It’s no secret: Most of us in college wouldn’t mind some extra cash. However, the prospect of taking up a side hustle — whilst enticing — can be foreign and tricky for those who have zero experience. Not to mention the ever-looming concern that becoming too involved in work might cause one to fall behind in existing commitments. Still, the world of college side hustles is colourful, multi-dimensional, and begging to be explored! Here are five side hustles that work on a college schedule.
- Skill-based Freelance Work
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When one thinks of earning cash in college, the idea of a part-time job often comes to mind: manning a counter, packing warehouse stocks, waiting tables… These are all well and good for getting some side cash, but for the career-oriented college student, these jobs may seem unsatisfactory, or rather mundane.
What if I told you that there is a form of work that takes up only as much time as you choose, works on your own schedule, and taps into skills that are relevant and evolving? That’s right; Welcome to the world of Freelancing.
With sites like Fiverr and Upwork constantly offering job opportunities like copywriting, logo-making, and transcription services online, the busy college student can earn some side cash on their own time, whilst building useful and highly transferable skills!
What’s better, you can work these jobs from anywhere, so long as you have an internet connection. There is a catch, though; lots of Freelancers use these sites, so getting assigned to a task usually requires an amazing portfolio of work to showcase, or the ability to market yourself exceptionally well. If you find yourself stuck without a lavish portfolio, you can consider taking up a few voluntary positions first before launching into Freelance work! (Hint: Practise writing articles with us at HC Nanyang Tech!)
- Part-Time Jobs on and off Campus
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Yes, yes, regular old part-time jobs can get dusty pretty quick, but it is still a desirable form of work. Many enjoy the reliability and stability that part-time jobs offer. You can find part-time jobs simply by keeping an eye out when walking past notice boards and the entrances of small businesses in and around campus (usually a “We’re Hiring!” sign features). You can also consider reaching out to friends who have a part-time job somewhere, and ask if they need an extra hand!
If you prefer searching up online, try Telegram channels like @sgQuickJobs, where opportunities are posted daily. These opportunities aren’t vetted by any formal quality control though (as with most casual channels), so do be cautious when sending in your applications!
Also, part-time jobs need not be all F&B and admin-related. There are some pretty cool part-time jobs out there; Our Social Media Director Ann Nicole works part-time as a Radio DJ! Always keep on the lookout for opportunities and who knows… You might land a unexpectedly awesome gig!
- Sell your Old Clothes
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Here’s one for the college fashionistas out there. Ever scoured through your wardrobe only to find pieces that you just don’t vibe with anymore, but are still pretty rad and in good condition? Local fashion label Refash will buy these from you. You can either personally drop off your items (minimum 10 pieces) at a Refash outlet, or sell them online via their website. Check out their page for more detailed information! Alternatively, you could consider selling your clothes through social channels like Instagram and Facebook (check out their Marketplace function!).
- Provide a Service…Any Service!
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This one’s for those with a very specialised skill. Are you uncannily fantastic at fixing calculators? Or perhaps you find strong satisfaction in making rooms clean and tidy? Let the people around you know! Put up notices around your residence (if you do stay) or around campus (with the right permissions granted) to advertise your willingness to do these things for a fee! I’ve seen notices for fixing bicycles, printing notes, cooking, tarot card reading, room-cleaning, guitar lessons, laundry… You name it! Go out there and make some cash with what you can do. There’s always someone out there who needs something you can offer.
- Start a Small Business
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This one needs a little planning, but might be the most rewarding college side hustle. With platforms like Carousell and Etsy, you can begin your own online shop with little to no fees. Now’s the time to start something of your own. You can turn your interest in craft-making into a small business with some dedication and resilience. Talk about grooming a passion and building up your financial independence at the same time! Of course, depending on the venture one embarks on, start-up costs may apply and for most, things start off slow. Still, starting a small business not only trains you up to be entrepreneurial, but also affords you the opportunity to take initiative in developing something uniquely yours. Check out our previous article, where we shared about Nail Deck’s Daryl Chew; living proof of how this side hustle can work out to become a long-term career.
