Written by marketingprofithack » Updated on: June 10th, 2025
Welcome to my article “What Are the Best Online Side Hustles for Students? (Make $100/week)”. Let’s be honest — college is expensive, textbooks are overpriced, and ramen noodles (though iconic) were never meant to be a food group. Whether you’re trying to fund your caffeine addiction, pay rent, or just want to stop asking your parents for money every month, picking up an online side hustle might be the smartest move you make this semester. And no, we’re not talking about those sketchy “work from home” gigs that want your bank info before your resume.
The good news? The internet is basically one giant vending machine of money-making opportunities — you just need to know which buttons to press. From freelancing your existing skills to making TikToks that actually pay, students today have more options than ever to make $100 (or more) a week without sacrificing sleep or GPA. Well… maybe just a little sleep.
In this post, we’ll break down the best online side hustles for students — ones that are legit, flexible, and don’t require a degree in rocket science to start. Whether you’re a night owl, a study hall ninja, or someone who knows way too much about Canva, there’s something here for you. So grab your laptop, mute Netflix for a second, and let’s dive into the side hustles that could turn your broke student status into a side-income legend.
(A complete student-friendly roadmap to turning words into weekly cash)
Why Freelance Writing Is a Goldmine for Students
Let’s face it: students write a lot. Essays, reports, discussion posts, even witty Instagram captions — writing is already part of your daily life. So why not get paid to do what you’re already good at?
Freelance writing is one of the most beginner-friendly online hustles out there. It’s remote, flexible, doesn’t require a degree, and there’s an insane global demand for written content — think blogs, emails, product descriptions, ebooks, social media captions, and more.
If you can express an idea clearly and spell “definitely” correctly (not “definately”), you’re already ahead of half the competition.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started as a Student Freelance Writer
Step 1: Pick a Niche (or 2)
Start with what you already know:
Are you a psychology major? Write mental health content.
Obsessed with gadgets? Tech blogs want you.
Good at simplifying complex ideas? Educational sites will eat that up.
Pro Tip: Niching down helps you stand out faster and charge more.
Step 2: Create 2–3 Writing Samples
Clients need to see your skills, even if you’re just starting.
Options:
Write a blog-style post in Google Docs
Start a free blog on Medium
Rewrite an existing article in your own words and add flair
Make sure your samples:
Have proper formatting (headings, bullet points)
Are clear and typo-free
Match the tone of who you want to write for (fun, formal, etc.)
Step 3: Set Up Profiles on Freelance Platforms
Start with beginner-friendly sites:
Fiverr: Create gigs like “I will write a 500-word blog post for $15”
Upwork: Bid on entry-level writing jobs in your niche
PeoplePerHour: Great for smaller quick-win projects
Freelancer.com: Decent for volume, less ideal for long-term
Use keywords like: “student writer,” “affordable blog writer,” “beginner-friendly content.”
Step 4: Start Pitching (Even Outside Platforms)
Email blog owners, pitch in Facebook groups, or DM small brands on Instagram. Here’s a quick pitch template:
“Hey [Name], I’m a student and freelance writer who specializes in [topic]. I’d love to help with blog content or social media posts — here’s a quick sample of my work. Let me know if you’re open to it!”
Step 5: Deliver. On. Point.
Once you land a gig:
Meet the deadline
Follow instructions
Edit like a grammar ninja
Ask for feedback + a testimonial
Clients LOVE reliability more than genius. Be the writer they don’t have to babysit.
Realistic Income Potential (Yes, Even As a Newbie)
Experience LevelWordsRate (avg)Weekly Income (est)Beginner500$10–$25$100–$200Intermediate1000$30–$75$250–$500Advanced1500+$100–$200+$500–$1000+
One 500-word blog post per day = $100+/week, easy.
Helpful FAQ: Freelance Writing for Students
Do I need a degree or writing certification?
Nope. Many clients care more about your tone, grammar, and ability to follow directions than your diploma.
What if English isn’t my first language?
That’s okay! Focus on niches where grammar isn’t overly academic. Use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, or Quillbot to clean up your writing. Many non-native English writers do very well once they find their voice.
How do I avoid scams?
