5 Side Jobs for Students: Earning Money While Studying!

Let’s be honest, being a student is a full-time job on its own. Between lectures, assignments, and studying, finding time for a part-time job can feel overwhelming. But the good news? Side jobs are often more flexible and easier to fit into a student’s busy schedule. Even better, they can be fun, fulfilling, and a great way to earn some extra cash. Whether you want to make the most of your free time or just need a little financial breathing room, here are 5 student friendly side gigs worth considering!

Tutoring:

Have you ever find yourself explaining a topic to a friend and thinking, “Hey, I’m actually pretty good at this”? If you're passionate about certain subjects, even the ones you're no longer studying, tutoring could be a great way to turn that knowledge into income.

What’s great about tutoring is that it’s not just about helping someone else learn. You’re also sharpening your own understanding and building useful skills like communication, patience, and the ability to explain complex ideas clearly. These soft skills come in handy for everything from class presentations to job interviews.

Plus, it’s flexible! You can choose whether to tutor independently or join a platform, and often, you get to set your own hours. Pay can vary depending on your experience and where you're tutoring, so it’s a good idea to do a little research first and see what works best for you.

Pet Walking or Sitting:

As an international student, I’ve definitely felt the pressure of finding a job that fits within the limited working hours allowed by a student visa. It can be tricky! That’s why pet sitting has been such a great option for me, and if you’re an animal lover, you’ll probably love it too. Whether you’re walking dogs around the neighborhood or taking care of cats or puppies at someone’s home, this job is fun, flexible, and stress relieving. Plus, who wouldn’t want to get paid to cuddle with pets?

In the Netherlands, platforms like Pawshake and Rover make it super easy to connect with pet owners who need a hand. The pay depends on the type of service (walking, sitting, overnight stays) and even the size or needs of the animal. It’s one of those rare side gigs that feels more like play than work!

Selling Crafts:

If you're anything like me, you probably find joy in making things, whether it's sketching, sculpting with clay, or crafting something totally unique. The best part? You can actually turn these hobbies into a small business and make money doing what you love! As a student, selling your handmade creations is not only fun but also a great way to earn some extra income on your own terms. You’re in charge of what you make, how much you charge, and when you work. Total creative freedom.

In the Netherlands, there are plenty of platforms to get started. Etsy is perfect for reaching an international audience, while Marktplaats.nl, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram are great for local sales. From jewelry and prints to pottery and stationery, the possibilities really are endless. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing people enjoy something you made.

Being a Teaching Assistant:

Becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) is one of the most popular and rewarding side jobs for students, especially because it directly ties into your academic journey. Since these roles are typically offered through universities, the paperwork (like work permits for international students) is often taken care of with the school’s support, which makes the process a lot easier.

As a TA, you get to practice what you’ve already learned, help other students succeed, and build strong communication and leadership skills along the way. It's also a great chance to expand your network by working closely with professors and peers as connections that could really help you down the line when you're looking for internships, research roles, or even jobs after graduation. And of course, the extra pocket money doesn’t hurt either!

Food Delivery:

If you’ve got a bike or scooter and enjoy being out and about, food delivery could be a great fit. In the Netherlands, services like Uber Eats, Thuisbezorgd, and Deliveroo are always looking for couriers and it’s a super flexible job you can easily fit around your class schedule.

One of the biggest perks? You don’t need any special skills or experience to get started. Your main task is simple: pick up food and deliver it to someone’s doorstep. The pay usually depends on how many deliveries you complete, the distance, and sometimes even tips. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for a straightforward way to earn money while getting some fresh air (and maybe even a bit of exercise!).

Balancing work and study can definitely be exhausting and stressful at times, but finding the right side job can make all the difference. Hopefully, these options help you earn some extra cash while freeing up time for what really matters, your studies and well-being. Wishing everyone juggling work and school the best of luck and plenty of success on this journey!

Until next time,

Eda Cetinkaya