6 Realistic Student Side Jobs to Start in 2024

If you’re a student looking for realistic side jobs to boost your income in 2024, you’re in the right place. I know firsthand the challenges of balancing school with earning money. When I went to university, I completed a degree in a field I never worked in. Did I regret it? Not at all. The skills I gained were invaluable, especially the ability to learn and adapt. So, if you’re juggling studies and want to earn some extra cash, let’s explore some side hustles that are practical and require little to no investment.

We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.

1. YouTube Script Writer

One fantastic way to earn money is by becoming a script writer for YouTubers. This role is ideal for students because it leverages skills you might already be honing in your coursework. You’re likely already engaged in research and writing, so why not put those skills to use in a new way?

YouTube script writing is a growing field. Traditional content writing is highly competitive, but writing scripts for YouTube offers a unique opportunity. YouTube scripts need to be engaging and tailored for video, which is different from standard writing. Mastering this can give you a significant edge.

The pay for script writing ranges from $25 to $50 per hour, and it’s often a remote job. Many YouTubers are looking for reliable script writers to handle time-consuming research. This means there’s a strong demand for this skill. To get started, find a niche you’re passionate about and reach out to content creators. Propose a rate and begin building your freelance side hustle. Over time, this can also help you develop skills for creating your own YouTube content.

2. User-Generated Content (UGC) Creator

Another promising side hustle is becoming a User-Generated Content (UGC) creator. This involves creating short videos for brands, and it’s incredibly accessible. You only need a smartphone and an internet connection to get started. UGC is a type of content created by consumers and shared on social media platforms. Brands use UGC to promote their products because it feels authentic and relatable.

You don’t need to show your face if you’re uncomfortable doing so. You can create unboxing videos with just your voice or use AI tools for voiceovers. Brands pay between $150 and $500 for a 60-second clip. Some creators have reported earning as much as $10,000 a month, though this level of income usually comes with a larger following.

You don’t need a large social media following to start. Brands will publish your content on their channels. Platforms exist to connect UGC creators with brands, but you can also reach out directly. Building a strong social media presence can further enhance your earning potential. I’ve even put together a detailed tutorial to help you get started, which you can find linked below.

3. Affiliate Marketing with Amazon Influencer Program

Affiliate marketing through the Amazon Influencer Program is another realistic student side job. This program allows you to earn passive income by reviewing products you already own. You create short video reviews that appear on Amazon’s product pages. If someone buys the product after watching your review, you earn a commission between 1% and 3%.

To get started, review products you have at home that are available on Amazon. This is a great way to earn money passively. You can promote your Amazon affiliate page on Pinterest, which is a platform that allows users to click through your affiliate links directly. Pinterest is particularly effective because it simplifies the process for users, compared to other platforms like Instagram.

A popular Pinterest account with millions of viewers often links directly to affiliate posts, bypassing the need for users to navigate through multiple steps. Creating collages of products or sharing simple images can be more effective than video pins. I have a video on my channel that goes into more detail about affiliate marketing on Pinterest, which you can check out linked below.

4. Blogging

Blogging is a side hustle that requires significant upfront effort but can be very rewarding. If you enjoy writing and sharing information, starting a blog might be a great fit. Choose a niche that interests you, such as fashion, travel, or food. As your blog grows and attracts traffic, you can monetize it through ads or affiliate sales.

The initial costs for blogging are relatively low, typically between $50 and $100 per year. This covers domain registration and a hosting service like Bluehost. I also offer a free 7-day course on blogging that includes valuable lessons to help you get started. The long-term potential of blogging can lead to a steady income stream if you’re willing to invest the time and effort.

5. Print on Demand

If you have a creative streak, print on demand (POD) could be a great side hustle. This involves designing graphics or illustrations and placing them on products like t-shirts, mugs, or wall art. The POD company handles printing, packing, and shipping, allowing you to focus on your designs.

You’ll need an e-commerce platform that integrates with POD services, such as Etsy or Shopify. Popular POD suppliers include Printify, Gelato, and Printful. I have a detailed video about starting a POD business that you can find linked below. This side hustle is ideal for students because it requires minimal upfront investment and can be managed alongside your studies.

6. Starting a YouTube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel is a side hustle that you can begin today with minimal cost. All you need is a smartphone and an internet connection. Many successful YouTube channels started without high production quality. The key is to be authentic and create content around your passions or interests.

To monetize your channel, you need to accumulate 4,000 watch hours and 1,000 subscribers. Once you meet these requirements and get approved, you’ll earn money from ads. I’ve found that YouTube can bring in a substantial income, including sponsorships and affiliate commissions.

Even if you haven’t reached the 4,000 watch hours yet, you can start with affiliate marketing and product reviews. This way, you can begin earning before meeting all the monetization requirements. I’ve documented my experiences with various side hustles, and you can explore these results in a playlist linked below.

In conclusion, there are many realistic student side jobs you can start in 2024. Whether it’s writing YouTube scripts, creating UGC, or starting a blog, each option offers unique opportunities to earn money while managing your studies. Take advantage of these ideas and see which one aligns best with your skills and interests.

FAQs:

Q1: What side jobs can I do as a student?

As a student, there are various side jobs that fit well with a busy academic schedule. Some options include:

• Freelance Writing: You can offer your writing skills for blogs, websites, or YouTube scripts.
• Tutoring: Offer tutoring services in subjects you excel at, either in-person or online.
• User-Generated Content (UGC) Creation: Create short videos for brands that they can use in their marketing.
• Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn a commission on sales through platforms like Amazon.
• Print on Demand: Design products like t-shirts or mugs and sell them through print-on-demand services.

These jobs offer flexibility and can be done from anywhere, making them ideal for students.

Q2: How to make extra income in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, there are several ways to make extra income as a student:

• Online Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to offer services like writing, graphic design, or programming to clients worldwide.
• Blogging: Start a blog on a topic you’re passionate about and monetize it through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
• Mini Importation Business: Import products in demand locally and sell them for a profit.
• Social Media Management: Manage social media accounts for small businesses or entrepreneurs, helping them grow their online presence.
• Digital Marketing: Learn and offer services like SEO, content creation, and email marketing.

These options allow you to leverage the internet and digital platforms to generate income without needing significant capital.

Q3: Are there any side hustles that pay well?

Yes, several side hustles can pay well, depending on your skills and commitment:

• YouTube Script Writing: This can pay between $25 and $50 per hour, especially if you write for popular channels.
• UGC Creation: Brands may pay between $150 and $500 for short video content.
• Affiliate Marketing: Successful affiliate marketers can earn substantial passive income, especially with high-ticket items.
• Freelancing: Depending on your expertise, freelancing in areas like web development, graphic design, or digital marketing can pay well.
• Tutoring: Specialized tutoring, especially in subjects like math or science, can also be lucrative.

The key to success in these side hustles is consistency and building a portfolio or reputation that attracts higher-paying clients.

Q4: How can I make money as a university student?

Making money as a university student is possible through various avenues:

• Start a YouTube Channel: Create content around your interests, and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
• Sell Digital Products: Create and sell e-books, online courses, or digital art through platforms like Gumroad or Etsy.
• Freelance Services: Offer services like writing, graphic design, or social media management on freelancing platforms.
• Part-Time Jobs: Consider part-time work that aligns with your schedule, such as working at a café, bookstore, or as a teaching assistant.
• On-Campus Opportunities: Look for on-campus jobs like research assistant positions or work-study programs.

Balancing your studies with these side jobs can help you gain valuable experience while earning extra income.

We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.