Never accept a gig that asks you to pay first
Don’t write full articles for free (samples are okay)
Use trusted platforms or signed contracts
Ask for 50% upfront payment for larger projects
What tools will make my writing life easier?
Grammarly (Free): Fix grammar and tone
Hemingway App (Free): Make your writing easier to read
Trello: Manage client projects
Clockify: Track your writing hours (and bill like a boss)
How do I improve fast?
Read top blogs in your niche
Rewrite blog intros to practice voice and style
Watch YouTube videos on freelance writing (hint: search “freelance writing for beginners”)
Offer writing to friends or clubs in exchange for reviews/testimonials
Final Word
Freelance writing is not a get-rich-quick scheme — but it’s 100% a get-paid-consistently-if-you-hustle-smart system. Whether you’re looking to cover your Netflix bill or stash cash for spring break, writing could be your first step toward financial freedom — as a student, no less.
Start small. Write consistently. Raise your rates. And don’t forget to spellcheck.
Online Tutoring — Turn That A+ into $$
Because flexing your GPA is good — but flexing it for cash is better.
Being a student means your brain is already in learning mode. Why not flip that switch and become the teacher for someone else? You already know the material, the exam stress, and the “I studied but nothing stuck” struggle. That makes you the perfect tutor.
Bonus? You set your own hours, work from your dorm (or bed), and get paid to talk about stuff you already know.
What Can You Tutor? (Hint: More Than You Think)
You don’t have to be a genius or have a 4.0 GPA in quantum physics. Here’s what people pay for:
Math & Science: Algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry
Languages: English, Spanish, French, even Bengali or Hindi
Writing & Grammar: Essay help, sentence structure, grammar drills
Test Prep: SAT, ACT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL
Programming: Python, Java, web development basics
Even Music & Art Theory: Yes, creative skills sell too!
Pro Tip: Niche tutoring (like GRE quant or high school biology) often pays more.
Where to Start Tutoring Online
Here are top platforms that accept students as tutors:
PlatformWhat They Look ForAvg. PayChegg TutorsStrong academics, test prep~$20/hrPreplyFluent language or subject knowledge$10–$30/hrWyzantU.S.-based, flexible with requirementsYou set the rateSuperprofBroad range (math to guitar)$15–$40/hrTutorMeQuick matching, flexible onboarding~$16–$26/hr
Don’t want to go through a platform? Try tutoring via Zoom and market yourself on LinkedIn, Instagram, or local college pages.
How to Create a Killer Tutor Profile (and Get Booked!)
Your tutor profile is your resume + elevator pitch in one. Here’s what to include:
Friendly photo: Look like someone who won’t make calculus scarier.
Catchy bio: “Hey! I’m a psychology major who makes SAT stress disappear.”
Subjects offered: Be clear and confident.
Availability: Be flexible but consistent.
Rates: Start low ($10–$15/hr) to build trust, then raise as you grow.
Make a Short Video Intro (Optional but Powerful)
Introduce yourself in 60 seconds
Explain how you help and what makes you different
Speak clearly, smile, and be authentic
Why? Students (and their parents) are more likely to book someone they can see and hear.
How to Run a Tutoring Session (Without Losing Your Mind)
Structure = sanity. Here’s a simple format:
Warm-up chat (2–3 mins): Ease in with a question or quick review
Main lesson (30–40 mins): Use examples, visuals, real-world analogies
Practice questions (10–15 mins): Let them try, and guide when stuck
Wrap-up (5 mins): Summarize what they learned + assign a tiny task
Tools to use:
Zoom/Google Meet: For face-to-face
Jamboard/Miro: Whiteboard explanations
Google Docs: Live notes + homework
Khan Academy/Quizlet: Bonus resources
How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
Here’s a conservative breakdown based on 3–4 tutoring hours/week:
Weekly HoursHourly RateWeekly TotalMonthly Total4 hrs$15/hr$60~$240/month6 hrs$20/hr$120~$480/month10 hrs$25/hr$250~$1,000/month
You don’t need 20 clients. Just 4–5 regular students can get you well past that $100/week goal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to be certified to tutor?
