College life is often associated with tight budgets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a side gig to help you out financially. With the advancement of technology and the growing gig economy, there are a ton of new and lucrative side hustle ideas that can earn you extra cash while pursuing your academic goals. Take a breath, because we are going to show you the most unique and useful side-hustles you can find in 2023.
1. Copywriting (using AI)
Copywriting is a fantastic side hustle for anyone who enjoys writing and has a way with words. Nowadays, even if you don’t like writing or even absolutely despise it, you have the help of AI tools such as ChatGPT, which allow you to create high-quality content that’s both engaging and informative. These AI tools can assist you in generating ideas, developing outlines, and even editing your work.
Also, if you want to see the best paid copywriting tools that’ll give you your bang for your buck, click here.
With a bit of practice or playing around with the AI tools, you can become a proficient copywriter and offer your services to clients on platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork.
Remember, though, no one wants to read spun articles (articles that are just reworded by AI and don’t provide any unique information), and you should always put your own twist and add new, high-quality information.
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2. Writing an eBook (Using AI)
Are you passionate about a particular topic? Once again, using AI tools like ChatGPT, you have the opportunity to write an eBook with your own unique spin. This can be a great way to share your knowledge with others and can be very profitable if marketed correctly.
In our opinion, an efficient way to market eBooks (specifically for 2023) is to start your own blog in that same niche as your eBook. Within your blog, you have the opportunity to write both informative and engaging content while also being able to promote your eBook to your readers.
Beyond the blog, you can self-publish your eBook on platforms such as Amazon or use your university’s website to market it. Honestly, I would truly recommend getting on this one because it has never been easier to make an eBook.
3. Start a Blog (Using AI)
I know we dabbled a little bit into blogging on #2, but it truly deserves its own section.
I know we dabbled a little bit into blogging on #2, but it truly deserves its own section. Blogging is a fantastic way to express your thoughts and ideas while also earning some money. To your surprise (sarcastically), with AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper, it’s easier than ever to start a blog.
You can use these tools to generate ideas, develop outlines, and even write articles (the exact same ways to use these tools as #1). The key to starting a blog where you can begin making money starts with choosing a profitable niche. I would recommend going to ExplodingTopics (this is a genuine website I use and am not an affiliate of) to see the trends before they’re even trends.
Also, if your considering getting a domain for your blog, we recommended going to Dynadot to get the best bang for your buck.
Beyond that, with a bit of effort and consistency, you can attract a large following and earn money through methods such as advertising or affiliate marketing.
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4. Virtual Assistant
Are you looking for a flexible job that doesn’t require too much previous experience? Well then, becoming a virtual assistant (also known as ‘VA’) would be right up your alley.
As a virtual assistant, you can help businesses and entrepreneurs with a variety of tasks, such as email management, social media scheduling, and data entry. Truthfully, just being someone’s personal assistant (remotely) can be a pretty lucrative side-hustle, even if you lack many of the preferred skills.
Virtual assistants are in high demand. If you want to market your skills or just yourself as a whole (as a VA), you can market yourself on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
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5. Food and Grocery Delivery
If you have a vehicle and some spare time, consider becoming a food or grocery delivery driver for services like DoorDash, UberEats, Instacart, or Shipt.
Note: I understand that many of you may not have access to a vehicle, so feel free to skip this if that’s the case.
These services are in high demand, especially now, and give you the option to work whenever you want and however long you want.
From our personal experience, both DoorDash and UberEats are quicker to earn money with and take less time. This is great for students who want to earn some extra cash without a steep learning curve.
Instacart and Shipt are a bit more lucrative, but they do take some time to become efficient at. Why? Well, learning the ins and outs of the store can be challenging (I learned the hard way). I recommend starting to learn the layout of your local stores so you can get in and out quickly.
6. Mystery Shopper
Becoming a mystery shopper may sound like an outdated job, but not in 2023. Field Agent is a trending app (and side hustle) that allows you to earn money by collecting data and intelligence. In simple terms, Field Agent lets you audit stores, drive trials, generate reviews, and connect with shoppers, all while getting paid.
Similar to DoorDash or Instacart, Field Agent is flexible and pays you based on however much you want to work. The catch is that you get paid based on each task you do, and it’s not like every other boring survey. What Field Agent does is offer a wide-range of little tasks that you can do even when you have to go shopping for yourself.
More specifically, the Field Agent app allows you to complete small tasks, such as taking photos of products or scanning barcodes, and earn money for your efforts. Basically, this side hustle is perfect for those who want to earn some extra money when going shopping, are detail-oriented, or enjoy working with technology.
Field Agent solutions let you audit stores, drive trial, generate reviews, and connect with shoppers. Anywhere, anytime.
7. Freelance Writer
This side-hustle brings together all the possibilities of anything related to writing. Freelance writing may be the perfect side hustle for you if you are interested in the previous side-hustles that involve artificial intelligence. To reiterate, you don’t even have to be a talented writer nowadays for many writing professions, instead just being creative is all you need (if you plan on using ai to write your articles).
You can use your writing skills to offer copywriting services, blog posts, or even write and sell your own ebook using AI tools like ChatGPT or Jasper.
