Best Side Hustles For Students in The UK 2024- Side Jobs For Uni Students

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In today's digital age, students have incredible opportunities to earn extra income through online student side hustles. Whether you're looking to save for future expenses, pay off student loans, or simply have some extra spending money, side hustles can be a game-changer. In this article, we'll explore the 12 best side hustles for students in 2024. From tutoring to affiliate marketing, we'll cover a wide range of options to suit different skills and interests.

We will also take a look at how to balance your side hustle with your studies so that you can earn money whilst getting the best grades. By choosing a student side hustle idea that is right for you, it is possible to make a lucrative income whilst enjoying the university experience. Let’s dive in!

12 Best Side Hustles For Students UK 2024

Here is a complete list of the 12 best online student side hustles to consider in 2024. We have taken time to research the different options available to find side hustles that are free to start, require no prior experience, and remote side hustles that can be done from just about anywhere. If you have a spare hour or two in your day, why not give one of the following options a go?

1. Online Tutoring - Overall best side hustle for students in the UK

Online tutoring is a popular side job for uni students that pays very well. Tutors can earn up to £50 per hour in the UK depending on the subject they teach and the company that they choose to tutor with.

Online tutoring involves sharing your knowledge with students and getting paid to help others to improve their skills. You could tutor any type of student from primary schoolers to other university students. The most in-demand online tutoring jobs and GCSE and A-level tutors who can help students to ace their exams. Parents are willing to pay for the right person to help get their child’s grades up.

The easiest way to become an online tutor in the UK is to sign up to an agency such as Superprof or Tutorful. You will then need to create a profile, set your rates, and apply to tutoring jobs. The best online tutoring platforms will match you directly with students which makes it easy to start earning extra cash.

The average online tutor receives £35 per hour which means that you could make £140 with just 4 hours per week! Online tutoring is one of the best weekend side hustles that can easily fit around your Uni timetable. Furthermore, tutoring is excellent experience for your CV.

2. Sell Your Study Notes - Easy Side Hustle for Students in The UK

Selling your notes is one of the best side hustles for students in the UK. If you're a diligent note-taker, why not turn your well-organized study notes into a source of income?

Websites like Stuvia and Studypool allow students to upload and sell their study materials to fellow students. It's a win-win situation, as you get paid for your hard work while helping others succeed.

Platforms accept a variety of student notes including essays, bullet points, mind maps and reports. You can even create your own revision resources and sell these to the platforms. You typically get paid per sheet and it is advised to submit notes in bulk to increase your chances of getting accepted.

I personally used this side hustle when I was studying at Uni in 2020. I made around £7.50 for 3 A4 sheets of notes. If you are someone who meticulously takes notes for every lecture, you could be sitting on a lot of extra cash!

3. Create a YouTube Channel About Your Course - High Paying Student Side Hustle Idea

One of the best passive side hustle ideas for students in the UK is creating YouTube content. In particular, students could make extra cash by creating educational YouTube videos about course content, to help future university goers.

Successful YouTube videos can bring in money for years, as long as people continue to watch them. The key is to create content that won’t go out of date and could still be used by other University students 10 years down the line.

YouTube videos can be monetized through ad revenue, affiliate links, and sponsorship. To be able to earn money from making YouTube videos, you will need to have high engagement rates which can be achieved by posting high-quality content consistently. If you don’t want your classmates to find your channel, consider creating a faceless YouTube channel using voiceovers and animation. In 2024, it is very possible to make money on YouTube without showing your face.

It will take time for your YouTube channel to start bringing in revenue, so it is a good idea to try another student side hustle whilst you build up your YouTube career. According to Quora, it takes an average of 6 months to grow to 5k subscribers but only if you post at least 3 times per week.

Growing a YouTube channel is not easy work but it can be VERY profitable. This is because YouTube videos can bring in money for years to come which means that one successful video could keep earning you money for the next 10 years.

4. Sell Digital Revision Guides on Etsy - Best Online Side Hustles for Students in The UK

Etsy is not just for handmade crafts; it's also a platform where you can sell digital products passively. If you're skilled at creating comprehensive revision guides, study planners, or flashcards, you can create and sell them to other students on Etsy. Revision guides sell for an average of £5 on the platform and it is very achievable to sell hundreds of guides each month.

