If you’re looking for ways to supplement your income without sacrificing your studies, you’ll find several interesting business ideas for students here. Whether you’re creative or passionate about digital work, there are all kinds of activities that allow you to work at your own pace, depending on how much time you want to invest. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to develop skills that will be valuable for your future.
- Here's the program
- Introduction
- How to make money as a student
- Tutoring in-home
- Becoming an online tutor
- Becoming a YouTube thumbnail creator
- Washing cars
- Starting a podcast
- Selling your photos online
- Becoming a YouTuber
- Selling your documents online
- Becoming an Instagram influencer
- Becoming a community manager
- Outsourcing online services
- Creating websites
- Creating a profitable blog
- Raising chickens and selling eggs
- Selling your comments, likes, and shares online
- Becoming a streamer on Twitch
- Turning waste into art
- Video editing
- Creating and selling your music or songs
- Becoming a writer
- Creating an audiobook
- Becoming a ghostwriter
- Creating an email list
- Testing websites
- Becoming a pro gamer
- Delivering meals
- Helping vulnerable people
- Becoming a movie or TV extra
- Creating and selling handcrafted items
- Offering online photo editing services
- Becoming a babysitter
- Proofreading or revising texts
- Dog walking
- Translating various documents and books
- Selling reclaimed items
- Selling your houseplants
- Offering graphic design services
- Translating content on your blog
- Leveraging the skills you already have
- How to dedicate your free time without sacrificing your studies
- Cultivating skills for the future
- FAQ
- Last thoughts
Introduction
Being a student often means facing financial difficulties daily. Between tuition fees and managing personal expenses (housing, food, transportation, etc.), the need to make money becomes quickly apparent. This is why many students find part-time jobs, like working in a supermarket or at McDonald’s, for example.
Balancing studies, personal life, and a paying job can be challenging. Class schedules can vary, and flexibility is often limited for traditional jobs that demand high availability. As a result, some students take an alternative approach by choosing independent activities, often done from home, which naturally fit around their schedules.
The problem, however, is that being young often means lacking skills and experience. Starting out can be challenging, especially when low confidence makes you doubt yourself. The good news is that many opportunities allow you to get started with little experience. In fact, starting an activity during your studies can become an incredible chance to learn and expand your skill set.
Because in addition to making money, you’ll learn new things and develop valuable skills that will be useful in your professional life. While it may not always be easy, and there are no guarantees, a methodical and strategic approach can set you up for success.
A better way to find ideas?
The ideas featured in this article all come from Sweekr’s directory, which currently offers 128 ways to make money. What's more, you can use the search filters or chatbot to find the ones that best suit your needs!
How to make money as a student
Let’s get straight to the list of ideas this article promises. For estimated costs, I assume you already have a smartphone and a computer, but if not, you can find second-hand ones for $200 to $300. Also, note that some ideas here require certain skills, but these can be acquired fairly quickly.
Tutoring in-home
Tutoring consists of helping younger students in subjects you are good at, like math or languages. You can offer your services by word of mouth, on dedicated platforms, or by placing local ads.
Tutoring generally pays well and helps you review your own knowledge. Plus, it’s a rewarding activity that demonstrates your ability to teach and guide others, a valuable asset for your future resume.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Preparing lessons requires time and commitment.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $30 per hour, first earnings within days.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Master one or more subjects, have patience.
Becoming an online tutor
This idea is similar to the previous one but is done primarily online. It involves teaching remotely, via video conferencing, in subjects you excel at. You can offer your services on specialized platforms or find students directly through social media or classified ad sites. This format allows you to work with students from different regions worldwide and offers great flexibility in managing your schedule.
Online tutoring is a good way to diversify your income without the hassle of travel. Plus, this activity familiarizes you with digital tools while enhancing your adaptability and communication skills, which are highly valued in the professional world.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Distance teaching requires good organization and proficiency with video conferencing tools.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $40 per hour, first earnings within days.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Have a stable internet connection, master one or more subjects, be patient and comfortable with digital tools.
Becoming a YouTube thumbnail creator
Creating YouTube thumbnails involves designing eye-catching miniatures that entice users to click on a video. To get started, you can approach content creators looking to improve their click-through rate and use tools like Canva or Photoshop to create attractive designs. This job requires a good aesthetic sense and basic graphic design skills.
