With books to buy, nights out to enjoy and bellies to fill with healthy food, it can be tough to make your student budget stretch. That’s where so-called “side hustling” comes in – you can earn small amounts of cash to top up your budget by completing various tasks. This gives you a little bit more money per month to play with, and will hopefully help ease some of the stress of being on a student budget.
Online Surveys and Market Research
One of the easiest ways to earn a bit of extra cash is through online surveys and market research. Websites like Prolific, YouGov, and Swagbucks pay users to share their opinions. Unlike many other survey sites, Prolific is highly regarded for offering fair pay and academic research studies, making it a great choice for students.
- Pros: No investment required, flexible schedule, simple to do.
- Cons: Earnings can be low, some surveys may not be available often.
Selling Old Clothes and Items
If you have clothes, books, or gadgets you no longer use, selling them online is an easy way to make money. Apps like Vinted, Depop, and eBay make it simple to list your items, set prices, and get paid securely.
- Pros: Clears up space, no upfront costs, easy to start.
- Cons: Can take time to find buyers, may need to package and ship items.
User Testing
Companies are always looking for feedback on their websites and apps, and they’ll pay you to test them! Platforms like UserTesting and TryMyUI let you earn around £5-£10 per test by simply reviewing a website while recording your screen and voice.
- Pros: Quick tasks, good pay per test, no special skills needed.
- Cons: Tests can be inconsistent; requires a quiet place to record.
Tutoring or Homework Help
If you excel in a subject, why not help others while getting paid? Websites like Superprof, MyTutor, and Studypool allow you to tutor students online in subjects you’re good at. You can also help younger students with homework or revision – an ideal example of side hustles for students.
- Pros: Flexible hours, can earn £10-£30 per hour, rewarding work.
- Cons: May need to apply or prove qualifications, can be competitive.
Cashback Apps and Free Money Offers
Cashback apps like TopCashback and Quidco give you money back when you shop online. You can also look out for free sign-up offers from banks, apps, and services like Revolut or Monzo, which often give new users £5-£20 just for opening an account. This is one of the easiest ever side hustles for students.
- Pros: No risk, passive savings, easy to use.
- Cons: Requires spending to earn cashback, may take time for payments to process.
Freelancing Small Gigs
If you have skills in writing, graphic design, video editing, or social media management, freelancing can be a great option. Websites like Fiverr and PeoplePerHour let you offer small services to clients worldwide – while this is one of the side hustles for students that requires a bit more work, it can be very rewarding. Just ensure you put your studying first!
- Pros: Can set your own rates, work from anywhere, good for building experience.
- Cons: Takes time to build a reputation, competition can be high.
With these side hustles for students, you’ll be able to relax a little without worrying about having enough for your regular outgoings – meaning it’s easier to focus on your studies and succeed in your academic career. Why not give them a go?
Image credit: Mirza Babic