You can use tools such as Canva to create aesthetic revision resources for free. To be a successful Etsy seller, make sure to price your products competitively and focus on quality over quantity. A good place to start is to use the free templates that are available on Canva and personalize them to be specific to your niche.

Selling digital revision guides can easily become one of the best side hustles for students in the UK if you follow the right process and create high-quality products that are in demand. Try out this side hustle idea today by setting up your own Etsy shop for free.

Also read: Best digital products to sell on Etsy.

5. Freelance writing - Flexible student side hustle idea for UK uni students

Freelance writing is a great way to make extra cash as a uni student. You could take your laptop to Starbucks and earn £30 whilst drinking a latte or make money between lectures in the library. Freelance writing involves writing content for blogs, social media posts, reports, web pages, and any other type of digital media. The average beginner freelance writer in the UK earns around £35 per 1000 words, which can easily be written in 1 hour.

As a university student in the UK, you probably already have the skills that are required to be a freelance writer. Most platforms ask for native English speakers who are able to confidently write articles that are between 500 and 2500 words. If you’ve ever written an essay, this is totally achievable!

To become a freelance writer you can reach out to websites directly (look for ‘write for us’ sections), create a profile on freelance marketplaces such as Upwork or join a writing mill such as Copify. Writing mills usually pay lower rates but can provide a steady stream of work. On the other hand, freelance marketplaces and apply directly to websites can lead to higher paying jobs that require more effort to find.

Freelance writing was the first (successful) side hustle that I tried. After just 6 months, I was making £2000 per month as a Uni student. I used a great platform called Contena to improve my skills and find high-paying writing opportunities.

Also read: The best freelance jobs for students in the UK

6. Print on Demand - Great Student Side Hustle Idea for Creative Students

Print on demand is an ecommerce business model that allows you to design and sell your own products without worrying about shipping or inventory. This makes print on demand the perfect side hustle idea for creative students with an entrepreneurial spirit. Print on demand is also one of the best free side hustles with no start-up costs.

Read: How to start a print on demand business

You can design and sell anything from graphic t-shirts to tote bags and make passive income doing so. The best way to start is to sign up for a print-on-demand platform such as Printful. Print-on-demand platforms will take care of shipping and inventory every time an order is placed through your storefront. All you have to do is design the products and run the e-commerce store.

It is very possible to make £1000 per month passively with print-on-demand as a uni student. This would involve creating designs for T-shirts (or any products of your choice), listing your T-shirts for £10 each and selling 100 of them. The best way to increase sales is to advertise your products on Pinterest or TikTok.

7. Re-selling Clothes on Depop - Easiest Way to Make Extra Money as A University Student

This side hustle is by far one of the easiest side hustle ideas for students in the UK. Depop is a second-hand clothing marketplace that allows anyone to sell their unworn clothes for cash. It is surprising how much you can make for a few old hoodies, jeans and dresses!

If you enjoy shopping, you could turn your Depop account into your own small business by reselling items from second-hand and vintage shops. Thrifted clothing is very popular on the Depop marketplace and sellers can make profits by selling items that they find for more than they originally paid for them.

To be successful on Depop, take high-quality photos, use accurate item descriptions, and price competitively.

Read: How to sell clothes on Depop

8. User-Generated Content (UGC) - Best Social Media Side Hustles for Students

User Generated Content (UGC) allows regular social media users to make earn money from content without having millions of followers. UGC creators are everyday people who make promotional content for brands. Creators get paid an average of £150 per piece of content, which could be a TikTok video, Instagram post or even a YouTube video.

UGC is a very new marketing strategy that has become increasingly popular with brands. Because UGC is still fairly new, it is possible for anyone to break into the industry and start making good money by creating social media content.

Read: How to become a UGC creator

UGC creation is a good student side hustle idea because it offers flexibility and a high hourly rate. The side hustle also comes with perks such as receiving free products and working with some of your favorite brands.

If your goal is to go into marketing, business, content creation or social media, UGC creation is also a great job to add to your CV. UGC creators make relatable content that is used by brands on their social media pages as part of a wider marketing campaign.

10. Proofreading - Simple Student Side Hustle Idea in The UK

This is an easy side hustle that most students can pick up to make extra cash. Proofreading services are required by companies and individuals to make sure that content is error-free before publishing. If you have good knowledge of spelling and grammar and a few hours to spare, you could make money by offering your own proofreading services to those who need it.

