17 Online Side Hustles for Students to Earn Money on The Side

In today’s digital age, college students have more opportunities than ever to make money on the side using their laptops. With the rise of remote work, freelancing, and online marketplaces, the possibilities are endless.

In this article, we’ll explore various online side hustles for students:

Online Side Hustles for Students

1. Freelancing

One of the most popular ways for college students to earn money online is through freelancing.

Whether you have writing, graphic design, web development, or digital marketing skills, platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer a vast array of job opportunities.

2. Online Tutoring

If you excel in a particular subject, online tutoring can be a lucrative side hustle. Websites like Chegg Tutors and Wyzant connect students with knowledgeable tutors.

According to Statista, the global online education market size is expected to reach $350 billion by 2025, demonstrating the high demand for online tutoring services.

3. Content Creation

Creating content on platforms like YouTube, blogs, or podcasts can also be a profitable endeavor. You can monetize your content through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, YouTube creators with more than 100,000 subscribers can earn more or less $2,000 per video.

4. Remote Internships

Seek out remote internship opportunities related to your field of study, which can provide valuable experience and sometimes pay stipends.

5. Online Surveys and Market Research

Participate in online surveys and market research studies on platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Amazon Mechanical Turk to earn small amounts of money or gift cards. Platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie connect users with survey opportunities.

6. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistant work is a flexible and accessible option for college students looking to earn money while managing their academic responsibilities. You can assist businesses and entrepreneurs with tasks like email management, appointment scheduling, data entry, and other administrative duties.

Develop a professional resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and any relevant coursework. Create a portfolio of your work if applicable, such as examples of articles you’ve written, social media posts you’ve managed, or graphic designs you’ve created.

Use online job platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find virtual assistant opportunities. Additionally, reach out to local businesses, entrepreneurs, and small companies to offer your services. Networking through social media and college career services can also help you connect with potential clients.

7. Dropshipping or eCommerce

Start an online store and sell products using dropshipping, print-on-demand, or your own inventory.

Starting an eCommerce business while in college can be an exciting and rewarding venture. Here’s how to get started with this side hustle for college students:

Select a niche or industry that interests you and has market demand. Research trending products, analyze competitors, and identify a target audience.

Choose the products you want to sell. Consider factors like product quality, pricing, and shipping options.

Select an eCommerce platform to build your online store. Popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce (for WordPress), BigCommerce, and Squarespace. Each platform has its own features and pricing, so choose the one that best suits your needs.

Decide how you’ll source your products. Options include:

Dropshipping: Partner with suppliers who will handle product storage and shipping directly to customers.
Wholesaling: Purchase products in bulk and store them yourself.

Print on Demand: Create custom products, such as apparel or accessories, as orders come in.

Integrate payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Square to accept online payments securely.

8. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral links. According to Statista, global affiliate marketing spending is projected to reach $8.2 billion by 2022, indicating the growth potential in this field.

9. Online Freelance Writing

There are some great side hustles for students that involve writing. You can write articles, blog posts, and content for websites, businesses, or publications.

10. Social Media Management

Manage social media accounts for small businesses or individuals, helping them with content creation and engagement.

11. Online Marketplaces

Sell items you no longer need or create handmade items to sell on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace.

12. Online Language Teaching

If you are fluent in multiple languages, teach others online through platforms like iTalki or Verbling.

To provide a general idea of potential earnings, here are some approximate ranges:

On established language teaching platforms like iTalki or Verbling, hourly rates for language teachers typically range from $10 to $40 or more per hour, depending on factors mentioned earlier.
Private tutors often charge anywhere from $20 to $60 or more per hour, depending on their experience, qualifications, and the demand for the language.
Online language teachers who offer specialized or in-demand languages may charge even higher rates.

It’s important to note that your earnings may start modestly as you build your reputation and student base. Over time, as you gain more experience and positive reviews, you can increase your rates and potentially generate a more substantial income. Additionally, if you offer group lessons or create your language courses, you can reach more students and potentially increase your income.

Your ability to provide high-quality instruction and tailor your teaching to meet the specific needs of your students will also influence your income. Overall, online language teaching on the side can be a flexible and rewarding way to earn extra income, and the potential for growth exists for dedicated and skilled instructors.

13. Remote Data Entry

Some companies hire remote data entry operators for tasks like data input, spreadsheet creation, and more.

App and Website Testing: Sign up for platforms like UserTesting to test websites and apps and provide feedback for payment.

Freelance Programming or Web Development: Offer your coding skills for web development, app creation, or other programming tasks.

14. Online Reselling

To get started with this one of the side hustles for students, first decide what type of products you want to resell. Common options include vintage clothing, electronics, collectibles, or niche items like handmade crafts. It’s crucial to choose a niche that interests you and has a demand in the market.

Next, determine the market value of the items you intend to resell. Consider factors like condition, brand, and current demand. Set competitive prices to attract buyers while ensuring a profit margin.

To reach a broad audience, list your items on popular online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, or Etsy, or create your e-commerce store using platforms like Shopify. Ensure your product listings are detailed, accurate, and include high-quality images.

Once you make sales, manage orders efficiently. Ship items promptly and provide excellent customer service to build a positive reputation and gain repeat customers.

15. Virtual Event Support

Provide technical support, moderation, or assistance for virtual events, webinars, or live streams.

Remote Freelancing Gigs: Look for freelance opportunities on websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, where you can find various short-term projects.

Also read: How to Make Money on Pinterest: 12 Creative Ideas

16. Online Pet Sitting

Online pet sitting, also known as virtual pet sitting or remote pet sitting, is a service that allows individuals to provide care and companionship to pets via the internet. It is a modern solution for pet owners who may be away from home and want to ensure that their pets receive attention and care, even in their absence.

While virtual pet sitting doesn’t involve physical interaction with the pets, it offers various benefits, such as monitoring, communication, and engagement.

17. Remote Customer Service

Work as a remote customer service representative for companies that offer customer support via phone, email, or chat.

Earning money on the side as a college student from your laptop is not only possible but increasingly common.

Whether you choose freelancing, online tutoring, content creation, or other online gigs, your laptop can be your gateway to financial independence and valuable skills development. So, don’t hesitate to explore these side hustles for students and start making money on the side while pursuing your college education.