What if you could make money as a student without skipping classes or sacrificing your grades?
Being a student, especially in a Nigerian university is tough. Juggling school, assignments, and daily expenses is a real struggle. The cost of handouts, transportation, and daily survival can leave you feeling constantly broke. That’s why having a side hustle isn’t just an option or a choice, it’s necessary.
I know this firsthand. As a student, I’ve tried, and I’m still trying different side hustles, including content writing, social media management, and selling snacks (yes, I make crunchy chinchin!). These side hustles have helped me cover my school expenses and daily survival.
The best part? They’re flexible, so I can work around my school schedule.
If you’re looking for side hustles that can earn you money without messing up your academics, I’ve got you covered.
Here are seven flexible side hustles that fit perfectly into a student’s schedule and how to go about them
1. Freelance Writing
If you are good with words, writing is a goldmine. Businesses, blogs, and brands are always looking for writers to create articles, product descriptions, and social media content. There is no brand that doesn’t need a writer; Copywriter, content writer, blogger, scriptwriter, etc.
Every content out there started with writing. Video scripts, design copy, website content, name it. Everything starts with writing. Now, you see why writing is a hot cake? Writers are always needed.
The best part? You don’t have to be an expert before you start earning as a writer. You can intern and get paid while learning. Build your portfolio by volunteering to write for brands as a beginner.
Cheat Code to Becoming a Good Writer:Write and read a variety of works. It’s as simple as that. The more you write and read, the better you get.
How to Get Started with writing;
- Groom yourself to at least be good at writing.
- Read other people’s work. For instance, If you want to major in copywriting, read the works of top copywriters. The same applies to other niches.
- Volunteer to work for free or for small pay to learn on the job. Look for opportunities on Instagram, WhatsApp status updates, LinkedIn, etc.
- Own a blog or write on Medium to build your portfolio.
- Write often and ask for constructive criticism from friends and mentors.
- Make your work visible. Post it consistently on LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, Twitter, Facebook.
- Apply for online jobs. You can earn ₦20,000-₦200,000 as a freelance writer,while you work from the comfort of your home.
2. Social Media Management
If you can spend hours on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, why not make money from it?
Social media management involves creating content strategies for brands, content calendars, identifying target audiences, tweaking content to resonate with them, analyzing metrics, and more.Brands and businesses need help managing their pages, creating content, growing a loyal community, and engaging with followers.
How to Get Started as a Social Media Manager;
- Enroll in online courses on Udemy, Coursera, or Google or register for classes organized by an agency or individuals.
- Volunteer to manage a small business’s page for free in exchange for experience.
- Create and manage your own page, grow a loyal audience, and show results.
- Look for internships with small stipends or data subscriptions. Find opportunities on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.
- Cold pitch your services. Send emails or direct messages to brands that need social media managers.
- Be an all-rounder, learn content creation, analytics, and engagement strategies.
How Much Can You Earn?
A social media manager can make ₦50,000-₦300,000 per month or more while working from home.
3. Selling Snacks
If you can cook or bake, this is a great hustle. Nigerian students love snacks, buns, puff-puff, chinchin, samosas, and meat pies always sell out.
I sell small chinchin in my school, and trust me, the demand is crazy. One good thing about selling anything on campus is that there are hundreds of thousands of students. You have the opportunity to market your products to many people daily.
How to Get Started;
- Start small. Make samples and give them to friends for feedback.
- Market through WhatsApp status, class groups, and word-of-mouth.
- Offer delivery to hostels and classrooms.
How Much Can You Earn?
A well-run snack business can make ₦3,000-₦10,000 daily.
4. Paid Tutorials
If you’re good at a course, why not teach others? Many students struggle with difficult courses and need help.
You can also write a study guide and sell it as a PDF. Organize paid tutorials for students willing to pay for extra coaching.
How to Get Started;
- Start with coursemates who need help.Build awareness on campus. Advertise on WhatsApp status, social media, and class groups.
- Offer free trial classes to show value before charging.
- Teach students from other universities online.
How Much Can You Earn?
Tutors can charge ₦2,000-₦10,000 per session or earn ₦50,000 or more.
5. Graphic Designs
If you have a good eye for design, brands will pay you for logos, flyers, business cards, and social media graphics.
With more businesses leveraging social media, graphic designers are in high demand.
How to Get Started With Graphic Design;
- Learn design using Canva, Photoshop, CorelDRAW, or Adobe Illustrator.
- Take online courses or learn from YouTube tutorials.
- Build a portfolio by designing for friends and small businesses.
- Upload your work on social media platforms and freelancing websites.
How Much Can You Earn?
Graphic designers can earn ₦5,000-₦100,000 per design or more, depending on their experience
6. Handcrafts and accessories making
Students love handmade items like beaded jewelry, tote bags, scrunchies, liquid soap, and scented candles.
How to Get Started;
- Learn a craft through YouTube, workshops, or mentorship.
- Buy affordable materials in bulk.
- Start with simple designs and improve over time.Sell through Instagram, WhatsApp, and word-of-mouth.
How Much Can You Earn?
You can make ₦500-₦10,000 per item and earn ₦30,000-₦150,000 per month if marketed well.
7. Photography and Videography
If you have a good phone or camera, photography is a great side hustle. Students need photos for birthdays, graduations, and events.
How to Get Started with Photography and Videography;
- Offer free photoshoots to friends to build a portfolio.
- Use Instagram and WhatsApp to showcase your work.Invest in a ring light and editing apps like Lightroom and InShot.
How Much Can You Earn?
Photographers can charge ₦3,000-₦10,000 or more per shoot and videographers earn even more.
In Conclusion, being a Nigerian student is tough, but having a side hustle makes life easier.
From experience, the key is to start small, stay consistent, put in enough work and market yourself. If you’re serious about making money, pick a hustle that fits your skills and schedule before long, you’ll start cashing out provided you do it the right way.
