Best Side Hustles for Students

With Canada's growing gig economy, there are plenty of opportunities for students to earn money while still focusing on their studies. Here are some of the best side hustles for students in Canada, with income potential, tools, and resources to help you get started.

Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a great option for students who enjoy writing and have strong communication skills. You can write blog posts, articles, copywriting, and more for clients across various industries.

Income Potential:
Freelance writers in Canada can earn anywhere from $15 to $75 per hour, depending on experience and niche. Beginner rates may be lower, but experienced writers can command premium rates.

Tools and Resources:

• Upwork: A popular freelancing platform for writers.
• ProBlogger: A great site to find blogging and writing gigs.
• Grammarly: A tool to help with grammar and writing enhancement.

How to Get Started:

1. Build a portfolio of your best writing.
2. Create a profile on freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
3. Apply for jobs and set competitive rates based on your experience.

Tutoring

Tutoring is an ideal side hustle for students who excel in a particular subject. Whether you’re helping fellow students or offering online tutoring, it’s a flexible and rewarding way to earn money.

Income Potential:
Tutors can earn anywhere from $20 to $60 per hour, depending on the subject and whether you are tutoring in person or online.

Tools and Resources:

• Superprof: A platform for finding tutoring opportunities.
• Tutor.com: An online tutoring site that allows you to teach students globally.

How to Get Started:

1. Create a profile on a tutoring platform like Superprof.
2. Promote your tutoring services on campus or through social media groups.
3. Set clear expectations with your students about the pricing and schedule.

Delivery Driver

Becoming a delivery driver is a flexible side hustle, especially if you have access to a car, bike, or scooter. Students can deliver food with services like UberEats or SkipTheDishes, or even deliver packages with Amazon Flex.

Income Potential:
Delivery drivers can earn between $15 to $25 per hour, including tips. Earnings vary by location, time of day, and demand.

Tools and Resources:

• UberEats: A food delivery service with a flexible schedule.
• SkipTheDishes: Another popular food delivery platform in Canada.
• Amazon Flex: Deliver packages for Amazon.

How to Get Started:

1. Sign up with a delivery platform like UberEats or SkipTheDishes.
2. Use your own vehicle or bike to start delivering.
3. Choose your work hours and start earning by completing deliveries.

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) helps business owners and busy professionals with tasks such as email management, scheduling, data entry, and social media management. This role can be done remotely and provides great flexibility for students.

Income Potential:
Virtual assistants can earn anywhere from $15 to $45 per hour depending on their skillset and the complexity of the tasks.

Tools and Resources:

• Time Etc: A platform to find virtual assistant jobs.
• Belay Solutions: A company that hires VAs for businesses.Solutions
• Trello: A tool for managing tasks and projects.

How to Get Started:

1. Sign up on virtual assistant platforms like Time Etc or Belay Solutions.
2. Create a list of your skills and services you can offer as a VA.
3. Start bidding on projects or apply to positions that match your skillset.

Social Media Management

If you have a knack for social media, you can become a social media manager, helping businesses and influencers grow their online presence. This can involve creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers.

Income Potential:
Social media managers in Canada typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, with the potential for higher earnings if you manage multiple accounts or handle large businesses.

Tools and Resources:

• Hootsuite: A tool for scheduling and managing social media posts.
• Canva: A graphic design tool for creating stunning social media posts.
• LinkedIn: A great platform to find clients.

How to Get Started:

1. Learn the basics of social media management through free courses on Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.
2. Create a profile on LinkedIn to showcase your skills.
3. Reach out to small businesses or local influencers to offer your services.

Online Surveys and Market Research

Participating in online surveys or market research studies can be an easy way for students to make money in their free time. While it won’t make you rich, it can be a good way to earn extra cash on the side.

Income Potential:
Students can expect to make between $1 to $5 per survey, with some platforms offering higher rewards for in-depth market research.

Tools and Resources:

• Swagbucks: Earn gift cards or PayPal cash by completing surveys.
• DailyRewards: Another platform for completing surveys and tasks.

How to Get Started:

1. Sign up for survey platforms like Swagbucks or DailyRewards.
2. Complete surveys in your spare time, and redeem points for cash or rewards.

Conclusion

With so many options available, students in Canada have an array of side hustles to choose from. Whether you’re looking to freelance, tutor, or manage social media, there’s something for every skillset. Use the tools and resources above to get started today and start earning while balancing your academic responsibilities.