In this post, I will share some Side Gigs for Broke College Students. If you’re a college student like me, you’ve probably felt the sting of an empty wallet. Tuition, textbooks, rent, and those late-night pizza runs add up fast. But here’s the good news: side gigs can help you earn extra cash without derailing your studies or social life.
These flexible, part-time jobs are perfect for broke college students looking to make ends meet. Below, I’ll share a variety of side gigs that are student-friendly, explain how to get started, and offer tips to balance them with your busy schedule. Whether you’re a tech whiz, a pet lover, or just want to clear out your closet, there’s a gig for you.
Key Points
- Side gigs offer flexibility: They fit around your class schedule, making them ideal for students.
- Low startup costs: Many require little to no investment, perfect for those on a tight budget.
- Skill-building opportunities: You can gain experience that boosts your resume.
- Variety of options: From freelancing to delivery, there’s a gig for every interest and skill set.
- Tax considerations: Earnings may need to be reported, so keep track of your income.
Why Side Gigs Work Perfect for College Students
Side gigs are short-term, flexible jobs that let you earn money in your spare time. Unlike traditional part-time jobs, they often allow you to set your hours and work from anywhere, like your dorm, a café, or even between classes. They’re also a great way to develop skills, build your resume, and maybe even discover a new passion. Plus, they can help cover those unexpected expenses that always seem to pop up.
The best side gigs for students are:
- Flexible: Fit around your class schedule.
- Accessible: Requires little to no startup costs or experience.
- Rewarding: Provides both income and personal growth.
Popular Side Gigs for Broke College Students
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best side gigs, complete with earning potential and how to get started. I’ve organized them by category to help you find the perfect fit.
1. Freelancing: Turn Your Skills into Cash
Freelancing is like a playground for your talents. If you’ve got skills in writing, design, or tech, you can find clients on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Here are some popular options:
- Freelance Writing: Write blog posts, articles, or social media content. Pay ranges from $19 to $45 per hour, depending on experience.
- Graphic Design: Create logos, banners, or social media graphics for $15 to $35 per hour.
- Web Development: Build or maintain websites, earning $15 to $35 per hour.
- Social Media Management: Manage accounts and create content for businesses, with rates of $14 to $35 per hour.
- AI Jobs: If you’re tech-savvy, roles like prompt engineering or AI consulting can pay $35 to $60 per hour.
Why It’s Great: Freelancing lets you work from anywhere—your dorm, a library, or a café. It’s also a chance to build a portfolio and gain real-world experience that looks great on a resume.
How to Start: Sign up on freelancing platforms, create a profile with samples of your work, and bid on projects that match your skills. Start with smaller jobs to build your reputation.
2. Tutoring and Teaching: Share Your Knowledge
If you’re acing your classes, tutoring is a fantastic way to earn money while helping others. You can tutor in subjects like math, science, or languages, or even offer test prep services. Platforms like Tutor.com or Pear Deck Learning connect you with students, and you can earn $20 to $40 per hour. Alternatively, you can advertise locally on campus or in your community.
Another option is creating online courses. If you’re an expert in a subject, record lectures or create study guides and sell them on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. This requires more upfront work but can generate passive income over time.
Why It’s Great: Tutoring is flexible, rewarding, and reinforces your own knowledge. It’s also a great resume-booster for future academic or teaching roles.
How to Start: Highlight your academic strengths on your resume, join tutoring platforms, or post flyers on campus bulletin boards.
3. Care Services: For Kid and Pet Lovers
If you love kids or animals, care services are a fun and flexible way to earn money. Here are two popular options:
- Babysitting: Care for children while parents are away. The average pay is $24.99 per hour for one child, with higher rates for more kids or overnight stays.
- Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: Look after pets or walk dogs through apps like Rover or Wag. Dog walking pays $14 to $19 per hour, while pet sitting can earn $20 to $100 per day.
Why It’s Great: These gigs often come with downtime (like when kids are asleep or pets are resting), which you can use to study. Plus, they’re a great way to de-stress.
How to Start: Join platforms like Care.com for babysitting or Rover for pet-related gigs. Networking with local families or pet owners also works.
4. Delivery and Transportation: Stay on the Move
If you have a car, bike, or even a scooter, delivery and transportation gigs are a great fit. Here are some options:
- Food Delivery: Deliver meals through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Average pay is $19.70 per hour, plus tips.
- Grocery Delivery: Shop and deliver groceries via Instacart or Shipt, earning $16 to $22 per hour.
- Ridesharing: Drive for Lyft or Uber and make $15 to $25 per hour.
Why It’s Great: These gigs are perfect if you enjoy being on the move. They’re also flexible, letting you work during peak hours for higher earnings.
How to Start: Sign up with delivery or rideshare apps, ensure you meet vehicle or equipment requirements, and start accepting jobs. Check age and vehicle requirements first.
5. Selling Items: Declutter and Profit
Got a closet full of clothes you don’t wear or textbooks from last semester? Selling items is an easy way to make money. Here are some ideas:
- Clothes and Accessories: Sell on Poshmark, Depop, or ThredUp.
- Electronics and Books: Use eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or AbeBooks for books.
- Handmade Crafts: Create and sell items like jewelry or art prints on Etsy.
- Stock Photos: If you’re into photography, sell photos on Shutterstock or Getty Images for royalties.
Why It’s Great: You’re decluttering your space while earning cash. It’s a low-effort gig with no fixed schedule.
How to Start: Create accounts on selling platforms, take clear photos of your items, and list them with competitive prices. For crafts, invest in quality materials to stand out.