Offering this service allows you to work flexibly while learning design techniques that can prove useful in other projects. There’s steady demand, too, as a well-optimized thumbnail is essential for maximizing a video’s visibility in search results.
- Difficulty level: Easy. This job requires little equipment and can be done remotely, but it requires creativity and basic design skills.
- Estimated income: Between $200 and $1,500 per month, first earnings within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Investment: Between $0 and $20 for design software; some tools are free or inexpensive.
- Required: Have an eye for aesthetics, basic design skills, and graphic creation software.
Washing cars
Offering car washing services for private vehicles is a straightforward way to earn money locally. You can attract clients by advertising in your neighborhood and providing a full interior and exterior clean.
This service is quick and requires little equipment (car owners often have everything needed). Plus, it pays well and doesn’t demand specific qualifications, making it an ideal option for extra income.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Requires a bit of equipment but is accessible.
- Estimated income: Between $20 and $50 per vehicle, first earnings within days.
- Investment: Between $10 and $50 for cleaning products.
- Required: Be meticulous, have basic cleaning supplies.
Starting a podcast
Starting a podcast involves broadcasting audio episodes, either live or pre-recorded, on topics that interest your audience. The process includes choosing an engaging topic, creating a format and schedule, and using a microphone to record the audio. You can publish your episodes on popular platforms and begin to attract an audience.
A podcast is an excellent way to share your ideas while developing communication skills. By building an audience, you can also generate income through ads or brand partnerships.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Requires some equipment and time to build a loyal audience.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $1,000 per month, first earnings within 3 to 6 months.
- Investment: Between $50 and $150 for a quality microphone.
- Required: Have a microphone, audio editing skills, and an engaging topic to attract an audience.
With a busy schedule, it’s helpful to optimize it to stay organized and efficient. Google Calendar is one of many free applications that helps you manage your student activities, business, and even leisure time.Selling your photos online
Selling photos involves offering your images on online stock photo banks, where they can be purchased by clients for various projects. Sign up on stock photo platforms and publish quality photos.
This activity is ideal for photography enthusiasts who want to monetize their work. Although it takes time to generate sales, popular photos can generate regular passive income.
Note that with the arrival of generative AI, selling photos online has become more challenging. The flexibility offered by this technology has convinced many users, and it’s more important than ever to focus on specific niches and produce high-quality images.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Competition is fierce on some sales platforms, but management is simple.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $500 per month, first earnings within 1 to 3 months.
- Investment: None if you already have a good smartphone.
- Required: Take or already own quality photos, be creative and persistent.
Becoming a YouTuber
Becoming a YouTuber involves creating videos on a YouTube channel around a theme of your choice, whether tutorials, vlogs, or entertainment. To get started, identify a niche, create quality videos, and publish them regularly to attract an audience.
Starting a YouTube channel is a fun and creative way to make money by sharing your passions. Over time, you can monetize the channel through ads, partnerships, and sponsorships, provided you build a loyal audience.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Competition is fierce, and it takes time to build an audience, but content production remains accessible.
- Estimated income: Between $100 and $10,000 per month, first earnings within 3 to 6 months.
- Investment: Between $200 and $500 for decent lighting and a basic microphone (you can film with your smartphone to start).
- Required: Have an original theme, filming and editing equipment, and be consistent with content creation.
Selling your documents online
Selling academic documents online is a convenient way to earn passive income from work you’ve already completed, like course notes, presentations, and theses. Simply upload your files and wait for interested students to purchase them.
This option not only helps you monetize your efforts but also supports other students by sharing valuable resources.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Requires little effort after uploading.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $100 per month, first earnings within days.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Have quality, well-structured documents.
Becoming an Instagram influencer
Becoming an influencer involves creating attractive visual content on Instagram and regularly interacting with your followers. Choose a theme you’re passionate about (fashion, sports, cooking) and post photos or stories while collaborating with brands for partnerships.
Instagram offers an ideal platform to share your passions while generating income through sponsored posts. By building an engaged community, you can connect with brands looking to reach a young and receptive audience.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Investment is low, but consistency and the ability to attract followers are essential.
- Estimated income: Between $100 and $3,000 per month, first earnings within 3 to 6 months.
- Investment: Your smartphone is enough.
- Required: Have a public profile, possibly photography equipment, and community management skills.
