“Side Hustles That Will Help University Students Earn and Save Money“
By Ms Marina Joseph – Art in Tanzania internship
Art in Tanzania internship program
As a university student, having a way to earn some extra money on the side proves to be helpful and innovative. It alleviates some degree of financial stress on benefactors and parents. Due to several constraints and issues in starting a small business as a student, such as:
• Financial issues
• Acquiring the necessary certification to open up a business as a student
• Balancing work and school life
• Finding Customers (Market)
• Support from parents
• Dealing with stress and self-doubt
• Facing age stereotypes
There are limited options for the type of businesses or startups a student can start. The following are examples of side hustles that students can undertake to earn on the side:
1. Selling Jewellery: Jewellery, such as earrings, bracelets, and rings, is a perfect side hustle, especially for women. Such items are purchased at low prices in bulk and resold to students on campus, which has proven to be a profitable venture.
2. Selling pastries: Students on campus still cook every day to feed themselves. One can utilise such skills to create small pastries, such as mandazi, mahamri, and doughnuts, and sell them to shops where fellow students purchase them daily. It remains a low-cost option, as the ingredients used are those commonly found in a student’s home.
3. Selling secondhand clothes and shoes: This is a popular side hustle among students. It is easy to obtain such garments due to their proximity to business centres and their affordability. Students can sell them in dorms, hostels, and to their friends. Social media such as Instagram can also be used to reach other clients.
4. Gaming station: From my university experience, gaming stations have proven to be a chill spot for most guys, while also attracting people from everywhere to play games, mostly FIFA, COD, and MKA. It is inexpensive for customers; however, it requires a bit more capital to get started. This is for certification to operate a business that sells music and gaming equipment, including PlayStation and TV screens.
5. Printing: There are various printing outlets in any university. It doesn’t take much to set one up as a student. Several friends at the university have managed to open. It starts out slowly, but the market eventually picks up, just like any other start-up business.
6. Laundry services: It would be more cost-effective for a student to obtain a washing machine from home, relatives, or benefactors, as purchasing one can be quite expensive. With the necessary equipment already available, a student can opt to offer laundry services
7. Crocheting: Items such as shoe scrubs and carpets can be crotched. Students can utilise this skill to create items such as carpets, sweaters, scarves, and even earrings.
8. Culinary Services or Food Vendor: Street food is very popular among students. Such places serve as a hub for people to meet up, eat, and leave. Items such as choma kuku, chips, sausages, the famous “zege”, and hot dogs have a strong market presence. Grilled meats such as mishkaki are also in high demand. People who can cook can decide to offer such services.
9. Part-time job as a researcher: Students can apply for part-time jobs, such as being a researcher for a company that needs a labour force in their speciality field. This job can be more professional than other jobs, and it can be a good resume for future job of students (like applying for some internship companies during study periods)
