If you’re a university student or studying for an apprenticeship, you may be looking to earn some extra money on the side. For student side hustle ideas, we’ve got 10 inspirational suggestions to help.

It’s understandable that budgets can be stretched as a university student supporting yourself while you study full-time. So, what strategies are there to help you reach your financial goals while you balance your academics? Thankfully, there are loads of ways to boost your income with part-time opportunities, online options and passive income jobs. 

From writing to mystery shopper opportunities to tutoring, dog walking and coaching, there are plenty of side hustles you can explore to gain additional income while you study.

10 side hustle ideas for students

Need some inspiration for earning extra cash while at university? We’ve got you covered. If you want to discover how to make money as a student in the UK, here’s some tried and tested options that could be just what you’re looking for.

Mystery shopping

Many brands want to better understand what it’s like for customers to experience their particular retailer, restaurant, website or venue in reality. As a mystery shopper, it’s your job to give feedback on the quality of service you receive, and it can be done in-person, online or over the phone. A fun and flexible side hustle that’s rewarding in more ways than one.

There are new online mystery shopping opportunitiesthat become available every week, so you’re sure to find a task in your local area that can fit between your studies. There are also some fantastic home delivery mystery shopping opportunities that could be a great option to earn without having to leave your house. 

Register to become a mystery shopperto start your perfect student side hustle today.

Freelance writer

If you’re a student and a proficient writer, perhaps working towards an English or communications degree, then freelance writing could be a great side hustle for you. 

Offering your services as a freelance writer on platforms online could mean you’re earning money while enhancing your work portfolio. Many earn an hourly, day, or per-word rate in exchange for the creation of content, so get your name out there and start building your experience.

Social media manager

Are you a social media pro? Perhaps you’re studying marketing or digital communications, and have a keen interest in online community management. Social media is a key component for many brands and businesses, and demand for help managing social channels is high.

Part-time opportunities are available for just a few hours each week, tasked with engaging social content, answering comments, or scheduling posts. What’s great is you can fit this side hustle into your schedule whilst also gaining valuable experience.

Tutoring

If you’re looking for a side hustle that can earn you money while helping others, tutoring is for you. Impart your knowledge of the English language, teach others maths skills, help out with science revision, how to play an instrument, or many other subjects.

Do you have expertise in a certain area? There is plenty of opportunity to teach online, at tutoring centres, or with home visits, that could make a real difference in helping students improve academically.  

Deliver food

Everybody loves a takeaway. If you own or have access to a car, a bike or a speedy form of transport, you could deliver food to earn some extra cash. Become a food delivery driver in the evenings, at weekends or whenever suits you. Plus, you might even get a free meal if you’re lucky!

A few hours between your academic schedule delivering food for restaurants nearby could mean some decent additional cash with this side hustle. 

House sit

Taking care of someone’s home by staying over while they’re away can be a great little earner. It's the perfect side hustle to gain extra cash without having to trade off your time. As a house sitter, you will need to be reliable and trustworthy, as you keep the homeowner’s property secure, safe and lived-in while they’re away. 

Being a house sitter means the property will be less vulnerable to squatters, vandals and burglars. Keep things clean and tidy, and don’t forget to feed the fish, and you could be on to a lucrative side hustle.

Pet sit

Similarly, if you’re an animal lover, some homeowners require pet care while they’re out of town. Or, some pet-sitting services can involve taking care of furry friends in your own home.

Pet parents get peace of mind knowing their pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles or horses) are well looked after while they’re away, and you get payment or a free homestay. A match made in heaven.

Dog walk

Want to get out and about while you earn? If you love walking and spending time outdoors, you could be paid to dog walk. Get your steps in for the afternoon or morning and explore your local area as you give dogs the exercise they need.

This side hustle for students can fit flexibly around your student lifestyle. Plus, you can enhance your payment as you build your client base and the number of dogs you walk together, or individually. 

Virtual assistant

For those who love organisation and communication, becoming a virtual assistant could be the dream side hustle. 

Virtual assistants provide online admin support for businesses in a range of areas such as diary management, project tracking, reporting, research, customer service and bookkeeping. If you’ve got the skills to offer in this area, you can build your experience, and earn at an hourly rate from the comfort of your own home.

For more side hustle ideas from home, we’ve created the perfect guide.

Coach a sport

Are you athletic? If you love sport and want to keep fit while you earn, why not become a coach? Whether your passion is football, netball, basketball or tennis, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.

Offer your coaching time to kids and young adult sports teams nearby in exchange for payment. This one could be rewarding too, as you see the youngsters progress and relish in their team sport with your encouragement. 

Why should you choose mystery shopping as your side hustle for students?

Choosing mystery shopping as your side hustle could help you gain additional financial support during your studies. Find the path that meets your goals, whether that’s online mystery shopping, in-store, trying out restaurants, or telephone mystery shopping, there are plenty of mystery shopper opportunities that can fit with your busy student lifestyle.

When you sign up, you’ll soon discover we offer a multitude of benefits. Here are just a few:

• Timely payments: Ipsos has a well-respected reputation which means we offer only credible assignments and reliable payments 

• Flexibility: fit your mystery shopping tasks around your studies

• No experience necessary: we provide clear briefs and instructions, no qualifications or experience needed

As Ipsos is a renowned market research business, you know you’re making the right choice. It’s a rewarding choice too, as your feedback and insights directly impact brands and allow them to improve their customer experiences for everyone. Register to become a mystery shopper with our seamless sign-up process today.