Becoming a community manager
The role of a community manager involves managing the social media of a company or sometimes an individual, interacting with its community, and creating engaging content. To get started, you can offer your services to small businesses or startups by presenting a plan to improve their online presence.
This job allows you to develop a solid understanding of digital marketing while interacting with followers or clients. In addition to earning an income, you can acquire highly sought-after skills in marketing and communication.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. This role requires communication and community management skills but remains flexible.
- Estimated income: Between $200 and $1,000 per month per client, first earnings within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Investment: Between $0 and $50 per month for social media management tools.
- Required: Know social media, be responsive, have writing skills, and be well-organized.
Outsourcing online services
Outsourcing online services involves offering various services (writing, design, etc.) and delegating these tasks to other freelancers. You manage the client relationship and take a commission for each delegated mission. To start, find clients needing specific services and select reliable freelancers on dedicated platforms.
This activity lets you make money without handling operational tasks. It develops your project management and client relationship skills, valuable assets in the professional world.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Finding clients can be time-consuming, especially at the beginning, but financial investment is low.
- Estimated income: Between $200 and $1,500 per month per client, first earnings within 2 to 6 weeks.
- Investment: Between $0 and $50 for online project management tools.
- Required: Good organization, communication, and client and freelancer management skills.
If you’re looking for a business idea that leaves you with free time, you need to either delegate time-consuming tasks or choose an activity that generates passive income. This way, you’ll have more time for your studies and spending with loved ones.Creating websites
Creating websites involves designing and structuring sites for clients. Even without advanced technical skills, “no-code” tools, especially those managed by AI, facilitate the creation of professional websites. You can start by offering your services to small businesses or freelancers who need a showcase site.
This activity is lucrative and allows you to acquire skills in design and project management. The demand for website creators is constant, and once the basics are mastered, the work can be done quickly. Ideally, you should take this opportunity to learn languages like HTML, CSS, JS, etc.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Tools simplify the task, but understanding client needs is essential.
- Estimated income: Between $300 and $2,000 per project, first earnings within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Investment: Between $0 and $100 for a website creation platform subscription.
- Required: Know a website creation platform, be organized, communicate well with clients.
Creating a profitable blog
Creating a blog involves sharing articles on a topic you’re passionate about, like fashion, sports, or travel. With well-optimized articles, you can attract an audience and monetize the blog through ads, affiliate links, or partnerships.
Blogging is an excellent way to develop writing and content marketing skills. With consistent effort, your blog can evolve into a source of passive income while expanding your expertise in the chosen field.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Creation is simple, but building an audience takes time and patience.
- Estimated income: Between $100 and $1,000 per month, first earnings within 3 to 6 months.
- Investment: Between $20 and $80 per year for hosting and a domain name.
- Required: Master writing, layout, and basic SEO.
Raising chickens and selling eggs
Raising chickens in your garden (or a friend’s) allows you to sell fresh eggs to neighbors and friends. If you have space, simply set up a chicken coop and maintain the animals to ensure a steady supply of eggs.
This small project generates income while allowing you to enjoy an activity close to nature. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, supporting local, sustainable food sources while delivering a fresh, wholesome product.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Raising requires some know-how and daily organization.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $300 per month, first earnings within 1 to 2 months.
- Investment: Between $100 and $300 for a chicken coop and the first chickens.
- Required: Have a garden, space for a chicken coop, be attentive to animal care.
Selling your comments, likes, and shares online
Some companies and creators pay for interactions on their online posts (blogs, social media, etc.). By signing up on freelancing platforms, you can get paid for your comments or shares on social media.
This activity is easy and quick to complete, and earnings, though modest, can accumulate easily. It’s a simple option for those who spend a lot of time online.
- Difficulty level: Very easy. Few skills required, but earnings are limited.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $300 per month, first earnings within days.
- Investment: No investment.
- Required: Have active accounts on multiple social media platforms, be responsive.
Becoming a streamer on Twitch
Streaming involves broadcasting live gaming sessions on a platform like Twitch, where viewers can interact in real-time. To get started, you need suitable equipment (gaming computer, microphone, webcam) and to choose popular games to attract an audience.
This activity combines passion with income, as viewers can support you financially. You don’t have to be a “pro” at the games you play, but you do need a knack for engaging and entertaining your audience. With dedication and consistent effort, streaming can even evolve into a full-time career.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Requires talent and regularity to attract viewers.
