By Bani Galhotra
Let’s face it–your bank account is crying louder than you did during finals. Between overpriced textbooks, emergency bubble tea runs, and that one subscription you swear you will cancel, being a university student is a full-time exercise in budgeting. So, what is the move? Side Hustles.
University is the prime time to try out new things (besides weird instant noodle combos) Whether you are looking to make some extra cash, build your resume, or lowkey become the next campus CEO, here are some best side hustles to get you started–without failing your 8:30AM class.
Freelancing: Cash on your Skills (without leaving bed)
If you can write, design, code, edit, or even meme well–there is someone out there who will pay for it, set up shop on Fiverr, Upwork, or even post on Instagram. Whether it is writing captions or designing logos, freelancing = money + chill.
Low effort tip: Use templates, batch your work, and reuse your best pieces in a quick online portfolio (Notion is your bestie here).
Tutoring: Be the Chill Smart Friend Everyone Needs
If you understand a subject just a little better than the other person, congrats–you qualify. You do not need to be a genius–just one step ahead. I used to help my classmates before finals (because, let us be honest, we were all confused). I realized I could turn tutoring into a gig. Post in your university discords or course group chats–people will pay for a calm explanation over a boring lecture any day.
Bonus: you are revising without even trying.
NFTs: The Monkey Business That is Actually Teaching Us Something
Do you remember those funky pixelated monkeys that sold for more than your rent? Welcome to the world of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). While the buzz had slowed, NFTs gave creatives—artists, designers, even meme-makers—a new way to earn from digital work using blockchain technology, a secure, decentralized system that records ownership and transactions. Users can buy, sell, and trade these digital assets directly, without needing an intermediary. That Bored Ape Yacht Club—cartoon monkeys that turned into million-dollar assets.
You do not need to be a crypto enthusiast, but if you are into art or technology, it is worth exploring. Worst case, you learn about smart contracts and digital ownership—skills that are shaping the future. Who knows, your side hustle might just live on the blockchain.
Learn-and-earn
I know blockchain and banking sound scary, but trust me, once you dive in, it is not that deep. I took time to understand digital finance basics through YouTube and some free courses, now I feel so in control. Sites like RabbitHole and Layer3 pay you in crypto to complete small tasks–try one while you are bored on break.
Some platforms now pay students to learn and contribute. Sites like Gitcoin, Questbook, or Odyssey in the Web3 World offer micro-grants and bounties for completing blockchain-related tasks or writing research.
Even traditional platforms like Coursera and edX now partner with universities or job boards to provide certified, free courses in high demand areas like:
- Data Analysis
- UI/UX design
- Cloud computing
- Financial literacy
- Blockchain basics (crypto is confusing–but employers love tech-savvy students)
Be that Content Creator (Gen Z’s Favourite Job Title)
If you are already on TikTok or Instagram for 24/7, make it work for you. You can review products, share your university life, talk about being in clubs, etc. I once posted a short recap of my club’s event and boom–next thing I knew, people were asking to collab for events.
Brands love student creators who can authentically connect with other students. Start with UGC (User-Generated Content) or become a brand ambassador for student-focused companies.
Also, do not sleep on YouTube. Starting a channel might feel intimidating, but even a casual university vlog can build a loyal audience. You do not even need to show your face—faceless channels like study timers, aesthetic montages, voiceovers, or slideshows are totally a thing. Even better—ad revenue lasts as long as people are watching. It is passive income in its purest form.
Resell = closet cleanout + money
You all must have that one hoodie you wore once and then ghosted or your first-year textbooks collecting dust; sell them! Use apps like Depop, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace to sell your stuff.
Pro tip: Try flipping items. Buy underpriced gems from Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores, then resell them for profit. It is not just about cash—it is a crash course in pricing, customer psychology, negotiation, and even marketing. Basically, you are becoming a mini entrepreneur without the scary business class.
Campus jobs
There are many on campus jobs postings on the YU Hire website for students: working at the library desk, becoming a peer mentor, or helping in administration duties. I did orientation volunteering, Coffee Chats, and even helped organize events—some were paid, some were not, but ALL those experiences helped me to strengthen my resume and gave me recommendation letters.
Working at the library, gym, or front desk = money for just showing up. The campus jobs have their own perks like flexible hours, close to class, you can study and get paid.
Virtual Assistant Gigs – Work While Watching Netflix
If you like lists, planning events, or organising chaos–being a Virtual Assistant is such an underrated gem. I used Notion to plan events for my clubs and later used the same format for a small business client.
You can template it once and reuse it forever.
Apps to know: Notion, Google Drive, Canva. Easy to learn. These applications are a big flex on your resume.
Start your own thing: Campus CEO in making
Have a small business idea? Do not wait till graduation–start now. Whether it is making jewellery, print on demand, running a food delivery page for your dorm, or offering photography services, side hustles can easily start as small experiments. Use Instagram, Canva, and Linktree to build your brand presence. You might even qualify for student entrepreneurship funding or competitions at your university.
Volunteering & Clubs–Resume level up with vibes
Some gigs do not pay in cash, but the resume glow-up is real. Join clubs, plan events, volunteer at fairs, or run for a chill executive position. You will gain experience, make connections, and score some free food along the way.
The long game: These roles look fire on applications—and teach you more than just what is in class.
Bonus: Banking, Budgeting & Being Smart with Your Money
No side hustle talk is complete without a quick finance plug. If you are making money, you got to know how to keep it. I track my spending and set mini savings goals–even just $10 a week. Learn the basics of budgeting and investing, it is literally free online, and future you will thank you. Whether you are earning $50 or $500, managing your money is the adulting move. Learn how to:
- Track your spending (try YNAB, Monzo, or Spendee)
- Set savings goals (even $5 a week counts)
- Understand student credit cards and bank accounts
- Dip your toes into investing or crypto (carefully!)
Financial literacy is a side hustle in itself–except the returns last forever.
Alright, future side hustle royalty—we have covered a lot, but this is just the tip of the Wi-Fi connected iceberg. Whether you are flipping hoodies, filming faceless YouTube videos, or peer mentoring, university is the time to test the waters. If none of these clicked, there is still an entire world to explore, digital products (templates, planners, or guides–super low overhead, high profit potential) and affiliate marketing (link something once, earn forever). Go ahead—do a little Googling. The internet is free (unlike your tuition), and who knows? Your next scroll could be your next stream of income.
Now go hustle smart, stay hydrated, and remember, your side hustle does not have to be perfect, it just has to start.
Hi! My name’s Bani Galhotra, currently in my sophomore year and I run on iced coffees & chaotic to-do lists. I’m an IT student who, when not writing, can usually be found in the breakroom, building a Notion dashboard I’ll abandon in two weeks, crafting a new playlist instead of doing assignments, or taking aesthetic pics to feed my pinterest obsession. I’ve mastered the art of looking productive in cafés and believe no problem is too big that a well-timed meme can’t fix. Welcome to my corner of the internet—where the mess gets a little more manageable.