Regarding where to market your professional writing services, I would recommend Fiverr or Upwork. More specifically, specializing in writing for people who use Shopify to sell items can be beneficial in the long-run (because it revolves around a niche)
I know I’ve mentioned Fiverr and Upwork a lot throughout the article (I am only an affiliate sponsor of Fiverr) but they are genuinely a great way to market yourself.
Want to work on Fiverr with others? Check out Fiverr Business, which is a freelance platform tailor-made for larger teams and businesses. Through Fiverr Business, businesses can create and manage collaborative Business Accounts in which Team Members may share Orders, use a shared payment method, track their project’s progress, and consolidate feedback—all in one place.
8. Reselling Aged Domains
If you’re looking for a lucrative side hustle, reselling aged domains is where the pot of gold is. The thing is, reselling aged domains is a less-familiar sector to the average person.
What are aged domains you may ask? Aged domains are domains that have been previously owned, and can be sold for a profit. You can find aged domains on marketplaces like Domain.com or Dynadot, and resell them for a higher price.
Although this side hustle requires some research, investment, and knowledge, it is by far the most lucrative and rewarding. I mean, to put it in perspective, I see some people making at least $150k a year doing this. I strongly recommended reselling aged domains because after doing a great deal of research about it, we know this side-hustle is not going away anytime soon.
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9. Graphic Designer
Do you have a talent for design? You can put your skills to use by becoming a graphic designer. For becoming a graphic designer, YouTube will be your best (and free) friend for learning how to use tools like Canva and Photoshop.
Regarding how you can make money, you can sell your design services as a freelancer on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Also to mention, with Shopify, you can create a portfolio and showcase your work.
I would recommend doing this side-hustle only if you have a genuine passion for art or graphic design; otherwise, you will get burnt out quickly.
10. Photography
If you enjoy taking pictures, you can make money by selling your photos online. Even better, you can possibly apply for an on-campus job for your university’s photographer positions (which can help a ton with building your resume).
Regarding where you make money as a photographer, you can sell your photos on stock photo websites like Shutterstock, or even start your own photography website.
In our opinion, based on what we’ve seen from photographers, it has been proven that most do it for the passion rather than the pay. So, just like graphic design, I wouldn’t recommend doing it if you do not have a passion for it because you’ll get burnt out quickly.
But if you do have a passion for it, with the growth of e-commerce, there is a high demand for quality images, and this side hustle can be done on your own time.
11. Drop-Shipping
As you might have heard in the past few years, one of the most popular ways to make money online is through drop-shipping. People often say drop-shipping is an oversaturated market and that’s where they are way wrong.
With websites like Alibaba.com, you can buy unique products and resell them on your own website. You can create your own shop on a website such as Shopify and take advantage of their built-in payment processing and shipping services. If you want to start out on the cheaper alternative, you can use Shift4Shop.
This is an excellent side hustle for anyone looking to start an online business. Even better, you can utilize the starting a blog with your online business to increase your chances of your business ranking and reaching more sales.
12. Blogging (for Your University Website)
Just like it was mentioned a bit in the previous side-hustle, blogging is an excellent way to make money online, and it’s something that you can do anywhere.
Specifically, blogging for your university’s website is a great way to build your writing skills, boost your resume, and make some extra cash. If you are really into your university and like to be involved, you can create content about campus life, academic tips, or anything that might be interesting for the average college student.
It has never been easier to start a blog and now is the time to start because. Some platforms that blogging can be done with include WordPress, Squarespace, or Medium.
13. On-Campus Tutor
If you excel at a specific subject, class, or even just your major overall, becoming an on-campus tutor is an excellent side hustle for you. This side hustle is strongly recommended for students because many universities offer competitive salaries for tutors compared to other on-campus jobs.
To make you feel even better, you are helping your fellow students who might be struggling with their coursework and are getting paid for your services.
Tutoring is a flexible, rewarding, well-paying job that can be a great way to earn money while also helping others. We personally don’t know what’s better than the feeling of helping someone else succeed.
14. On-Campus Bookstore Worker
Working at the on-campus bookstore is an excellent side hustle for students who want to earn some extra money without having to leave the campus.
Even though the pay may be a bit less than being an on-campus tutor, it’s still a fantastic option. Why is it a fantastic option? Simply put, the jobs are often flexible and can fit around your school schedule making it almost feel like you’re just going to the library to study or do homework.
Based on our knowledge, You can work as a cashier, stock shelves, or help customers find the books they need. Overall, This is a great way to earn some extra cash while doing your school work.
Note: This side hustle is a great option if you are wanting to meet new people.
15. Golf Course Attendant
Last but not least, we have being a golf course attendant. If your university has a golf course near you, then becoming a golf course attendant is a well-paying side hustle that isn’t too hard to get into.
You can work as a caddy, help maintain the course, or work in the pro shop. Depending on how nice your course is, you can get tipped a large amount by customers (caddies usually get tipped the most).
On top of golf course attendants being able to earn tips, the job can be a great way to stay active and make some extra cash. So, if you got a golf course near you (preferably a high-end one), we would recommend hopping on the train of being a golf course attendant.