- Estimated income: Between $100 and $5,000 per month, first earnings within 1 to 2 months.
- Investment: Between $200 and $500 for equipment (webcam, microphone).
- Required: Have a powerful computer, be comfortable speaking live.
Turning waste into art
Turning recycled objects into art involves creating unique pieces from salvaged materials. It’s a creative and eco-friendly activity aimed at art and decoration enthusiasts.
This activity combines creativity with sustainability, providing a way to produce and sell unique, affordable artworks. With the right skills and vision, it can be both rewarding and profitable.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Creation requires time and inspiration.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $500 per piece sold, first earnings within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Investment: Between $0 and $150 for basic materials and tools.
- Required: Have a workspace, creation tools, original ideas.
If you have artistic inspiration, there are countless DIY ideas to monetize your talent. The more aligned the activity you choose is with your skills and passions, the greater the chances of success.Video editor
Video editing involves assembling and editing clips to create complete videos for companies, YouTubers, or individuals. You can start with free editing software and then find clients or offer your services online.
This activity is in high demand as video content is essential for many brands. It allows you to earn income while developing editing skills that are valuable in various industries.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Requires practice and technical skills.
- Estimated income: Between $200 and $1,000 per edit, first earnings within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Investment: Between $0 and $30 per month for editing software.
- Required: Know the basics of video editing, have a reasonably powerful computer (unless using an online video editor).
Creating and selling your music or songs
Creating and selling music involves composing tracks and then selling them online on specialized platforms. You can record your music with digital audio software and distribute it on music sales sites. Plus, there are now many online tools, some AI-powered, which make the task easier.
This activity is gratifying for music enthusiasts and allows for passive income. By developing a catalog, you can increase your chances of reaching a wider audience.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Music creation requires time and skills.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $1,000 per month, first earnings within 2 to 3 months.
- Investment: Between $0 and $100 for digital audio software and a microphone.
- Required: Have music knowledge, recording equipment.
Becoming a writer
Becoming a writer involves writing books (novels, essays, children’s stories) and publishing them either online or through traditional publishers. To start, choose a theme, write your first manuscript, and look for a publishing option.
Writing offers a creative outlet with the potential for long-term income. It’s a path for those who enjoy telling stories or sharing ideas thoughtfully and clearly.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Writing is accessible, but publishing can be complex.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $2,000 per month, first earnings within 3 to 12 months.
- Investment: None for writing, but expect costs if you choose self-publishing.
- Required: Master writing, be creative, patient.
Create an audiobook
Creating an audiobook involves recording a book you’ve written or have recording rights for and then publishing it on sales platforms. This project requires a good microphone and a soundproofed space for recording.
Audiobooks are very popular, as more and more people prefer this format to save time. By diversifying formats, you increase your chances of reaching different audiences.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Recording requires equipment and audio editing.
- Estimated income: Between $100 and $1,000 per month, first earnings within 1 to 2 months.
- Investment: Between $50 and $200 for a microphone and audio editing software.
- Required: Have a ready text, quality microphone, and good diction.
Becoming a ghostwriter
Ghostwriting involves writing texts (books, blog articles, etc.) for others who then sign the content as their own. To start, you can offer your services on freelancing platforms and find your first clients.
Ghostwriting not only generates income but also helps improve your writing skills. It’s ideal for those who want to work behind the scenes while earning a potentially rewarding income.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Mastery of writing and drafting is necessary.
- Estimated income: Between $200 and $1,500 per month, first earnings within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Investment: None, if you already have a computer.
- Required: Enjoy reading and writing, master language and grammar, have good drafting skills.
Creating an email list
Creating an email list involves gathering email addresses of subscribers interested in specific topics and sending them regular useful information. Choose an attractive subject for your audience, like fashion, sports, or tech, and provide exclusive content by email.
Building an email list can be a profitable way to engage your audience, either by promoting affiliate products or selling ad space. It’s a flexible communication tool that allows you to reach people directly and reliably.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Management is simple, but building a list takes time.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $1,000 per month, first earnings within 3 to 6 months.
- Investment: Between $0 and $30 per month for an email platform.
- Required: Know the basics of email marketing, have an attractive theme.
Social media, particularly Instagram, is an extremely effective way to reach a wide audience. Whatever type of business you launch, create accounts on different social platforms from the start and regularly post relevant content.Testing websites
Testing websites involves navigating platforms or online applications to spot errors, check navigation smoothness, and give feedback. You can sign up on user testing sites and apply for test missions.
