Sammie Ellard-King
I’m Sammie, a money expert and business owner passionate about helping you take control of your wallet. My mission with Up the Gains is to create a safe space to help improve your finances, cut your costs and make you feel good while doing it.
Quickfire Roundup:
Learning how to make money as a student sets you up for life. I’m a firm believer of that.
Funding a student lifestyle and juggling coursework can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.
Finding ways to make money as a student without impacting your studies and having some free time is important for most students.
As an ex university student myself, I’ve explored all the options available, including full and part-time work.
Fortunately for students today, there are some great online side hustles that can keep your bank balance well out of the red.
Being a student can be a wonderful time of your life. Learning new things and meeting new people can really open your eyes – but learning how to make money as a student is also important.
Funding is in place to help some students and there are plenty of student loans and bursaries to explore.
If you are considering earning extra cash while you study, here are some ways to make money as a student. I also have a great list of side hustles that can earn you some extra money while you learn.
Table of Contents
How To Make Money As A Student
Learning how to make money as a student is essential. You’re going to need it at some point.Â
Sure the bank of mum n dad or family members is fine once or twice, but most of us are going to need an income of some sort.
So get yourself out that mindset.
Uni life is expensive but what if I told you it was possible to still go out, make money and even save money too. You just need to think in a money mindset which is what we’re going to get ourselves into today.
Full-time jobs suck but they can suit students taking part-time courses or those carried out at the student’s own pace. Highly unlikely for most people but doable if you need to do it.
Part-time work allows full-time students to earn without compromising their study time. Taking positions during holidays is also a great idea, as this allows you to save for the months ahead.
Ways to make money as a student
I’ve learned through experience that being financially independent is a process of trial and error.Â
Luckily, there are several ways for students to make money – you just have to find what works for you.Â
With so many great options, you’ll be sure to find one to suit your needs.
1. Online paid surveys
Earning money online can be useful for students; it’s convenient and cuts extra expenses, like travel to and from the workplace.
Exploring sites that pay users to carry out different tasks can be a good way to earn extra money. Activities include completing online surveys, watching videos, and playing games – what’s not to like?
There are a range of paid online survey sites to ensure you can earn money as a student and you can carry out the tasks whenever you have spare time.
2. Freelance work
Committing to scheduled work hours can be challenging for students, as it eats into study time, so finding work to fit your schedule is important. It’s a balancing act, but absolutely possible!
Freelancing can be an excellent option in this situation. Freelance gigs allow you to pick up work as and when you need to earn.
Freelance work is available in a range of fields, including:
- Music
- Graphic design
- Content writing
- Computer programming
There is a selection of great platforms where people can list their expertise and get work, including PeoplePerHour and Fiverr.
You can also check online job boards which list freelance work and you can apply directly on most of them too!
3. Paid online searching
One thing I learnt as a student was that it’s possible to earn money or rewards for web searches, simply by installing different plugins or programmes.
Students typically spend a lot of time online – for research and entertainment.Â
Signing up for certain schemes like this lets you enjoy benefits for tasks you would carry out anyway.
4. Clickworker
Clickworking is another great way to earn money with no commitments to specific hours.
Projects posted on job boards can include:
- Data processing
- AI teaching
- Text creation
- Translation
With regular jobs being posted, you will be able to carry out work when it best suits you.
5. Blogging & affiliate marketing
Blogging and affiliate marketing can be great ways to enjoy passive income. You will need to put in the work to create quality content, though.
By creating a platform such as a blog, you will be able to earn money through advertising and sponsorship.Â
You can ensure your content reaches your desired audience by implementing strong SEO tactics. Having a solid social media presence will also help – that shouldn’t be a problem for students these days.
Affiliate marketing allows you to advertise and review products. You can then post a link that your audience to click through.Â
You would then be paid a commission on any sales generated from your link.
A blog or website can also help you sell online. Building a website and platform can help you make money in a number of ways.Â
But to learning how to make make a blog successful comes from SEO, content and strong marketing skills.
For more details, take a look at my guide on how to make money online for beginners.
6. Paid testing & reviewing
Affiliate marketing can be useful to earn cash from writing online reviews, but it relies on your audience clicking through to the site and completing a purchase.
Paid testing and reviewing allow you to earn money simply by posting your review.Â
You will have to have a good website or an impressive following for this kind of work.
Companies that pay students for testing and reviews may also require focus groups.Â
This is where a number of people are asked their opinion about a service or product to get a better idea of public opinion.
7. Mystery shopping
Mystery shopping can be an excellent way to make money. A mystery shopper reviews customer service in person, online, or by phone.