You can find proofreading jobs on freelance marketplaces such as UpWork. The average proofreader charges between $10 and $40 per 1000 words and can usually complete this in an hour.

By working on a freelance basis, it is possible to complete proofreading tasks at any time that suits you. This could be in between lectures or in the evenings after uni. It is also possible to use tools such as Garmmarly to make the process easier and increase the number of tasks that you can complete each month.

11. Sell eBooks through KDP - Innovative Side Hustle for UK Students

Selling eBooks online is one of the most under-rated student side hustles in the UK that has huge earning potential if you follow the right process.

Amazon KDP is a self-publishing platform that allows anyone to sell their own eBooks online. You could use the platform to make passive income by creating your own digital books to sell to customers.

You don’t have to be a writer to publish a book! You could use a ghostwriter to write the content for you or you could sell zero-content books such as guides, journals or notebooks that don’t require any writing skills to create. Coloring books are also a popular category that don’t include any writing.

Read: How to sell ebooks on Amazon without writing

The average eBook on Amazon sells for £5.99 and there are no fees charged for listing books on the platform. The most successful KDP sellers publish multiple books on their Amazon stores to increase earnings. It may take several weeks for the platform to recognise your new eBook and start pushing it in search results. Amazon KDP sellers have to be patient and trust the process.

Read: 10 profitable eBook ideas

12. TikTok Affiliate Marketing - Good Way To Make Extra Money As a Student on Social Media

TikTok affiliate marketing is an excellent side hustle for students in the UK who enjoy creating and posting content online. TikTok has become a powerhouse in the social media landscape, offering opportunities for creative individuals to monetize their content. By partnering with brands and promoting their products or services through affiliate marketing, you can earn a commission for each sale or referral you generate. It's a dynamic and engaging way to make money while showcasing your personality and creativity.

You don’t need to have millions of followers to earn money with affiliate links on TikTok. You can sign up to affiliate programs such as ShareASale and get your own affiliate links with zero follows. The great thing about TikTok is that any video can be seen by thousands of consumers, no matter how many followers the account has.

TikTok is certainly one of the best side hustle ideas for students, especially if you are talented at content creation. Thousands of new users are able to quickly monetize their content within months of signing up to the platform.

Also read: How to make money on TikTok

How To Make Money as a Student in the UK

There are many ways to make money as a student in the UK including working part time, starting an online side hustle, building a passive income stream and selling your study notes.

As a student, it is important to find a way to make money that fits around your timetable without interfering with your grades. Passive income is the best way to make money as a student however, it can take a while to build up enough passive income to feel financially comfortable. Ideally, students should look for a side hustle or small job that is flexible and can be done online.

Students can also make money by applying to grants and loans. It is a good idea to ask your university student services about the different financial help that is offered by your institution.

As we have mentioned, there are many ways to make money as a student in the UK. Here are a few options.

Passive Income Streams for Students

Passive income streams allow you to earn money with minimal ongoing effort. For students, this can be a great way to generate income while focusing on studies. Examples of passive income streams include affiliate marketing, creating and selling digital products, investing in stocks or real estate, and generating ad revenue from a blog or YouTube channel.

Many of the best passive side hustles can be started by students. Passive income is built gradually over time and typically requires an initial investment of either money or effort. For example, you could invest £50k into a dividend portfolio with an annual return of 10% and receive £5000 per year passively. Or, you could invest 100 hours of time into KDP and create a small business that will bring you income every month without lifting a finger.

It is important to understand that passive income is not a get rich quick scheme. You will need to be strategic and consistent to be successful.

Online Student Side Hustles

The second best way to make money as a student is to start an online side hustle. We have discussed the best online student side hustles above.

This is a great option for all students and there are plenty of different opportunities to explore. The trick is to find an online side hustles that matches your existing skills or talents to minimize the amount of learning and training time required.

TaskRabbit for Students

TaskRabbit is a platform that connects individuals with various tasks to be done with people who can complete them. As a student, you can offer services such as running errands, assembling furniture, pet sitting, or house cleaning. It's a flexible way to make money by utilizing your skills and helping others in your community.

