Side hustles for students: the best part-time jobs and ways to make money online
Ever wondered how to make your student loan stretch further? Introducing…the side hustle. Move over, regimented jobs and overdemanding bosses – it's all about making money on your own terms.
Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to earn extra cash without leaving the comfort of your home. And, here at Yugo, we’ve done the hard work for you – uncovering the most prolific side hustles on the market right now, and how to get involved.
So, if you’re looking to earn a little on the side (like 61% of Gen Z’s), what skills should you be investing in? Check out our top seven student side hustles below…
Seven genius ways to make money from home as a student
From proofreading to social media management, there’s a growing demand for all sorts of online services – and as a student, you’re exactly the kind of digitally savvy person that many businesses are looking for.
And if you don’t fancy taking on a more structured and demanding role, you can still make money through simple means like selling unwanted items...
E-commerce (selling/reselling)
Platforms such as Vinted, eBay and Etsy make it easy for students to sell items, whether that’s old clothes or hand-made crafts. All it requires are a few clear photos, a phone and an internet connection to start earning.
With Vinted hosting over 105 million users across more than 20 different countries, it’s a great way to support the circular economy by giving pre-loved items a second life and reducing waste.
However, while the earning potential is there, factors including demand, price and competition will all affect how much you make. Time for a wardrobe clear-out?
Transcription services
Even with the rise in AI, human transcribers remain essential for accuracy, context and understanding complex language or industry-specific terms. Transcription work involves converting audio or video recordings into written text from interviews, podcasts and webinars – which can easily be done from the sofa (or from bed, if you’re feeling lazy).
The average hourly salary is £12.71 per hour, but if you’re a quick typist, or specialise in industry niche transcriptions, you may earn even more. All that experience typing during lectures is about to come in very handy…
Proofreading and editing
Similar to transcription services, copywriters are still in high demand due to their ability to grasp context, tone and the subtle nuances of language – something which AI often struggles with.
Proofreaders and editors may work across a large range of written formats – writing an academic text one day and a creative strapline the next. Hourly rates typically range from £15 to £20, with higher earnings usually associated with specialised skills or extensive experience. English Lit students…we’re looking at you here.
Virtual assistant
Feeling organised? Virtual assistants provide remote admin support to businesses, entrepreneurs and busy professionals, helping them manage emails, schedule appointments and handle customer service queries.
With flexible working hours and the ability to take on multiple clients, virtual assistants can earn between £12 and £25 per hour, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the tasks they undertake.
Data entry
Love an excel sheet? Data entry remains a popular student side hustle due to its straightforward nature – it simply involves inputting, updating and managing information in databases or spreadsheets.
And, while speed and accuracy are crucial, no specialised qualifications are typically required, making it one of the more accessible options for earning money online.
On average, data entry clerks can expect to earn between £10 and £15 per hour, with increases on offer to those who gain experience or specialise in specific industries.
Social media management
With businesses increasingly reliant on social media for marketing, engagement and brand awareness, social media managers are in high demand. This role involves creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments and messages, analysing engagement metrics and developing content strategies.
Those with a strong grasp of platforms like Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn can command hourly rates of £15 to £30, depending on experience and client needs. Ready to live out the influencer dream?
Graphic design
For those with a creative flair, graphic design can be a highly lucrative side hustle. From designing logos and social media graphics to producing marketing materials, the demand for high-quality visuals is ever-growing. And, platforms like Canva and Adobe Creative Suite make it easier than ever to get started, especially for beginners.
While entry-level designers may start at around £15 per hour, experienced professionals can earn upwards of £40 per hour – and have fun whilst doing it – perfect for those working on creative degrees looking to grow their portfolios!
Four part-time jobs for students that are in high demand
Making extra money via a side hustle has never been so easy – and for many students, will soon become the norm. But, not everyone wants to work from their bedroom. If that sounds like you, check out these side-job alternatives that will get you out of the house...
Pet sitting
Is there anything better than getting paid to play with animal friends? In the UK, the average price of pet sitters ranges from £6 to £20 per hour depending on the task. Expect a lower salary for simple roles like feeding cats while the owner is away, and higher prices for more intensive activities like dog walking or puppy sitting.
Au pair
Combining travel with childcare and housework, au pair jobs are on the rise. While the pay is admittedly much lower than other jobs at around £8.60 per hour, the host family usually provides pocket money, and often free accommodation and meals. Did someone say Au Pair summer?
Amazon warehouse worker
Searches for Amazon warehouse jobs are growing globally. Why, might you ask? Well, at just £11 per hour, they’re certainly not the best paid – but warehouse jobs are some of the easiest out there to get. You’ll simply need to complete an application, attend a pre-hire appointment and pass a few basic checks.
Festival steward
You don’t need us to tell you that working at a festival is a lot of fun. The hours are long, and you’ll be on your feet all day, but you’ll also gain valuable skills, whilst making friends and getting to enjoy your favourite live music – it’s one of the best summer jobs for students around.
Festival steward jobs typically pay around £13.85 per hour and tend to be advertised through specialist events companies.
Start that side hustle!
So, with the rise of flexible earning opportunities, and new tax reforms easing the admin burden, side hustles are becoming an increasingly viable way to supplement income. The only question that remains is: which student side hustle are you picking?
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