This allows the company to improve the quality of the service they provide based on the customer experience.
This can be carried out at your own pace and convenience. This is a suitable option that fits into most students’ lifestyles.
8. Driving
Students with a driving licence and suitable vehicle can look at driving work. There are a number of options available including taxi-type services and delivering food.
You will be able to deliver food for one restaurant or sign up for a scheme where you can deliver for a range of local restaurants.
Local taxi firms or exploring services like Uber can help you earn more money while you’re studying. It is a relatively flexible option that can allow you to work out with study hours.
9. Part-time job
Getting a part-time job is something many students do. There are lots of businesses that rely on part-time workers.Â
Finding one close to where you work or study should be relatively straightforward.
In some cases, on-campus jobs will become available in student unions, shops, or restaurants.
Your university careers service will be a good place to start. They might help you find a part-time position relevant to your studies.Â
This experience can be beneficial when your studies end and you are looking for work in a particular field.
10. Tutoring
A tutoring service can be a great way for a college student to start their own business.Â
More experienced college students can help those starting out with topics they have already covered.
Tutoring can also be an option for school students that have exams to consider.Â
Becoming a tutor can be a great way of making money and you will decide where and when the work should be carried out.
How to Find Side Hustles For Students
Side hustles can be a great option to earn money as a student without consuming your life. You will be able to work as and when you need the money.
There are lots of great sites where people search for freelance workers to carry out tasks such as graphic design or writing.
Some sites you can explore include:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- 99designs
- Toptal
- Guru
- PeoplePerHour
- Truelancer
- Freelancer
- Outsourcely
How To Make Money Online As A Student
Finding work online removes the need for job applications. You also don’t need to worry about the time and expense of commuting to a workplace.
Honestly, making money at uni is a life hack. If you can nail it now you’ll set yourself up for a prosperous career!
Another great benefit of working online is that it is typically flexible. This means you can fit your work around your studies and social life.
Tax Rules
Students will still have to pay tax on monthly earnings that exceed £1,042. Learn more about student tax and National Insurance for students by visiting the government website.
What can i sell as a student to make money?
Venturing into sales as a student can be an exciting way to make money. Each of the areas you’ve mentioned has unique advantages:
Retail Arbitrage: This involves buying products from retail stores at a discount and reselling them online at a higher price. It requires an initial investment and some research to identify profitable items, but platforms like Amazon and eBay make it accessible.
Digital Products: You could create and sell digital assets such as courses, templates, design work, or stock photos. Digital products have low overhead costs and can be sold repeatedly without replenishing stock.
Homemade Crafts: If you have a creative knack, selling homemade crafts can be fulfilling and profitable. Platforms like Etsy are ideal for reaching customers who appreciate handmade goods.
Selling on Vinted: This platform is perfect for selling pre-loved fashion. It’s user-friendly and specifically targets the clothing market, making it a suitable choice for wardrobe clear-outs.
Antiques: If you have an eye for valuable vintage items, buying and selling antiques can be lucrative. This might involve scouring thrift shops, estate sales, or auctions to find items that can be sold at a profit.
Essay Checking: Offering services as a proofreader or editor for essays can capitalise on academic skills. This service is in high demand during term times and can attract a steady stream of clients through word-of-mouth or student forums.
Online Course: Using your study materials re-package it up into an online course with your own spin on it. You could also create a course in something you’re super passionate about and sell that!
FAQS
Do students have to fill out a self-assessment tax return?
If you are a student that is self-employed, you will have to complete a self-assessment form.
This must be completed after the tax year ends (April 5th). If you have not filled out a self-assessment previously you must first register.
Visit the Government Self-Assessment website for further details.
What online jobs pay the most for students in 2023?
Freelance writing and programming can offer competitive rates. Tutoring online and in person can also be extremely lucrative.
How do I start earning online?
To make money from freelance online work, you will have to sign up for websites that businesses use to find workers.
Complete your profile and include a good picture. Your services will appear more appealing to prospective employees if you have a good profile.
After you carry out work, request reviews and references to show that you are reliable and can carry out work to a high standard.
Conclusion
There are lots of ways to make money as a student. Using some of the tips provided above will help you find ways to earn cash.Â
Exploring part-time work with local businesses can be a great idea. You could also contemplate becoming self-employed.
If you are self-employed you will be able to set your own hours and find work on various websites.Â
Visit my blog to learn more about starting your own business and see if there are suitable options for you.
Enjoying your student life should be a priority. Most people will only experience it once during their lives, so making sure you don’t have financial worries is essential.
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Disclaimer: Content on this page is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making a financially related decision.
