Starting a side hustle while in school

By: Maryam. I. Abisola and Maryam. B. Olulope                   

BALANCING academics with starting a business may sound stressful, but students worldwide are proving it can be done and done well. Whether it’s selling thrifted clothes, offering tutoring services, or managing a small online store, a side hustle can provide financial independence and valuable skills. What is a side hustle? Simply put, a side hustle is any type of job or activity undertaken in addition to one’s main responsibilities, such as school or a full-time job. It allows individuals to earn extra income while pursuing their primary commitments. For students, a side hustle often becomes a creative or entrepreneurial outlet, enabling them to explore their passions while gaining financial stability and real-world experience. According to side Hustle Nation Statistics, Pinger found that 80 per cent of people with side hustles pursue them to increase their income. However, it’s not just about the money. The survey revealed that 40% wanted to learn new skills, while 30 per cent hoped to eventually become their own boss. Similarly, Bankrate reports that 41 per cent of people rely on side hustles to cover basic expenses, while 43 per cent use the extra money for savings or discretionary spending.

Eniola Olatunji, in her book”Balancing School with a Side Hustle,” highlights practical tips for students aiming to combine academics with entrepreneurship. Stressing the need for young Nigerians to pursue side hustles due to the country’s economic challenges and rising unemployment rate. According to her, while a side hustle is a great way to support oneself financially, it requires careful planning and discipline to avoid compromising academic success. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start and succeed with your own side hustle while managing school effectively. Step 1: discover your talent: The best place to start is with what you already know. Are you good at writing, cooking, designing, or teaching? Turn that skill into a hustle. Take the story of Shola, a university student who discovered his love for baking during the lockdown. What began as a small hobby flourished into a business when friends started requesting his cupcakes for their birthdays. “I never thought baking could be more than a pastime,” Shola said. “But when I noticed how much people enjoyed my work, I decided to turn it into a business.” His talent not only brought him income but also boosted his confidence and gave him a sense of purpose. Step 2: keep it simple and affordable: When starting a side hustle, simplicity and affordability are key to long-term success. Avoid overcomplicating things at the beginning. Focus on offering a basic service or product that solves a specific problem or meets a need. Ajoke, a public health student who sells snacks, advises, “Start as small as possible. When you start small, it helps you see how much stress and pressure you can handle without feeling overwhelmed. It’s like testing the water before jumping in fully. “With a passion for fashion, Eyitayo noticed a gap in her university community: stylish yet affordable jewellery was hard to find. Determined to fill this need, she used ₦8,000 she had saved from holiday allowances to purchase trendy earrings, bracelets, and necklaces from a local wholesale market. Instead of setting up a shop, she made her room her headquarters and promoted her pieces on Instagram and WhatsApp. She also offered campus delivery and referral discounts to attract customers.

Step 3: Create a schedule: Schoolwork is important, so you need to balance your time. Dedicate certain hours to studying and others to your side hustle. This way, neither gets neglected. “In as much as I have to be consistent with my business, I always remember why I’m in school because my education comes first, and that is what secures my future,” Ajoke said. Eric Rosenberg, a finance expert, advises in his article”Starting Your Side Hustle as a Student” that education should remain the primary focus, ensuring the hustle doesn’t interfere with academic performance. Step 4: network and make more friends: Ask for tips, advice, and feedback on your ideas. Networking can guide you and connect you to resources that will help your business grow.Eniola Olatunji writes in her book “MakeMore Friends”that having a reliable network of friends can be crucial. “When running a side hustle, you may miss important school activities like assignment deadlines or test dates. Friends can keep you updated on school events and even help with tasks.” By building strong relationships, you can focus on your business without falling behind in school. Step 5: market yourself: Use free platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp to promote your business. Start with your friends and classmates as your first customers. Halima, a second-year student who sells skincare products, shared her strategy: “I started going from room to room in every hostel, introducing myself and explaining the benefits of my products. I left flyers with my contact details for future orders. “Initially intimidating, Halima eventually got comfortable with her approach. “Some of my customers even became my friends,” she added. Her efforts paid off, as her customer base grew daily. Now, she even gets referrals from satisfied buyers.

Step 6: stay disciplined: Discipline is the backbone of balancing a side hustle with academic responsibilities. Without it, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or distracted. “Discipline is about consistency,” said business coach Adeolu Adebayo. “It’s about showing up even when you don’t feel like it.” Whether it’s managing finances, meeting deadlines, or balancing schoolwork, discipline keeps you on track.Hamdalat, a 300-level student managing a crochet business, shared her experience: “I started small because I knew how stressful school could be.” With classes, assignments, and tests piling up, I didn’t want to take on more than I could handle. Starting small allowed me to manage my workload without feeling overwhelmed. “Despite facing challenges like shyness and delivery logistics, Hamdalat remains committed to both her studies and business.” The key is discipline and knowing your limits,” she advised. “Start small, grow gradually, and prioritize your education.

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Dr. Olawale Muhyideen Aremu, Head of Business Administration and Coordinator for the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition at Fountain University, Osogbo, emphasizes the institutional support available for entrepreneurial students: “We provide scholarships to students who demonstrate creativity and innovation. Students also gain practical experience in our block industry, where they learn and earn simultaneously. Entrepreneurship is no joke, those who learn it well will benefit greatly.”Dr. Olatunde Osuolale also highlighted the challenges students face and offered solutions: “Students must prepare adequately to ensure their business activities don’t negatively affect academics. Minimizing expenses, saving more, and investing wisely are key to overcoming financial challenges.

Starting a side hustle as a student is not just about earning extra income. It’s about discovering your strengths, gaining valuable experience, and preparing for the future. While the journey may have its ups and downs, the rewards are worth it.

As the saying goes, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”Stay disciplined, keep learning, and remember that every small step brings you closer to your goals.

• Abisola and Olulope are 400 Level Mass Communication Students of Fountain University, Osogbo.