10 Best Freelance Jobs for Students in the UK 2024

Last updated: 27/02/2024 Written by: Ruby Layram

If you’re a student who is tired of waiting tables, serving customers in coffee shops or stacking the shelves at a supermarket, freelancing could be a great side job to consider. Not only does freelancing allow you to work around your lifestyle but it is also a great way to build up experience in the industry that you want to work in after uni.

In this guide, we will take a look at the 10 best freelance jobs for students that you can start whilst studying at university in the UK in 2024.

Also read: The best side hustles for students in the UK

Why Is Freelancing The Perfect Job For Students

I started my freelance writing career in my first year of university and never looked back. For me, working as a freelancer came with numerous benefits that made it a great replacement for traditional part-time student work.

Here are some of the reasons why freelancing is a good option for students.

Freelancing offers competitive rates

First and foremost, freelancing offers much higher hourly rates than traditional part-time work which makes it an appealing option for university students. After around 12 months of freelancing, I was earning around £50 per hour which was over 5x what I was previously making as a waitress.

Higher rates mean that it is possible to earn a steady side income without working 20+ hours a week! As a freelancer, you could easily earn £1000 per month by working 10 hours a week at a side hustle that brings in £25 per hour.

Also read: How to make money in 1 hour

Gain valuable work experience and improve your CV

Working as a freelancer can be a valuable opportunity for university students to gain practical experience and enhance their CVs. By freelancing, students can apply their classroom knowledge to real-world projects, honing their skills and expanding their expertise in their field of study.

This hands-on experience not only allows them to develop a deeper understanding of their industry but also helps them build a portfolio of work that showcases their capabilities to potential employers. Freelancing at university will also help you to stand out from other students who may not have the same industry experience as you do.

Work around your schedule (you don’t have to give up your social life!)

Freelancing presents a unique opportunity for university students by providing them with flexibility in their work schedules. This flexibility allows students to choose when and where they work, making it easier to balance their academic commitments with earning money.

By being able to set their own hours, students can take on freelance projects during times that work best for them without sacrificing their social life. This independence enables students to pursue their passions, gain valuable work experience, and earn income while still having time to socialize and engage in extracurricular activities.

Also read: The best remote side hustles that allow you to work from anywhere in the world

Gain industry connections that could lead to further opportunities

Freelancing offers a unique opportunity for students to establish valuable industry connections that can significantly enhance their job prospects post-graduation.

By working on freelance projects, students can network with various professionals and potential clients within their field of interest. These connections can lead to collaborations, referrals, and even job offers in the future.

Additionally, freelancing allows students to showcase their skills and expand their portfolios, making them more attractive to potential employers. Through these experiences, students can gain valuable insights into the industry, build relationships with key players, and ultimately increase their chances of securing employment after university.

10 Best Freelance Jobs for Students

The best freelance jobs for students are online jobs that are free/low-cost to start and have a high demand. In the section below, we will take a look at 10 freelance job ideas for students in the UK 2024.

1. Freelance writing

Freelance writing is a great side hustle for university students because it requires many of the same skills that are needed to write academic essays. This includes the ability to conduct thorough research, communicate ideas effectively, and adhere to specific guidelines and deadlines.

By leveraging these existing skills, students can easily transition into freelance writing to earn extra income while also enhancing their writing capabilities outside of university. This flexibility allows students to manage their time effectively, taking on projects that align with their schedules and interests.

Ultimately, freelance writing offers a practical and rewarding way for university students to use their essay writing skills to earn extra cash.

The best way to start freelance writing is to create a profile on Upwork and apply to as many jobs as possible. Make sure to collect client reviews and build a portfolio to attract more clients as you go.

2. Freelance social media management

Freelance social media management presents a lucrative side hustle opportunity for university students looking to leverage their digital skills and earn extra income. One of the primary reasons why this gig is ideal for students is the high demand for social media expertise in today's digital-centric world. Businesses of all sizes increasingly recognize the importance of maintaining a strong online presence to engage with their target audience effectively.

For students who are social media-savvy and spend considerable time navigating various platforms, freelance social media management allows them to capitalize on their knowledge. By offering their services to businesses seeking to enhance their online branding and reach, students can provide valuable assistance to less knowledgeable entrepreneurs. This support can range from creating engaging content, devising effective posting schedules, to implementing growth strategies that boost online visibility and engagement.

Furthermore, working as a freelance social media manager is a relatively fun side hustle idea. You can literally make money from your phone and get paid to use social media.

To start your own freelance social media management business, create a social media account to showcase your skills and apply to jobs on platforms such as Upwork or PeoplePerHour.

3. Freelance proofreader

Freelance proof reading is another great freelance side hustle idea for students in the UK. Firstly, most students are familiar with academic writing standards and styles gained through their coursework equips them with the necessary skills to effectively review and edit various types of documents.

Additionally, students are often detail-oriented and possess strong language skills, making them adept at spotting errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Most freelance proofreading jobs are fairly short and can be easily fitted around a student timetable. The best way to start is to sign up to platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer or ProofReadingServices.com.

4. Freelance UGC creator

In the digital age, User-Generated Content (UGC) creators have emerged as influential figures in the online realm. UGC creators are individuals who produce promotional content on behalf of brands that is used as part of a wider digital marketing campaign. This type of marketing is popular on TikTok but is also found on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

In the UK, the average UGC creator charges £150 per piece of content which makes it a very lucrative student side hustle to consider. Furthermore, the aim of UGC is to create relatable, amateur content which means that you do not need to be a content creation professional to get started. A lot of user-generated content is shot on mobile phones and edited with simple tools.

