Many students explore entrepreneurship during their studies. In fact, The Guardian revealed that 34% of students have their own side hustle or business. It's easy to see why, given the many benefits and increasing costs of living.

Side hustles offer flexibility, focus on your passions, and enhance your CV. They provide plenty of talking points for future job interviews and help you stand out to employers.

Before diving in, it's essential to be realistic about the potential earnings. Your income will vary based on the type of side hustle and the time you invest. Initially, you might not see any profits, making a part-time job a more reliable income source at first.

If you're excited to start a side hustle, there are many options. They can range from small, occasional projects to ongoing businesses requiring regular input. Here are some ideas to help you find the right side hustle for you.

What's in This Guide?

→ Review products on YouTube

→ Start an e-commerce site

→ Become an influencer

→ Work at events

→ Do freelance gigs via Fivver

→ Buy and sell clothing

→ Become a Rider or Store Assistant with Getir

→ Sell Handmade Products on Etsy

→ Teach Your Hobbies as an Online Tutor

→ Write a Book(s)

→ Paying tax on side hustles

→ PreDegree Startup Scheme

1. Review Products on YouTube

Starting a YouTube channel can be an excellent side hustle, especially if you focus on product reviews. Choose products you're passionate about, like ethical skincare, novels, or gadgets. As you gain subscribers and attract brands, you might receive free products to review and earn money through affiliate links.

2. Start an E-Commerce Site

Creating an e-commerce website can be a profitable venture. Use platforms like Shopify to set up your store easily and start selling products or services online. Check out our guide to starting a Shopify store for more information.

3. Become an Influencer

Social media influencing is a popular side hustle. Earn money through affiliate marketing and brand deals while building valuable skills for your CV. Focus on a niche, like sustainable fashion, to develop your brand and make a positive impact.

4. Work at Events

Working at festivals, concerts, and talks on a flexible basis is perfect for students. It offers a way to earn money and experience amazing events. Look for opportunities on event recruitment websites and consider volunteering through charities for free event tickets.

5. Do Freelance Gigs via Fiverr

Fiverr offers a wide range of freelance gigs, from photography and proofreading to graphic design and social media content. Find a niche that suits your skills and interests to start earning money.

6. Buy and Sell Clothing

Buying and selling clothes can be a great way to earn extra money. Many times we have favourite brands or clothing types we know a low about which we can capitalise on to make money by buying cheap and selling for a profit. 

7. Become a Rider or Store Assistant with Getir

Working for a food delivery company like Getir as a store assistant or rider offers flexible hours and a steady income. Benefits include earning the living wage, holiday pay, and sick pay.

8. Sell Handmade Products on Etsy

If you're skilled at arts and crafts, selling handmade products on Etsy can be a rewarding side hustle. It showcases your creativity and organisational skills, and successful stores can generate significant income.

9. Teach Your Hobbies as an Online Tutor

Private tutoring can be a lucrative side hustle. If you have high-level skills in a hobby like music, art, or gaming, teach others and earn money while sharing your passion.

10. Write a Book(s)

Using something like Kindle Direct Publishing you can start your book writing journey in just a few clicks and sell to any market in the world. Got a hobby you love? Are you interested in sharing ideas? Do you want to tell a story? If so, book writing may be for you! Plus, it can earn a lot of money!

Paying Tax on Side Hustle Earnings

Earnings from side hustles can be taxable, but there are allowances. The trading allowance lets you earn up to £1,000 from self-employment without declaring it. For earnings over £1,000, you'll need to file a self-assessment tax return.

However, the personal tax allowance means you won't pay tax until you earn over £12,570 in a tax year.

Starting a side hustle can be an exciting and profitable way to use your skills and interests. With careful planning and dedication, you can turn your passion into a successful business.

PreDegree Startup Scheme

Introducing the PreDegree Startup Scheme, a comprehensive and supportive initiative designed to help students turn their business ideas into reality. Our scheme is built on a foundation of knowledge-sharing, practical support, and a commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs—all completely free of charge.

By joining the PreDegree Startup Scheme, students will gain access to a supportive community and a wealth of resources designed to help them succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavours. Let us help you turn your business dreams into reality!

• Business Startup Support

  Provide step-by-step guidance to help students start their own business from scratch.

• Share Knowledge

  Learn from all the mistakes we made and how you can get the best start to your business

• Completely Free

  We ensure all services and resources are provided at no cost to students, making entrepreneurship accessible to everyone.

• Advise on Best Practices

  Offer personalised advice on industry best practices to help students navigate the complexities of running a successful business.

• Help Make Complete Business Plans

  Assist students in creating comprehensive business plans that cover all essential aspects, from market research and financial planning to marketing strategies.

• Advertise Your Business and Products on PreDegree

  Provide a platform for students to promote their businesses, reaching a wide audience of potential customers and partners through the PreDegree blog and community.

All you need to do is email us stating what your business idea is and that you want to join the scheme.

We will then be in touch requesting additional information which is required for us to help you.