This job is straightforward and offers reasonable pay for the time invested. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone or computer, with no special technical skills required.
- Difficulty level: Easy. No equipment investment required, but you need precision.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $30 per test, first earnings within a week.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Have a recent smartphone, a good internet connection, and an eye for detail.
Becoming a pro gamer
Becoming a pro gamer involves playing video games competitively and participating in online tournaments or sponsored events. To succeed, it’s essential to choose a game in which you excel, train regularly, and join competitions to get noticed.
The job of a pro gamer is exciting for video game enthusiasts but requires a high level of skill and consistency. With experience, you may land sponsors or win cash prizes.
- Difficulty level: Difficult. Competition is fierce, and the required expertise level is high.
- Estimated income: Between $500 and $5,000 per month, first earnings within 3 to 12 months.
- Investment: Between $500 and $2,000 for a high-performance computer.
- Required: Master a game, have endurance, and quality equipment.
Delivering meals
Meal delivery involves transporting restaurant orders to customers. Generally, you only need to register on a delivery platform, have a means of transportation, and be able to work during mealtime (lunch and/or dinner).
This flexible job allows you to choose your hours, with evenings and weekends being particularly busy. Depending on demand and tips, this job can be a good income source.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Accessible, but requires being at least 18 in many countries.
- Estimated income: Between $200 and $1,200 per month, first earnings within days.
- Investment: Between $100 and $500 for a second-hand bike or scooter.
- Required: Have transportation, be responsive, know local routes.
Helping vulnerable people
Helping vulnerable people involves assisting the elderly or disabled with shopping, household tasks, or daily errands. You can offer your services via home help platforms or directly to people in your network.
This activity, besides being remunerative, is rewarding because it allows you to help those in need. It also develops valuable human qualities, like empathy and patience.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Requires availability and social interaction ease.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $15 per hour, first earnings within days.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Be kind, patient, and in good physical condition.
Becoming a movie or TV extra
Being an extra involves playing small roles without dialogue in movies, series, or commercials. Casting agencies often look for various profiles for simple appearances. You just need to sign up with an agency or monitor casting announcements.
The job of an extra is ideal for those who want to discover the world of cinema without prior experience. Besides the pay, it’s a fun and enriching experience on set.
- Difficulty level: Very easy. Accessible without special skills, but availability may vary.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $150 per filming day, first earnings within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Be punctual, follow the crew’s instructions.
Creating and selling handcrafted items
Selling handcrafted items involves making unique objects (jewelry, clothing, accessories) and offering them online or at markets. To get started, choose an area you’re passionate about, create your first pieces, and find an appropriate sales channel. And if you’re looking for inspiration, Pinterest, Instagram, and DeviantArt are among the best spots.
Handicrafts let you express creativity while generating income. Besides the manual aspect, selling handmade items attracts many customers looking for personalized, quality products.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Making takes time, but it’s flexible.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $500 per month, first earnings within 1 to 2 months.
- Investment: Between $20 and $100 for basic materials.
- Required: Have (or develop) crafting skills and a workspace.
The ideas presented here, on Sweekr, don’t work like magic. Competition in some areas can be fierce, so you’ll need to work methodically and intelligently! Set a goal and quickly learn all the important aspects of your activity. That’s the key to success.Offering online photo editing services
Offering photo editing services involves using software to improve image quality, correct colors, or add effects. You can specialize in editing for individuals or image professionals. Sign up on freelancing platforms to find clients quickly.
It’s an ideal activity for photography enthusiasts with basic image processing skills. Demand is high (even as AI tools gain ground), especially for profile photos, sales sites, or wedding memories.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. The basics are easy to learn, but it requires precision for a professional result.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $500 per month, first earnings within days.
- Investment: Between $0 and $20 for photo editing software.
- Required: Know an editing software, have a computer.
Becoming a babysitter
Babysitting involves looking after children while their parents are away. You can find jobs through word of mouth or specialized websites. It’s often paid by the hour.
Babysitting offers great flexibility and is well-paid. It’s especially valued among young people as it demonstrates responsibility and patience. Additionally, young women are often in higher demand for babysitting positions.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Accessible, but requires availability and a keen sense of responsibility.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $15 per hour, first earnings within days.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Be reliable, responsible, patient, have a good connection with children.