Nope! Many platforms just want to know you’re smart, reliable, and can teach clearly. Some (like Wyzant) do background checks, but many others don’t.
Q2: What if I’m not great at everything?
No problem. You don’t need to be. Pick one or two subjects you’re confident in. Focus on that. You’ll actually get better results (and more referrals) when you specialize.
Q3: Can I tutor in my native language?
Absolutely. Sites like Preply are built for language tutors. Whether it’s English, Spanish, Bengali, or Arabic, people will pay to learn from native/fluent speakers.
Q4: What if the student doesn’t understand me?
If you’re calm, clear, and patient, most students will love your sessions. Use diagrams, examples, and repeat ideas in different ways. Teaching is not about sounding smart — it’s about making them feel smart.
Q5: Can I tutor younger kids?
Yes! And parents are often more willing to pay than college students. Elementary and middle school tutoring is HUGE — especially for math, reading, and homework help.
Q6: What if they cancel last-minute?
Set a policy: “Cancellations within 12 hours are non-refundable.” If you’re on a platform, they usually handle that for you. If it’s a private gig, politely enforce it.
Final Advice
Online tutoring is more than a gig — it’s a mini business. The more effort you put into helping your students succeed, the faster you grow (both in income and confidence).
You’re already smart. Now it’s time to get smart-paid.
Social Media Management — Scroll with Purpose
Yes, it’s a job. Yes, it pays. And no, your mom still won’t understand it.
Think of social media management as the art (and science) of helping brands and people not just exist online, but thrive. From planning content to replying to comments, it’s like being a party host — except the party is on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
A social media manager handles:
Content strategy
Creative direction (posts, videos, memes — yes, memes)
Post scheduling and automation
Audience engagement
Analytics and performance reporting
Brand voice and identity
If you’ve ever made a meme go viral in your group chat, you’re halfway there.
Why It’s Perfect for Students
Flexible hours
You can work remotely from anywhere (yes, even the campus library)
No formal degree required
You’re already fluent in TikTok, Insta, and Reels
You can start earning with just one client
Unlike babysitting your neighbor’s cat or waiting tables, this side hustle can grow into a full-time freelance gig — or even a career.
The Skills You’ll Need (and Probably Already Have)
You don’t need to be a tech genius. Just build on these basic skills:
Soft Skills:
Creativity (for post ideas and captions)
Communication (to engage and convert)
Organization (juggling content calendars & deadlines)
Trend awareness (know what’s hot — and what’s cringe)
Hard Skills:
Canva or Photoshop for design
Scheduling tools like Buffer, Later, or Hootsuite
Short-form video editing (CapCut, InShot)
Basic analytics (reach, engagement rate, growth)
Writing clear, brand-friendly copy
How Much Can You Earn?
Let’s talk real numbers. Beginners might start at $200–$300/month per client. With experience and results, many charge $500–$1,000/month or more.
Sample Pricing Model:
ServiceBeginner PriceExperienced PriceInstagram Mgmt (4–5 posts/week)$200/mo$500/mo+TikTok Strategy & Posting$150/mo$400/mo+Full Monthly SMM Package$300–$400$800–$1,500+
Imagine handling just 3 clients at $400/month = $1,200/month part-time.
Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with these tools to become a mini social media agency:
Scheduling & Automation
Buffer / Later / Planoly — Plan and schedule posts
Meta Business Suite — Manage Facebook and Instagram posts
Design & Content Creation
Canva — Graphic design made easy
CapCut / InShot — Video editing for Reels/TikToks
Unsplash / Pexels — Free image banks
Analytics
Instagram Insights / TikTok Analytics
Notion / Google Sheets for content tracking
Metricool / SocialBee for in-depth reports
Where to Find Clients (Even with No Experience)
Beginner-Friendly Platforms:
Fiverr & Upwork — Great for testing the waters
Facebook Groups — Search for “small business owners” or “digital nomads”
LinkedIn — Freelance gigs or connections
Instagram DMs — Yes, cold pitching works (with a portfolio)
Bonus: Start with local businesses or a friend’s brand. Offer a “starter package” or discounted trial to build experience.
