22 Best Online Side Hustles For College Students

Are you a college student who is struggling with the ever-increasing expenses? You don’t have sufficient time to do a full-time job? No worries, Here’s a list of the best online side hustles for college students.

If you are a college student facing the dual challenge of learning and earning, know that you are not alone. According to a Zapier survey conducted in 2022, a spike in the number of side hustlers was observed, and 59% of them were Gen Zers. Additionally, Gen Zers contributed a significant portion of their earnings through side hustles, totaling approximately $9537.

(Best online side hustles for college students)

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What Are Side Hustles?

Work that adults or students do in addition to their full-time jobs or studies to generate extra income is called a side hustle. Contrary to regular jobs, side hustles offer students a high level of flexibility.

P.S.: If you are not interested in knowing the perks of side hustles and the key factors to consider while choosing one, you may jump right to the section of Best Online Side Hustles For College Students.

The Perks of Doing Side Hustles

Following are the perks that students may enjoy with side hustles.

Reduced Financial Stress

A side hustle can provide students with an income stream, which reduces their reliance on parents, loans, or scholarships. 

 Practical Exposure

The students gain practical exposure and hands-on experience in the field.

Skill Development and building portfolio

Side hustles help students learn a variety of skills and build a good portfolio.

Networking Opportunities

Students get a chance to build a network of professional contacts. It leads to better connections and potential job opportunities after graduation.

Time Management

Managing your side-earning along with studies teaches students an important skill like time management, which is very useful not only for managing studies and other tasks but later on in both professional and personal life.

Exploration of Interests

A side hustle allows students to explore different areas and fields apart from their academic curriculum and find out their interests and passions which can be both fulfilling and enlightening.

Enhanced Resume

A side hustle, when added to the resume, leaves a good impression on the future employer of the student.

Sense of Accomplishment

Successfully managing a side hustle can provide a significant sense of accomplishment and boost self-confidence. It fosters personal growth, and professional development, and provides valuable life skills that can pave the way for future success

Key Considerations When Choosing a Side Hustle

Time Commitment

Considering your time constraints while choosing a side hustle is quite crucial. Some side hustles demand more work hours as compared to others. Look for the ones that offer flexible working hours. Make sure that your side hustle does not interfere with your studies and extracurricular activities. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance in your studies and work to avoid burnout.

Earning Potential

Evaluate the potential for income growth. Some side hustles allow you to increase your rates as you gain experience and build a portfolio. Others might offer opportunities for passive income, such as affiliate marketing or selling digital products. Research different side hustles regarding their earning potential and compare them to your targets.

Skill Requirements

Choose a side hustle according to your interests and skill set. If you select a side hustle that involves learning a new skill, evaluate the time and training required to learn that new skill. Select a side hustle that offers a chance to learn and polish that skill which could be beneficial for your future career.

Best Online Side Hustles for College Students

Although there are numerous options available as a side hustle, only a few of the best online side hustles for college students are mentioned in this blog post.

1. Survey Apps

Survey apps allow you to fill out online short surveys and earn cash or gift cards. Platforms like  Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie provide this kind of side hustle opportunity. You need minimal skill for this and start right away.

2. Social Media Manager

In this job, students are responsible for managing the social media presence of the company(or client). The earning potential in this field ranges from $15 to $50 per hour, depending upon the expertise of the student and the scope of the services.

3. Online Tutor

Offer you services via video sessions as an online tutor. You may teach a wide range of subjects and levels online. 

4. Virtual Assistant(VA)

You may serve businesses as their administrative assistant. Your duties may include handling emails and social media accounts, scheduling appointments, etc. You may find these jobs on freelancing platforms like Upwork or People Per Hour, Virtual, and vanetworking which are professional VA sites.

5. Translator

If you have command in more than one language. You may offer your services as a translator.

6. Virtual bookkeeper

Platforms like FreeAgent hire bookkeepers for short-term services. Offer your services on such platforms if you have the required knowledge of accounts and finance. 

7. Microtasking

Microtasking is breaking down large pieces of work into smaller parts and assigning each subtask to a different person. These tasks are brief and can be quickly performed. 

8. Copywriting

Copywriting is the skill of writing compelling text for a product/service etc to communicate to its target audience effectively. You may start copywriting as a side hustle. It’s a high-paying skill that pays $50 to $10000 depending upon the expertise of the copywriter.

9. Blogging

Blogging can be an excellent side hustle for college students. It allows them to express their creativity, and share their knowledge. Generating some extra income is the bonus. Although blogging is a way too time-consuming side hustle, initially. However, mastering time management skills for bloggers can help them stay on track.

10. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a way to earn money by promoting a product of a third party. You earn a commission on every purchase made through your referral link. If you have a good following, you may earn a good amount of money by this side hustle.

11. Virtual Event Planning

Offering your services as a virtual event planner on freelance marketplaces is another good option for a side hustle.

12. Stock Photography

If you are passionate about taking photographs, you may start making money from this passion of yours. You may upload high-quality clicks on platforms like Getty Images, iStock, Shutterstock, Abode Stock, etc. You will get a commission whenever someone purchases your work,

13. Content Creation on YouTube

You may start a channel on YouTube.

14. Review apps and websites/Website and app testing

Students can test websites and apps and write reviews on platforms like UserTesting.com. They are given points for every review which can be redeemed via PayPal later.

15. Self-publish an e-book

If you are good at writing, you may create and sell your ebook, Lulu and Kindle Direct Publishing provide such platforms.

16. Create an audiobook

Publish your audiobook using platforms like ACX.

17. Sell on Etsy

If you like arts and crafts. You may turn your hobby into a side hustle by selling your handmade DIY products on Etsy.

18. Be Creative

You may design your products such as mugs, shirts, etc, and sell them on platforms like CafePress, Teespring, and Redbubble

19. Offer translation services

You may offer translation services if you have expertise and grip on a certain language.

20. Lease on Fat Llama

If you have some belongings not in use, you may rent them out to others through platforms like Fat Llama and generate income. 

21. Offer tech support

Some websites like Arise have digital call centers to offer tech support to users. You may join them at the convenience of your time.

22. Customer service

You may become a customer service representative for a big firm, and work from home.

(Best Online Side Hustles For College Students)

Conclusion

In general, a good online side hustle is just what you need while in college. It alleviates financial responsibilities and enhances your practical knowledge. There are numerous opportunities for flexible and well-paying work.
When deciding which choice to make, take into account time, income, and interest. Having a side hustle can enhance your CV, allow you to make new connections, and give you a sense of fulfillment. Don’t forget, that with the right tools and dedication, anyone can earn money in their spare time. Therefore, discover a secondary source of income out of these best online side hustles for college students, that matches your skills and make the most of your time in college.