Best Side Hustles for Students in 2025

Are you a student dreaming of becoming a millionaire but struggling to balance studying and making money? You’re not alone. Many students find themselves on a tight budget, questioning the value of their education. Surprisingly, a significant number of degrees have a negative return on investment, and many graduates end up in jobs that don’t require a degree. The solution? Multiple streams of income. Most millionaires have at least three income streams, and many have more. But which side hustles are realistic for students? Let’s dive into seven great ideas you can start today.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. TikTok Shop
3. Focus Groups
4. Modernizing Boring Businesses
5. Part-Time Jobs
6. Selling Your Stuff
7. Dropshipping
8. Language Dubbing
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ

Introduction

As a student, you might be living off cup noodles and questioning your decision to go to college. The good news is that there are plenty of side hustles you can start right from your dorm room. These side hustles not only help you make extra cash but also teach you valuable skills that will benefit you in the long run.

TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is a booming platform that allows you to sell products directly to consumers through short, engaging videos. With zero startup costs and minimal equipment, it’s perfect for students.

How Much Money Can You Make?

The amount you can earn depends on the products you sell. Beauty and personal care products, along with women’s wear, are top-performing categories. You can make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a month, especially if you land on a viral product.

How Much Time Will It Take?

If you aim to make a lot of money, dedicating around three hours a night is ideal. For smaller targets, like an extra $100 a month, an hour a day should suffice.

How to Get Started

1. Download the TikTok Seller Center app.
2. Upload product images, descriptions, and prices.
3. Submit everything for review.

You can also leverage TikTok Shop’s affiliate program, working with micro-influencers to promote your products.

Focus Groups

Focus groups are a fantastic way to earn money by sharing your opinions. Companies pay good money for your feedback to improve their products.

How Much Money Can You Make?

You can earn up to $250 for a one-hour focus group, but the actual amount varies based on the niche. The more specific your feedback, the higher the pay.

How Much Time Will It Take?

Focus groups usually range from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, making them a quick and easy way to earn money.

How to Get Started

1. Find legit focus group websites like Respondent, User Interviews, and focusgroup.com.
2. Avoid scams by sticking with trusted platforms that don’t ask for upfront payments or private information.

Modernizing Boring Businesses

Modernizing boring businesses like laundromats, self-storage facilities, and vending machines can be a goldmine. These businesses are reliable and recession-proof but often run by older people with outdated systems.

How Much Money Can You Make?

A laundromat can bring in around $300,000 a year with profit margins between 20 to 30%. By modernizing these businesses, you can take a cut of the increased profits.

How Much Time Will It Take?

Setting up modern systems may take a few hours to a couple of days, but once done, your involvement can drop to just an hour or two a week.

How to Get Started

1. Find a boring business with potential.
2. Choose the right software, like Odoo, to automate and modernize the business.
3. Negotiate a profit split to directly benefit from the success you bring.

Part-Time Jobs

Part-time jobs are a classic way to make money while learning valuable skills. Whether it’s working at McDonald’s or tutoring, these jobs teach resilience, responsibility, and the value of money.

How Much Money Can You Make?

The amount you can earn depends on the type of job. Traditional part-time jobs like working at McDonald’s pay around $12.81 per hour. Specialized jobs like tutoring or freelancing can offer higher earnings.

How to Get Started

1. Create a solid CV.
2. Hand it directly to local businesses.
3. Keep it professional with no inappropriate photos.

Selling Your Stuff

Selling your stuff is a great way to declutter and make money. Most students have items they no longer need, from clothes to textbooks.

How Much Money Can You Make?

You can make at least 50% of the new price for in-demand items like textbooks. Be mindful of shipping costs to ensure the sale is worth your time.

How Much Time Will It Take?

Listing items on platforms like eBay or Vinted is quick and easy. The only time-consuming part might be posting the items.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a platform like Vinted or eBay.
2. Set up an account.
3. Upload clear photos, write honest descriptions, and price your items competitively.

 

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is perfect for students who want to make money without the hassle of holding inventory. You set up an online store, choose products from suppliers, and the supplier handles the shipping.

How Much Money Can You Make?

Your earning potential depends on the products you sell and your marketing efforts. Profit margins are around 20 to 30%, but high-ticket items can offer even more.

How Much Time Will It Take?

Setting up your store is quick with tools like Build Your Store AI. Once set up, focus on marketing your products.

How to Get Started

1. Use a tool like Build Your Store AI to set up your Shopify store.
2. Find winning products and suppliers.
3. Focus on your marketing to drive sales.

Language Dubbing

Language dubbing is a fantastic way to make money by helping businesses and creators translate their content into different languages.

How Much Money Can You Make?

As a voice actor, the average hourly rate in the US is $48.17. If you offer dubbing services, you can charge clients a flat fee or take a percentage of the project’s budget.

How Much Time Will It Take?

The time commitment depends on your level of experience. New voice actors might spend a few hours each week practicing, while managing a dubbing service requires networking and overseeing project timelines.

How to Get Started

1. Upload your samples on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
2. Focus on high-demand markets like Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, and Japanese.

 

Conclusion

Starting a side hustle as a student can be a game-changer. Whether you choose TikTok Shop, focus groups, modernizing boring businesses, part-time jobs, selling your stuff, dropshipping, or language dubbing, there’s an opportunity for everyone. These side hustles not only help you make extra cash but also teach you valuable skills that will benefit you in the long run.

Ready to take the next step? Explore more articles on HelpInHere to find additional resources and tips for students looking to make money.

FAQ

Q: What is the easiest side hustle for students?

A: The easiest side hustle for students is selling your stuff. It requires minimal effort and can be done quickly through platforms like eBay or Vinted.

Q: How much money can I realistically make with a side hustle?

A: The amount of money you can make depends on the side hustle you choose. Some side hustles, like TikTok Shop or dropshipping, can bring in a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a month.

Q: What skills do I need to start a side hustle?

A: The skills you need depend on the side hustle. For example, modernizing boring businesses requires knowledge of software like Odoo, while language dubbing requires language and voice acting skills.

Q: Can I start a side hustle with no money?

A: Yes, many side hustles, like TikTok Shop or focus groups, require zero startup costs. You can start earning money with just a phone and an internet connection.

Q: How do I balance studying and a side hustle?

A: Balancing studying and a side hustle requires good time management. Dedicate specific hours each day to your side hustle and ensure you have enough time for studying and self-care.