How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market
Even though lots of people want to do this, very few do it well. Here’s how you can stand out:
Niche Down:
Instead of “I manage social media,” try “I help local cafés grow on Instagram” or “I make TikToks for indie fitness brands.”
Build a Portfolio:
Even mock projects or your own page can show your style and skills.
Be Results-Driven:
Show before/after examples, growth screenshots, or engagement stats.
FAQ — Let’s Bust Some Myths
Q1: Do I need to go viral to be successful?
Nope. Virality is nice, but consistency and engagement matter more.
Q2: What if I don’t have any experience?
Start by managing your own page with intention. Create mock brands to practice. Offer free trials to local businesses. Then level up with real case studies.
Q3: Can I do this with just my phone?
Absolutely. Many successful SMMs work entirely from mobile, especially for TikTok and Instagram.
Q4: How much time does it take weekly?
1–2 hours per client per week is a good start. With 3–4 clients, you’re still under 10 hours.
Q5: Can this turn into a full-time business?
100%. Many freelancers start with 1–2 clients, then scale into agencies or consulting gigs.
Final Tips to Get Started
Build your own social profile as your portfolio
Offer discounted packages or free trials
Network in Facebook groups or DM businesses
Track performance and build case studies
Keep learning — social platforms evolve quickly!
Selling Digital Products — Make It Once, Earn Forever
Because passive income is cooler than active stress.
What Exactly Are Digital Products?
Let’s start with the basics. A digital product is anything that can be sold or distributed online without needing to be physically shipped. Think of it as intellectual property turned into a downloadable or viewable format.
Examples of Digital Products:
Ebooks or Guides (Teach, inspire, or entertain)
Online Courses & Webinars
Printables (Calendars, planners, worksheets)
Design Templates (Social media posts, resumes, brochures)
Digital Art or Stock Photos
Music, Beats, or Sound Effects
Software, Apps, or Code Snippets
Notion/Excel/Google Sheet Templates
If you’ve ever Googled a “meal planner PDF” or bought a Notion template, you’re already a customer in this digital economy.
Why Digital Products Are the Perfect Side Hustle (or Full Hustle)
Here’s why creators, freelancers, students, and even stay-at-home parents are jumping on the digital product train:
Low startup cost — Many platforms are free to start with
Scalable — You can sell to 1 or 10,000 people with no extra effort
No shipping headaches — No lost parcels or angry Amazon reviews
Passive income potential — Build it once, sell it forever (well, almost)
Fits into any schedule — Create on your time, sell anytime
If you’ve got a laptop and a little creativity, you’ve already got the ingredients.
How to Choose the Right Digital Product for YOU
Not sure where to start? Here’s how to find your golden idea.
Step 1: Identify Your Skills or Passions
Are you great at organizing? Sell planners.
Love helping others study? Create study guides or flashcards.
Obsessed with productivity? Design Notion or Trello templates.
Know how to budget like a pro? Share your Excel magic.
Step 2: Validate Your Idea
Before spending weeks building, make sure people want it.
Search on Etsy, Gumroad, or Pinterest
Look at what’s selling (check reviews, popularity)
Ask your audience (if you have one) or friends
Pro tip: Choose a problem people will pay to solve. Convenience sells.
This doesn’t mean you need to be a tech genius. Here’s how to do it the simple way:
Tools for Beginners:
Canva — Design eBooks, templates, worksheets
Google Docs/Slides — Write and format your guides
Notion / Trello — Create beautiful productivity tools
OBS Studio or Loom — Record your course or screen tutorials
Audacity — For audio editing (if you’re selling music or voiceovers)
Design Tips:
Keep it clean and user-friendly
Use consistent branding (fonts, colors, style)
Add real value (don’t fluff it up just to make it longer)
Remember: A well-made, helpful $7 product can outperform a bloated $99 one.