Proofreading or revising texts
Proofreading involves reading documents to detect grammar, spelling, and syntax errors. You can offer your services on freelancing platforms or look for students or professionals needing this service.
This job is ideal for those with strong language skills. In addition to being well-paid, proofreading helps improve your text analysis and drafting skills.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Requires excellent language mastery.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $30 per hour, first earnings within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Investment: $10 per month for Microsoft 365 (0 for LibreOffice).
- Required: Master spelling and grammar, be meticulous.
Dog walking
Dog walking involves taking care of dogs while their owners are away. Generally, it only requires scheduling times with the owners and ensuring the animal’s safety.
Besides generating income, this job allows you to spend time outdoors and is perfect for animal lovers. Demand is high in urban areas, where owners often lack time.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Accessible without specific equipment.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $20 per walk, first earnings within days.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Love animals, be responsible, have free time.
Translating various documents and books
Translating documents involves converting texts from one language to another. You can offer your services to companies or individuals via online platforms, especially if you’re bilingual or have advanced language skills.
Translation allows you to leverage your language skills and access flexible work. It’s well-paid for less common languages, with regular mission opportunities. You can use tools like Deepl or ChatGPT, but systematic and thorough proofreading is essential.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Requires perfect mastery of both languages.
- Estimated income: Between $200 and $1,500 per month, first earnings within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Investment: None.
- Required: Master at least two languages, be precise and thorough.
Selling reclaimed items
Selling reclaimed items involves finding unused items (at home, from friends, or in flea markets) and reselling them on online platforms. After a bit of cleaning or minor repairs, these items can often fetch surprisingly good prices.
This activity is accessible to everyone, eco-friendly, and allows you to make money with very little initial investment. Plus, it’s a good way to declutter your garage or attic and give items a second life.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Little preparation required, but requires research.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $500 per month, first earnings within days.
- Investment: A few dollars to buy cleaning/refreshing items or buy items at flea markets (or even marketplaces).
- Required: Have a sense of commerce, be a bit handy and resourceful.
Selling your houseplants
Selling plants involves growing indoor or garden plants to sell. Having a garden isn’t essential, but it can facilitate plant multiplication. Starting from a few cuttings, you can create new shoots and offer them on local platforms or markets.
This activity is economical and can generate regular income if you have a green thumb. It allows you to develop gardening skills while making money. Earnings are fairly modest, but it’s an activity you can easily start alongside another on this list.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Takes a bit of time to grow them but requires no advanced skills.
- Estimated income: Between $10 and $100 per month, first earnings within 1 to 2 months.
- Investment: Between $20 and $100 for pots and soil.
- Required: Have space with daylight, be patient.
Offering graphic design services
Offering graphic design services involves creating visuals for clients (logos, banners, posters) using design software. Even without formal training, tools like Canva or AI generators allow you to create attractive, professional visuals quickly. Freelance platforms are an excellent starting point for finding clients.
It’s a good way to make money while working in the creative field. Moreover, this activity develops design skills and can even become a professional asset later in life.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Requires creativity and having (or developing) design knowledge. Plus, competition is high.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $500 per month, first earnings within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Investment: Between $0 and $50 per month for software subscriptions.
- Required: Have an aesthetic sense, a graphic creation software.
Translating content on your blog
This idea involves translating interesting articles or resources found in one or more languages on your blog. However, it’s important not to simply copy and paste the original texts. Instead, you should reformulate them to ensure you’re not infringing on copyrights. It’s also an ethical issue. Ideally, you should even obtain the author’s prior permission. This way, you can monetize your blog legally via ads, affiliate links, and partnerships.
This activity is ideal for polyglots, as it combines language skills with content management. It can generate regular income if you manage to attract a large enough audience.
- Difficulty level: Moderately difficult. Translation and blog management take time.
- Estimated income: Between $50 and $500 per month, first earnings within 2 to 3 months.
- Investment: Between $0 and $50 for blog hosting.
- Required: Master at least two languages, know how to manage a blog.
Choose an activity that leaves you time for your studies and personal moments. Overloading yourself could lead to exhaustion, affecting both your studies and your business.
This concludes the list of ideas to help you make money as a student. But before wrapping up this article, I’d like to share a few additional topics that might also be useful to you.
