Discover easy, flexible side hustles for UK students in 2025. From tutoring and delivery gigs to freelance writing and digital content creation, start earning extra money alongside your studies.
Introduction
Being a student in the UK comes with exciting opportunities but also financial challenges. Many students look for easy side hustles to supplement their income without affecting their academic commitments. In 2025, side hustles have evolved to include both traditional and digital options that fit flexible schedules. This guide explores the best, low-barrier side hustles UK students can start today to earn extra money while balancing university life.
Why Side Hustles Are Perfect for Students
- Flexibility: Most side hustles offer control over working hours, letting students prioritise studies.
- Skill Development: Many side gigs improve valuable skills like communication, organisation, and digital literacy.
- Extra Income: Help cover living costs, books, or social activities without long-term commitments.
- Experience: Adds practical work experience to CVs, useful for future job applications.
Top Easy Side Hustles for UK Students in 2025
1. Online Tutoring
Academic tutoring remains one of the most popular and lucrative side hustles for students. You can tutor school pupils or peers in subjects you excel at. Online platforms like Superprof and Tutorful make it easy to set your rates and schedule. Beyond academics, hobby tutoring (music, art, gaming) is growing rapidly.
Earnings: £15-30 per hour depending on subject and experience.
2. Delivery Driver or Rider
If you have a bike, moped, or car, sign up with services like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Amazon Flex. Delivery jobs offer flexible hours and can be lucrative, especially during peak meal times or weekends.
Earnings: Approx. £10-15 per hour plus tips.
3. Freelance Writing & Editing
Students with a flair for writing can freelance for blogs, websites, or local businesses. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork enable getting writing gigs quickly. This work is perfect for improving communication skills and earning steady income.
Earnings: Starts from £10-20 per article; experienced writers earn more.
4. Social Media Management
If you’re social media savvy, you can help small businesses improve their online presence by managing posts, creating content, and engaging with followers. This is a skill that employers value highly.
Earnings: Around £12-18 per hour; project-based rates also common.
5. Selling Handmade or Vintage Items
Crafting jewellery, clothes, or upcycling furniture can be a profitable side hustle, especially if you sell on Etsy, Depop, or local markets. Vintage clothing and collectibles also have strong demand.
Earnings: Varies but can generate £100+ per month with dedication.
6. Virtual Assistant
Offer administrative support remotely such as managing calendars, booking appointments, or data entry. This side hustle provides practical office experience without needing to commute.
Earnings: £10-15 per hour.
7. Gig Work & Event Staffing
Staffing festivals, concerts, or local events is an energetic way to earn money, often with the added bonus of free event entry. These roles vary from ticketing, crowd management to hospitality.
Earnings: £8-12 per hour.
8. Mystery Shopping
Sign up with companies like Ipsos or ESA Retail to shop as a regular customer and provide feedback. It’s low effort and pays for tasks such as visiting stores or dining out and submitting reports.
Earnings: Pay varies but generally £10-15 per task plus purchase reimbursements.
9. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Podcasting)
If you enjoy creating videos, vlogs, or podcasts, build an audience on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Monetisation through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing grows as your following increases.
Earnings: Variable; consistent creators can earn £100s to £1000s monthly.
10. Online Surveys & User Testing
Participate in online surveys or test websites and apps for usability and bugs through platforms like Swagbucks or UserTesting. These are easy to do in short bursts but generally low paying.
Earnings: £5-10 per hour on average.
Real-Life Student Experience
Emily from Leeds juggled her history degree and a side hustle as an online tutor teaching GCSE maths. The flexible hours allowed her to balance study and income effectively, earning £18 per hour while building teaching skills. Meanwhile, Jack in Bristol combined his love for cycling with delivering food via Uber Eats, making £12 per hour with tips, all while getting exercise and independence.
FAQs About Student Side Hustles
Q: Can I start a side hustle with no prior experience?
A: Yes, many side hustles like delivery, mystery shopping, or surveys require no experience and offer training.
Q: How can I balance side hustles with studies?
A: Choose flexible gigs, set a strict schedule, and prioritise tasks during exams or deadlines.
Q: Do I need to pay tax on side hustle earnings?
A: If total income exceeds £1,000 per year, you must register for Self Assessment with HMRC and report earnings.
Q: Are side hustles safe and legal on a student visa?
A: Check visa restrictions carefully; most side hustles under 20 hours weekly are allowed, but confirm specific rules.
Tips to Succeed With Side Hustles as a Student
- Start small and choose hustles aligned with your skills and interests.
- Use online platforms with verified student-friendly opportunities.
- Manage time wisely to maintain academic standards.
- Keep records of earnings for tax purposes.
Call to Action
Ready to boost your income with flexible, easy side hustles? Explore more tips, resources, and platform recommendations at uk.savewithrupee.com. Start your side hustle journey today and take control of your finances while excelling at university!
I’m the founder of Save With Rupee – UK Edition. I write practical, easy-to-follow guides on UK money topics — from credit and insurance to side hustles, savings, and investing. My mission is simple: to help everyday people in Britain make smarter financial choices, one pound at a time. Click here to more Details