Where to Sell Your Digital Products (Platforms That Work)
1. Etsy
Great for: Printables, planners, checklists, templates
Bonus: Built-in traffic and audience
2. Gumroad
Great for: Ebooks, templates, audio, video, and courses
Bonus: Super beginner-friendly and integrates easily
3. Payhip
Great for: Same as Gumroad, with flexible pricing options
Bonus: EU-friendly for VAT stuff
4. Teachable / Thinkific / Podia
Great for: Online courses and digital bundles
Bonus: All-in-one solutions for building a course business
5. Your Own Website (via WordPress + WooCommerce)
Great for: Full control, building long-term brand equity
Bonus: You own your traffic, list, and customers
Marketing Your Digital Product (Because It Won’t Sell Itself)
Creating it is step one. Now you have to sell it. Here’s how:
1. Start with an Audience (even if it’s small)
Post tips, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content on:
TikTok
YouTube Shorts
Email list (use ConvertKit, Beehiiv, etc.)
2. Use Keywords and SEO
Add searchable titles and tags
Optimize descriptions with keywords people use on Google or Etsy
Use free tools like Ubersuggest or Keywords Everywhere
3. Offer a Freebie
Build trust and grow your email list by offering a free mini-version (like a free worksheet or a sample page).
4. Bundle Up
Package related products together and charge more — people love “value packs.”
How Much Can You Earn?
It’s not magic. But it can be close.
Realistic Beginner Scenario:
Product: Digital planner for students
Price: $9
Monthly sales: 50 copies
Income: $450/month (and that’s just one product)
Once you get multiple products, audience growth, and SEO traffic in place — you could scale into the 4-figure or even 5-figure range.
FAQ — Everything You Were Too Shy to Ask
Q: Do I need to be a designer to sell digital products?
Nope. Canva exists for a reason. Start with templates and improve as you go.
Q: Can I really make passive income from this?
Yes — once you’ve done the work upfront. You’ll still need to market and occasionally update your product.
Q: What’s the easiest product to start with?
Printables and templates. Low design complexity + high demand = beginner goldmine.
Q: Will anyone even buy my stuff?
If it solves a problem or saves time, yes. Your job is to show them how it helps.
Q: What if someone steals my product?
It happens. Use tools like watermarks, license agreements, and PDF protection. But don’t let fear stop you from creating.
Final Thoughts: The Digital Product Hustle Is Real (and Awesome)
You don’t need to be an influencer, tech wizard, or course guru.
Just someone with a helpful idea and a Wi-Fi connection.
Selling digital products lets you build a mini business that works while you’re in class, at your job, or asleep — and that’s pretty darn cool.
So go ahead — create, launch, learn, repeat.
The internet’s open 24/7. Your digital product empire is waiting.
Earn money the fun way: play games, share your opinions, and get paid.
1. Why Gaming & Surveys Are Perfect Side Hustles for Students
When you’re juggling classes, assignments, and maybe a social life (or trying to), side hustles that don’t feel like “work” are golden. Gaming and surveys fit the bill perfectly because:
Flexible hours: Play or answer surveys anytime, anywhere.
Low commitment: No strict deadlines or bosses breathing down your neck.
No special skills required: Just a smartphone, laptop, and some free time.
This makes them ideal for students who want to make money without the stress of a traditional part-time job.
2. How to Make Money Playing Games — Not Just for Fun Anymore
What Types of Games Pay You?
Reward apps: Platforms like Mistplay reward you with points for playing mobile games, which you can convert to gift cards.
Skill-based competitions: Apps like Skillz offer cash prizes for games like Solitaire, Sudoku, or Trivia if you compete and win.
Game testing: Some companies pay you to test new games and provide feedback before launch.
Getting Started with Gaming for Cash
Download legit apps (avoid anything that looks sketchy).
Play regularly to accumulate points or compete in tournaments.
Use referral codes to boost your earnings.
Watch out for apps that demand upfront payments or personal data beyond reason.
Pro Tip:
Focus on games you actually enjoy. It makes the grind less painful and your chances of sticking with it higher.
3. Paid Surveys — Your Opinion Is Worth Something!
What Are Paid Surveys?
Companies want to know what people think about products, services, and trends. Surveys are a simple way for you to share your thoughts — and get paid.
Top Survey Sites for Students
Swagbucks: Offers surveys, videos, games, and cashback shopping.
Survey Junkie: User-friendly with frequent surveys.
Toluna: Adds a fun, social twist with polls and community features.
Prolific: Focuses on academic and scientific studies, usually pays better.