Side Jobs for Uni Students

The final way to make money as a student is the most well-known. While online side hustles offer flexibility, some students prefer traditional part-time jobs. Retail, hospitality, tutoring in person, or working as a campus ambassador are common options. These jobs provide the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop transferable skills, and earn a steady income.

Part time jobs are often easier to start than online side hustles and provide a social element that is often missed by students who make money online.

How To Balance Your Side Hustle with Studying As A Student

Starting an online side hustle is a great way to make money for students. However, it is important not to let your new source of income get in the way of your grades. Afterall, you’re at university to get a degree! Here are a few tips for balancing your side hustle and your studies.

• Wake up Early! Starting your day early gives you dedicated time to focus on your side hustle before classes and other commitments. By waking up a few hours earlier than usual, you can work on your side hustle without sacrificing study time.

• Create a Reasonable Routine. Establishing a structured routine helps you manage your time effectively. Set specific hours for studying, attending classes, and working on your side hustle. This way, you can allocate time for each task and avoid becoming overwhelmed or neglecting important responsibilities.

• Set Achievable Expectations. It's crucial to set realistic expectations for your side hustle. Understand your limitations as a student and don't overcommit yourself. Establish attainable goals and prioritize tasks accordingly. This will prevent burnout and ensure a healthy balance between your studies and side hustle.

• Do Your Uni Work First and Side Hustle Second. Prioritize your academic commitments by completing your university work before dedicating time to your side hustle. By staying on top of your coursework and assignments, you can avoid unnecessary stress and maintain a good academic standing.

• Use Your Weekends. Weekends provide valuable time for focusing on your side hustle. Plan your tasks in advance and use weekends to catch up on work, brainstorm ideas, and dedicate uninterrupted time to your side hustle. By utilizing your weekends effectively, you can make significant progress and maintain a healthy work-life balance during the week.

The best side hustles for students in the UK are side hustles that can be easily fitted around a timetable. Look for side hustle ideas that are flexible and require minimal time to maintain.

How To Start A Side Hustle With No Money UK

The typical UK student won’t have heaps of cash to start a side hustle. Luckily, it is possible to start a side hustle with no money in the UK. Starting a side hustle with no money in the UK is entirely possible with the right approach. One of the best zero-cost side hustles to consider is Pinterest affiliate marketing which involves earning a commission by promoting products through Pinterest pins. This side hustle idea requires no start up costs and can be very lucrative over time.

Here are a few tips for finding other side hustles that can be started with no money:

Utilize existing skills

Identify skills you already possess, such as writing, graphic design, or coding. Offer your services on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, where you can find clients willing to pay for your expertise.

Tap into the sharing economy

Platforms like Airbnb, Rover, or TaskRabbit allow you to earn money by renting out a spare room, offering pet sitting services, or completing various tasks for others. It costs nothing to start pet sitting or mowing people’s lawns for some extra cash.

Start a blog or vlog

Launching a blog or YouTube channel requires minimal investment. Share your knowledge, experiences, or passions and monetize your platform through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Turn your hobby into income

The best way to start a side hustle with no money is to make use of resources that you already have. If you have a hobby or interest that could be turned into a side hustle, use this. It is likely that you already have everything you need which means that you won’t need to buy anything for your side hustle.

Also read: How to make money on YouTube without showing your face.

How To Find The Best Student Side Hustles?

Finding online side hustles for students can be done through various avenues. Here are some effective methods:

Upwork

Upwork is a popular freelance platform that connects freelancers with clients from all over the world. Create a profile highlighting your skills, browse job postings, and submit proposals to find online side hustle opportunities that match your expertise.

Fiverr

Fiverr is another freelance platform where you can offer your services in various categories, including writing, graphic design, digital marketing, and more. Set up a gig describing your offerings, and potential clients can hire you directly.

LinkedIn

Utilize LinkedIn to showcase your skills and network with professionals in your desired field. Connect with potential clients or employers, join relevant groups, and keep an eye out for job postings or freelance opportunities shared on the platform

Best Online Side Hustles For Students 2024 - Conclusion

In conclusion, the digital landscape provides students with a plethora of online side hustles for students in 2024. From online tutoring and selling study notes to YouTube channels and affiliate marketing, the options are vast. However, it's essential to choose a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and available time. Remember to prioritize your academic commitments and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're looking for extra income or a chance to develop valuable skills, the best online side hustle for you is out there.

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