6. On-Campus Opportunities: Close to Home
Your college campus is a goldmine for side gigs. Many universities offer student-friendly jobs with flexible hours and great perks. Here are some options:
- Resident Advisor (RA): Live in dorms, support students, and plan activities. You often get free housing and a stipend.
- Research Assistant: Help professors with research projects, earning up to $20 per hour.
- Campus Jobs: Work in the library, cafeteria, or IT department. These are usually part-time and student-friendly.
Why It’s Great: On-campus jobs are convenient, requiring no commute, and they’re designed with students in mind.
How to Start: Check your university’s job board or career center for openings. Apply early, as these roles can be competitive.
7. Creative Pursuits: Express Yourself
If you’re artistically inclined, you can turn your creativity into cash. Here are some ideas:
- Photography: Sell stock photos, offer portrait sessions, or do product photography for businesses. Rates on Upwork are $17 to $27 per hour.
- Blogging/Podcasting: Start a blog or podcast on a topic you love and monetize through ads or sponsorships. Bloggers can earn $15 to $35 per hour, while podcasters average $16 per hour.
- Self-Publishing: Write and sell e-books on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Why It’s Great: These gigs let you express yourself and build a personal brand that could lead to bigger opportunities.
How to Start: For photography, invest in a good camera and upload to stock sites. For blogging or podcasting, start with free platforms like WordPress or Anchor and grow your audience.
8. Odd Jobs: Jack of All Trades
Odd jobs like house cleaning, yard work, or running errands can be surprisingly lucrative. Platforms like TaskRabbit connect you with people needing help with tasks like furniture assembly or moving. Pay varies, but a few hours can earn you a decent amount.
Why It’s Great: Odd jobs are often one-off, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule.
How to Start: Sign up on TaskRabbit or advertise your services locally. Highlight any handy skills you have, like repairs or organizing.
How to Get Started with Side Gigs
Ready to jump in? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Assess Your Skills and Interests: List what you’re good at and what you enjoy. This helps you pick a gig you’ll stick with.
- Research Platforms and Requirements: Check platforms like Upwork, Rover, or eBay for gig requirements. Some may need a car, specific skills, or certifications.
- Create Profiles and Portfolios: Build strong profiles with samples of your work for freelancing or tutoring. For selling, take high-quality photos.
- Network and Advertise: Tell friends, family, and classmates about your services. Use social media or campus bulletin boards to spread the word.
- Set Competitive Rates: Research what others charge and start with fair prices. Adjust as you gain experience.
- Stay Organized: Track your earnings and expenses using apps or spreadsheets for tax purposes.
Time Management Tips
Balancing side gigs with studies can be challenging, but these tips can help:
- Prioritize Academics: Your studies come first. Schedule gigs during free hours or weekends.
- Set Realistic Goals: Start with a few hours a week to avoid overwhelm.
- Use a Calendar: Block out time for gigs, classes, and relaxation to stay organized.
- Avoid Burnout: Take breaks and don’t overcommit. Side gigs should enhance your life, not stress you out.
- Leverage Downtime: Use breaks between classes for online gigs like freelancing or selling items.
Legal and Tax Considerations
Earning money from side gigs comes with responsibilities:
- Tax Obligations: In the US, if you earn over $400 from self-employment, you must file a tax return and pay self-employment taxes.
- Report Income: All side gig income is taxable. Report it accurately to avoid penalties.
- Deduct Expenses: You can deduct business expenses like equipment, travel, or advertising. Keep receipts and track expenses.
- Check Financial Aid: Extra income might affect your financial aid. Consult your university’s financial aid office.
- Seek Advice: If you’re unsure, talk to a tax advisor or use university resources for guidance.
FAQs
Q: How much time do I need to commit to a side gig?
A: It depends on the gig. Some, like freelancing, can take just a few hours a week, while others, like ridesharing, may require more. Start small and adjust as needed.
Q: Can I do side gigs with a full course load?
A: Absolutely! Many gigs are flexible, letting you work around your schedule. Choose ones like tutoring or online selling for maximum control.
Q: Do I need to pay taxes on side gig income?
A: Yes, if you earn over $400, you’ll need to file a tax return. Keep records of your income and expenses.
Q: How can I ensure side gigs don’t affect my financial aid?
A: Report your income accurately and check with your financial aid office to understand any impacts.
Q: Are there risks with side gigs?
A: Some risks include non-payment or difficult clients. Use reputable platforms and vet clients carefully.
Side Gig Earnings Table
| Side Gig | Average Pay (USD) | Platform Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $19–$45/hour | Upwork, Fiverr |
| Graphic Design | $15–$35/hour | Upwork, Fiverr |
| Tutoring | $20–$40/hour | Tutor.com, Pear Deck Learning |
| Babysitting | $24.99/hour (1 child) | Care.com |
| Dog Walking | $14–$19/hour | Rover, Wag |
| Food Delivery | $19.70/hour | DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub |
| Grocery Delivery | $16–$22/hour | Instacart, Shipt |
| Selling Items | Varies ($400/phone) | eBay, Poshmark, Etsy |
| Resident Advisor | Free housing + stipend | University job boards |
| Photography | $17–$27/hour | Shutterstock, Upwork |
Conclusion
Side gigs are a lifeline for broke college students like us. They offer a way to earn extra money, gain valuable experience, and even explore new passions. Whether you’re freelancing, tutoring, delivering food, or selling your old stuff, there’s a gig that fits your skills and schedule.
Start small, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to try different options until you find what works. With a little effort, you can turn those empty pockets into a source of pride and financial freedom.