Side hustles for students UK: 15 ways to earn around your studies

The best side hustles for students

Use what you are studying

1. Tutoring. GCSE and A level students pay well for help, especially in maths, sciences and English. Read how to become a tutor.
2. Proofreading. If your writing is strong, check essays, CVs and business documents. See proofreading from home.
3. Freelancing. Design, coding, video editing, social media or translation for small businesses. Work out a fair rate with the freelance rate calculator.

Flexible, pick-up-when-you-want work

4. User testing. Test websites and apps from your laptop. See paid user testing sites.
5. Paid research studies. Your university's psychology department, and sites like Prolific, pay for taking part in studies.
6. Food delivery on a bike, in the evenings and at weekends. See food delivery as a side hustle.
7. Pet sitting and dog walking. See dog sitting and dog walking.
8. Babysitting for local families or university staff.

Selling

9. Sell what you do not need on Vinted or eBay, especially at the end of each year.
10. Reselling. Buy cheap at charity shops and car boots and sell online. See reselling for profit.
11. Sell your notes or revision guides, where your university's rules allow it.

Campus and seasonal work

12. Student ambassador roles for open days and outreach events.
13. Campus jobs in the library, bars, cafes and gyms, which often work around timetables.
14. Christmas retail work. See Christmas jobs.
15. Event and festival work in the summer.

How tax works for students

Being a student does not change the tax rules, but most students do not earn enough to pay income tax.

• Personal Allowance: you can earn £12,570 a year before paying income tax, across all your income.
• Part-time job: your employer takes tax through PAYE. If you are overtaxed, for example because of an emergency tax code, you can claim it back.
• Self-employed income: under £1,000 a year is covered by the trading allowance, rising to £3,000 from April 2027. Above that, register for Self Assessment, even if you end up owing no tax.
• Student loans: your maintenance loan is not income and is not taxed.

Free toolSide hustle tax calculatorSee how much tax and National Insurance you owe on side income, and what to set aside each month.→

Tips for balancing work and study

• Check your university's guidance, as some recommend a maximum number of paid hours a week during term
• If you are an international student, check your visa conditions carefully before taking any work, including self-employment
• Choose work you can stop around exams
• Keep a simple record of what you earn

Common questions

How much can a student earn before paying tax in the UK?

Up to £12,570 a year across all income in 2026/27 before income tax. National Insurance on a job starts at the same level.

Do students need to declare side hustle income?

Yes, if self-employed income is over the trading allowance: £1,000 in 2026/27, £3,000 from April 2027. You may still owe no tax if your total income is under £12,570, but you must register.

Does earning money affect my student loan?

Earning does not reduce a maintenance loan you already get, which is based on household income. You only start repaying a student loan after you leave, once you earn over your plan's threshold.