The rise of social media and digital platforms has led to an increasing demand for authentic and engaging content, making UGC creation a lucrative field. Brands are constantly looking for influencers and content creators to promote their products and services, offering students valuable opportunities to collaborate and monetize their content.

Unlike traditional social media influencing, UGC creation has a low barrier to entry. You do not need to have a big following to get started and students can start creating content with just a smartphone and a reliable internet connection, making it accessible to beginners.

The best way to start earning money as a freelance UGC creator is to sign up to a UGC creator agency and build a portfolio.

5. Freelance translation

Freelance translation is one of the easiest student freelance side hustles (if you are fluent in multiple languages). Freelance translation involves providing translation services for clients on an ad-hoc basis. As a freelance translator, you are responsible for accurately translating written content from one language to another while maintaining the original meaning and context.

To get started in freelance translation, it is essential to be fluent in at least two languages and have a deep understanding of the cultural nuances of both languages. Building a portfolio of your work, obtaining relevant certifications or qualifications, and networking within the industry can help you establish yourself as a freelance translator. Utilizing online freelance platforms, reaching out to translation agencies, or marketing your services independently can also help you find clients and kickstart your freelance translation career.

6. TikTok video editor

Freelance TikTok editing has surged in demand in 2024 due to the platform's exponential growth as a marketing tool for brands and individuals alike. TikTok's algorithm favors engaging and well-edited content, making skilled editors crucial for maximizing reach and impact.

Freelance TikTok editing involves entails creating captivating and concise videos tailored to engage viewers within a short span of time. This includes cutting footage, adding effects, transitions, text overlays, and selecting suitable music to enhance the overall appeal of the content. Editors must have a keen eye for trends, be proficient in editing software, and understand the nuances of TikTok's audience to craft shareable videos.

Students interested in pursuing freelance TikTok editing can begin by familiarizing themselves with popular editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even TikTok's built-in editing tools. They can practice by creating their own content, experimenting with different editing techniques, and staying updated on TikTok trends.

To kickstart your freelance journey, try offering your editing services to editing services to local businesses, or online platforms to build a portfolio. Networking with content creators or agencies on social media and freelancing websites can also help you to land your first editing gig and gain valuable experience in the field.

Also read: How to make money by watching TikTok videos in 2024

7. Freelance online tutoring

Online tutoring is an ideal side hustle for university students for several reasons.

Firstly, freelance tutoring allows students to enhance their CV by teaching subjects that align with their career aspirations, thereby showcasing their expertise and passion in a particular field. This experience not only demonstrates their knowledge but also highlights their communication and teaching skills to potential employers.

Secondly, online tutoring in the UK offers competitive hourly rates, providing students with a lucrative opportunity to earn extra income while honing their expertise.

Lastly, becoming an online tutor provides flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing students to balance work with their studies and personal commitments effectively.

Online tutors teach younger students through video conferencing tools. Most tutors are hired to improve the students’ proficiency in a subject or to prepare for exams. You do not have to be a qualified teacher to become a freelance tutor in the UK however, it helps to have good presentation skills and the ability to breakdown complex topics into simpler terms.

The best places to find jobs are online tutoring platforms such as Tutorful or SuperProf.

8. Freelance virtual assistant

A freelance virtual assistant is an individual who provides administrative, creative, technical, or personal support to clients remotely. This type of freelance work is especially well-suited for students due to its relative simplicity and beginner-friendly nature.

As freelancers, virtual assistants have the flexibility to set their own schedules, making it easier to balance work with academic obligations.

Moreover, the demand for virtual assistants is high, offering a wide array of job opportunities that can lead to consistent work. For students looking to gain valuable work experience, earn income, and enhance their organizational and communication skills, becoming a freelance virtual assistant can be a rewarding and practical choice.

9. Freelance web development

A freelance web developer is a professional who designs, creates, and maintains websites for clients on a project basis. These individuals possess strong coding skills, an eye for design, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients to deliver a website that meets their needs.

For tech students in the UK, pursuing freelance web development as a side hustle is a lucrative idea for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting, gaining real-world experience that can boost your resume.

Moreover, the demand for web developers is high, providing a steady stream of projects to work on and the potential to build a strong professional network in the industry.

The best places to find freelance web development roles are platforms such as Webflow and Upwork.

10. Freelance AI expert

Working as a freelance AI expert is a relatively new freelance niche that has taken off in 2024 thanks to the rise of platforms such as ChatGPT. AI experts use their knowledge of AI tools to provide businesses with a range of freelance services such as content writing, content editing, virtual assistance and graphic design.

Freelance AI experts use AI tools to deliver work quickly without compromising on quality. The goal is to be able to use AI to streamline processes so that tasks can be completed sooner.

By advertising yourself as an AI expert on freelance platforms, you can attract clients that have tight deadlines and want to avoid human error. The most successful freelance AI experts are able to complete tasks with AI whilst maintaining the ‘humanity’ of the content that they deliver. This requires good editing skills.

Final Thoughts

Starting a freelance business is a great way to make extra money as a student in the UK without having to give up your social life! In this guide, we have explored the 10 best freelance jobs for students that you can start without any experience in 2024.

Before you gets started, make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest UK guidelines about side hustle tax. If you earn over £1000 as a freelancer, you may need to register yourself as a sole trader or limited company.

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