Leveraging the skills you already have
When you’re young, it’s normal not to have developed solid skills yet. We acquire our abilities over time, and it’s natural to feel limited when starting a professional activity. Yet leveraging the talents and skills you already possess is an excellent starting point. Whether it’s your ease with social media, your computer knowledge, or even your creativity, these assets can become sources of income.
Starting an activity to make money, while also studying, is a fantastic opportunity to develop skills that will serve you beyond your student life. For example, by offering writing services, you’ll refine your ability to organize ideas and write professionally. By taking community management assignments, you’ll better understand online communication and marketing dynamics. Every new task becomes a learning ground through practice.
How to dedicate your free time without sacrificing your studies
Managing your time as a student while working can sometimes be challenging, but with good organization, it’s possible to balance studies, leisure, and paid activities. The key is knowing how to prioritize, planning specific slots, and choosing flexible activities that won’t impact your studies.
Here are some tips and types of student-friendly jobs to better organize your schedule:
- Use a scheduling app: Note all your obligations (classes, revisions, leisure) and spot free slots where you could work on personal projects.
- Choose flexible-timed activities: For example, content creation, online sales, or tutoring, which allow you to work whenever you want.
- Group similar tasks: Do your study sessions followed by your projects, to stay focused on each task block without abrupt transitions.
- Limit travel: Prefer activities you can do from home, like video editing or content writing, to maximize your time.
- Set clear priorities: Adjust your goals according to your study workload and prioritize the most profitable and compatible activities with your schedule.
- Plan breaks: Include rest periods in your schedule to avoid burnout and maintain a good rhythm, both for your studies and personal activities.
Cultivating skills for the future
As we’ve seen, making money through personal projects is an excellent way to develop essential skills for your future. These independent activities will teach you how to manage projects, set goals, and organize your time effectively.
Furthermore, they can significantly enrich your resume. For example, creating and promoting a blog or video channel introduces you to digital marketing, communication, and audience analysis. These skills are highly sought after in many fields.
Likewise, offering services helps you build strong client relationships and develop adaptability, both of which are valuable assets. No matter the professional path you choose, whether as an employee in a company or as a solopreneur, the skills and knowledge you acquire will be useful throughout your life.
FAQ
Is it really possible to make money with these ideas?
Yes, but it’s essential to act smartly and strategically. Some ideas are already well-exploited, and competition can be fierce. Opt for specific niches or find ways to stand out to attract clients.
What types of activities are easiest to manage as a student?
All the activities listed in this article are suitable for students, but the easiest to manage are often those that can be done from home. This saves you time by avoiding travel, which is precious when you’re a student.
Do I need an initial investment to get started in these activities?
Some ideas require no investment, while others need a small initial budget, often for buying a computer or smartphone. If you don’t yet have the necessary equipment, you can probably find it cheaper, especially second-hand, on classified ad sites and marketplaces.
Are all these activities legal for minors?
This depends primarily on the country you live in. Most of these activities are legal for minors, but it’s always wise to check with your local administration to avoid any issues.
How can I find my first clients when I have no experience?
To attract your first clients, offer your services at a reduced rate or even free for a few initial missions. This will allow you to gather feedback and concrete examples that you can later use to convince other clients. Read this article if you want to know more.
Do I have to declare the income earned from these activities?
This depends on your country of residence and the amount you earn. Generally, if your income remains modest, some regulations are more flexible. The best advice is to check with your local administration to stay compliant.
Can I combine several of these activities to increase my income?
Absolutely, and it’s even a good strategy. However, ensure you have enough free time and necessary skills to keep the combination manageable and effective.
Last thoughts
Choosing an activity to make money as a student should first and foremost be compatible with your schedule and priorities. So take the time to assess your skills and interests before starting, as working on something you genuinely enjoy will make the experience much more pleasant, rewarding, and sustainable. The right activity is one that can integrate naturally into your daily life without disrupting your studies (because that’s still the most important thing).
Then, don’t hesitate to try several ideas to find what works best for you. It’s common to refine your projects as you go along. Along the way, you may uncover new skills and interests that could even lead to exciting professional opportunities in the future.
Finally, stay organized and make a point of managing your finances well from the start. Track your income and expenses, especially if you’re juggling multiple activities. This will allow you to optimize your earnings while keeping good visibility on your progress. With method and perseverance, you’ll make the most of these experiences while preparing for your future.
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