Tips for Survey Success
Create a dedicated email for survey invites to keep organized.
Complete your profile fully — this helps match you with higher-paying surveys.
Be honest but consistent to avoid disqualification.
Prioritize surveys with the best payout/time ratio (e.g., $1 for 5 minutes beats $5 for 1 hour).
4. How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
Setting Expectations
Surveys typically pay $0.50 to $3 each, lasting 5–20 minutes.
Gaming apps might reward a few cents to several dollars per session, depending on your time investment and skill.
Consistency matters more than speed — a few minutes daily can add up to $50-$100 a month.
Scaling Up Your Earnings
Use multiple apps simultaneously to maximize opportunities.
Invite friends for referral bonuses.
Cash out as soon as you hit payout thresholds to avoid losing earnings.
5. Avoiding Scams and Pitfalls — Keep Your Hustle Safe
Common Red Flags
Surveys or games that ask for credit card info or upfront fees.
Promises of “easy” $500/day without effort.
Sites with no contact info or poor online reviews.
Overly personal questions unrelated to market research.
Safety Tips
Research apps/sites on Trustpilot, Reddit, or YouTube before investing time.
Never pay to join a survey or gaming app.
Use a separate email to avoid spam and protect your privacy.
Read the terms and payout methods carefully.
6. FAQs: All Your Questions Answered
Q1: Can I really make $100 per week just by gaming and taking surveys?
A: For most, $100 per week is a stretch unless you dedicate several hours daily. But making $20–$50 is quite realistic and good for side cash.
Q2: Do I need to be over 18?
A: Many platforms require you to be at least 13 or 16 with parental consent. Check each site’s age policy.
Q3: How do I get paid?
A: Common payout methods include PayPal, gift cards (Amazon, Google Play), or direct bank transfer on select platforms.
Q4: Will this affect my studies?
A: If you keep it casual and set limits, it shouldn’t. Treat it as a light way to earn, not a full-time gig.
Q5: Is it worth it compared to other side hustles?
A: Depends on your goals. For low effort and fun, yes. For serious income, other hustles like freelancing or tutoring pay better.
7. Final Thoughts — Chill Money That Adds Up
Gaming and surveys offer an easy, low-pressure way to earn money in your downtime. While not a full paycheck, the income can help cover coffee runs, snacks, or streaming subscriptions. Plus, you get the satisfaction of turning your free time into cash — without even breaking a sweat.
If you’re a student looking for simple ways to boost your income, this might just be the chill hustle you need.
Look, the idea of making money online by selling digital products isn’t just some pie-in-the-sky dream — it’s a totally real, achievable hustle. You’ve got the creativity, the tools, and the platforms at your fingertips. The only thing left? Taking that first step.
Remember, it’s not about perfection on day one. It’s about starting small, learning as you go, and improving every single time. Even the biggest digital entrepreneurs began with a simple idea and a willingness to keep going.
Whether you create a helpful planner, a game-changing course, or a quirky printable, you’re building something that can keep paying you back long after you’ve done the hard work. That’s the magic of digital products: make it once, earn forever (well, with a bit of marketing love sprinkled in).
So stop scrolling, start creating, and turn your knowledge and skills into an income stream that works for you — even while you sleep. The internet is a giant marketplace hungry for fresh ideas and solutions, and there’s definitely a place for yours.
Ready to turn your laptop into a money-making machine? Go ahead — your digital empire awaits.
Thanks a lot for reading my article on “What Are the Best Online Side Hustles for Students? (Make $100/week)“ till the end. Hope you’ve helped. See you with another article.
Source: What Are the Best Online Side Hustles for Students? (Make $100/week)
Affiliate Disclaimer : Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something. While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this article, we always offer honest opinions, user experiences and real views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help readers make the best purchasing decisions, however, the testimonies and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own thoughts to verify any claims, results and stats before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended in this article may generate income for this product from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. We review products and services you might find interesting. If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.
Note: IndiBlogHub features both user-submitted and editorial content. We do not verify third-party contributions. Read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policyfor details.
Copyright © 2019-2025 IndiBlogHub.com. All rights reserved. Hosted on DigitalOcean for fast, reliable performance.