University life can be particularly stressful, especially when you come from a humble background. The expenses can be overwhelming, ranging from transport, meals, hostel fees, and buying study materials, to general upkeep.
However, balancing part-time jobs with academics should be part of your plan if you find it manageable. In this article, we’ll guide you through 10 jobs you can pursue alongside your studies while at university:
1. Tutoring – Offer tutoring services to fellow students in subjects you excel at, either online or in person. This can be rewarding, especially when tutoring students from affluent backgrounds who may offer generous compensation.
2. Freelance Writing or Editing – If you’re studying courses like journalism or communication, you can leverage your writing and editing skills to offer freelance services to blogs, companies, or even other students.
3. Graphic Design – If you have design skills, offer your services to small businesses, individuals, or student organizations that need flyers, social media posts, or other visual content.
4. Print-on-Demand Business – While this may require some initial capital, it’s worth considering. You can design custom t-shirts, mugs, or other merchandise and sell them through print-on-demand services.
5. Social Media Management – You can also manage social media accounts for small businesses, startups, or influencers looking to grow their online presence.
6. Photography or Videography – If you own a camera or smartphone, offer photography or videography services for events such as graduations, birthdays, or even to local businesses.
7. Reselling Products – This is another area worth trying, as university students frequently buy new clothes. You can purchase second-hand clothes at a relatively low price in downtown markets and sell them around campus for profit.
8. Digital Marketing Services – If you have a good understanding of Information Technology, you can offer digital marketing services such as SEO, email marketing, or content creation to businesses. You can start by helping fellow students who have small businesses they want to promote.
9. Handmade Crafts or Art – If you’re skilled in art and crafts, you can create handmade jewelry, crafts, or artwork and sell them to fellow students or even market them outside the university.
10. Delivery Services – Depending on your flexibility, you can offer delivery services for food, cakes, groceries, parcels, or even greeting cards.
Stella Nakanwagi, 31, who owns Ella Bakery around Kalerwe, mentions that many students approach her to place orders for cakes to be delivered at birthday parties. However, she notes that the prices written on the receipts often differ from what is actually charged.
“Some students partner with me for deliveries, which helps them earn while on campus,” she says.
Nakanwagi, however, adds that while it’s beneficial to work while studying, students should not lose sight of their primary responsibility.
“Your main role as a student is to study because, at the end of the day, your parents pay tuition for you to focus on your education,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of choosing flexible businesses that allow you to balance work and studies effectively.
