.
Keep in mind that most rideshare apps have some restrictions about age, your driving skills, and the condition of your car. You’ll need to meet these requirements in order to create and maintain a profile.
Blogging and Vlogging
Maybe you have an inner monologue that needs an outlet! If you’re able to find the right platform, you could just start making money off of your unique voice!
For one thing, blogging about something you’re passionate about, either by creating your own website, sending out a newsletter, or writing for a publication, can be a great way to build your writing portfolio and make money. Your blog can talk about anything that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about, whether that’s health, fitness, cooking, science, crafting, and more.
Or, you might find that you’re most comfortable behind a camera, and can reach an audience on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. One of the most successful ways to make money vlogging is to create tutorials that people with the same interests as you will benefit from. So, think about what you’re talented at, whether it’s makeup, painting, or dog training, and then start making videos showcasing how you do what you do!
If you’re able to build a substantial following through your online presence, you may start to gain financially through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. We do want to point out that blogging and vlogging are not usually an overnight money-making endeavor. You have to be passionate, consistent, and open to honing your skills in order to beat out the competition and start making money.
Conclusion
Picking up a side hustle during college has a number of benefits. The most obvious, of course, is financial. Taking on a part-time money-generating activity is a sure way to feel more financially independent. It will also leave you with a leg to stand on once you graduate. After all, an estimated 69% of recent grads rely on gig work to supplement their income. So, if you already have something you’ve been working on, it will give you a buffer while you look for a job in your career field.
But, there are other benefits, as well! Learning how to turn your hobbies or personal strengths into income is a valuable skill that will carry on into your life after college. If you play your cards right, you might even be able to use your college side hustle to make important connections with people in your dream field—or at least learn from people you look up to!
Finally, taking on a side gig during college will challenge you to become better at time management. If you can juggle classes, a social life, healthy activities, and your money-making extracurriculars, you’ll leave college absolutely ready for the “real world!”
So, what college side hustle will you choose?