Uni 101: Simple Business Ideas That Can Help You Make Extra Cash

I remember when I used to call my parents a lot in school. They never quite understand why I’m always in constant need of money. It doesn’t matter whether your parents just sent you money last week. There’s always something that demands extra cash in school. Whether it’s a new textbook or assignment or paying for some fieldwork, there’s always something. It can be exhausting, especially for students from poor homes. If your parents could, they’d send you money regularly but they can’t. You need to learn how to fend for yourself. I didn’t think I had a single business bone in me until I was in dire need of money and couldn’t depend on my guardians anymore. 

Simple Business Ideas That Can Help You Make Extra Cash

There are a few business ideas that a student can run while still in school. You don’t need something that’ll overlap your academics; remember that you came to school first to learn so as to graduate. Anything that’ll affect that negatively should be scrapped, unless you don’t want to of course. These business ideas are simple and easy to run. You need, first and foremost, your earnest desire to survive and vital skills. 

1. Tutoring Services:

Inside school, you’ll find their ad papers littered everywhere. This is one of the most convenient means of earning extra income. It’s simply the exchange of your knowledge for money. If you know something, share it with the world in exchange for other vital essentials you need like food, clothing, etc. If your moral standard permits it, you could expand to doing assignments, projects, and term papers too. 

2. Photography:

In these days of birthday, weddings, etc. photo-shoots, this is one of the most reliable ways to make money. If you learn this and editing skills, you’ll be in hot demand in school. Good photographers become popular and popular photographers get lots of gigs. 

3. MC-ing:

You can lean in on your talents, exploit it and make money from it. If you’re good at talking, use it. Campus is fun because of the endless events that are organised. These events require MCs most of the time. Which means they need your talent. Sell that. 

4. Printing/Photocopy Services:

The cyber cafes are usually packed and busy that they waste students’ time when they go to print their urgent assignments. Now, imagine living in the hostel and running a printing service. You’ll be making assignment runs easily for students living in your hostel. It is a quick and easy way to make money.

5. Freelance Writing:

You have the internet, your phone, laptop, and writing skills. Go online and scout for remote writing works. Start building your online portfolio as early as you can. Share short snippets on your social media pages to garner attention. Hype yourself; promote your work online. 

Other business ideas include dry cleaning business, recharge card/data selling, farming, social media content creation, software engineering, etc. It all depends on the demographics of your school. You’ll have to research to find out what works out for your environment. It might seem scary but once you start, it’ll become easier. You just need to take the first step. Start somewhere, anywhere. The end result will speak for itself. I’m not going to lie and say that it’ll be easy because it won’t be easy sometimes but with dedication and hard work, you’ll soon start enjoying the fruits of your labour. Keep at it.