Hi everyone! My name is Gisselle, and I’m a Campus Brand Manager for Enterprise Mobility at the University of Essex.
Being a university student comes with so many exciting opportunities, but it can also bring financial pressure. Between rent, travel costs, and everyday essentials, learning how to earn money alongside studying is a skill in itself. From my own experience, I’ve learned that making money as a student isn’t just about earning an income, but also about choosing opportunities that fit around your studies and help you build skills for the future.
1. Part-Time Jobs That Fit Around Your Schedule
One of the most realistic ways to make money as a student is through part-time work. As students, our timetables change every term, so flexibility is key. Whether it’s working one day during the week or picking up weekend shifts, it’s important to find a job that understands your uni schedule, which can make balancing work and study much more manageable. In my case, after completing a summer internship last year with Enterprise Mobility, I was offered part-time work as a Campus Brand Manager, as well as flexible work at my old branch. This allowed me to earn money while continuing my studies without feeling overwhelmed, especially in my final year of university.
2. Work Opportunities on Campus
Another great option is finding jobs within your own university. Roles within the Students’ Union, such as being a student ambassador or working in campus bars, cafés, or shops, are often designed with students in mind. These roles don’t just help you make money, they’re also a great way to make friends, feel more connected to university life, and develop skills that can be added to your CV. Being in an environment where your employer understands that university comes first makes a huge difference, especially during busy periods like exams and assessments.
3. Freelancing and Online Work
If you have a specific skill, this can be an incredibly flexible way to earn money. For example, if you speak multiple languages, online tutoring is a great option. Skills like writing, graphic design, content creation, or social media management can also be turned into freelance opportunities. The biggest benefit is being able to choose your own hours and fit work around your academic workload.
4. Paid Internships and Placements
These are another option that I think more students should consider. They offer the chance to earn money while gaining hands-on experience that’s genuinely useful after graduation. My internship experience helped me develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, and gave me confidence in professional environments. It also made me feel more prepared for life after studies and gave me clarity on the types of roles I’m interested in post-grad. In many cases, internships and placements can even lead to part-time work during term time or the possibility of a graduate offer after you finish your degree.
5. Side Hustles That Turn Hobbies Into Income
Finally, side hustles are a popular and practical way to earn extra income. Whether it’s selling clothes you no longer wear on platforms like Depop or Vinted, offering photography services, baking, or running a small business, side hustles allow students to turn hobbies into income and can help to ease some financial pressure.
Balancing work and university isn’t always easy, but knowing what options are available can help reduce stress and make student life more sustainable. Be realistic about what you can really commit to and choose what works best for you!
If you’re thinking about boosting your experience and income, don’t miss our internship and placement opportunities. Explore what Enterprise Mobility has to offer and take your next step today!
