Side Hustles and Business Ideas for International Students In The UK: How To Make Extra Money As An International Student In The UK

Being a student frequently entails an irregular and hectic schedule, making conventional, scheduled part-time work difficult to commit to. However, extra cash is always appreciated during university.

You may be struggling to make ends meet as an international student in the UK. With the rising cost of living, many students are looking for ways to supplement their income. The good news is that there are numerous proven methods for international students to earn extra money in the UK.

In this blog post, we will look at Side Hustles and Business Ideas for International Students In The UK and most importantly, the top 10 ways for international students to make extra money in the UK, as well as provide you with useful information and resources to help you reach your financial goals.

How To Make Extra Money As An International Student In The UK: Top 10 Proven Side Hustles and Business Ideas for International Students In The UK

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make extra money while studying in the UK, even if you're an international student.

Here are the top 10 proven ways to make extra money as an international student in the UK:

Part-Time Work

Part-time work is an excellent option for international students who want to supplement their income while studying in the UK. Many students choose to work part-time in fields related to their studies, while others work in industries that interest them or have flexible schedules.

Part-time work is beneficial because it provides a consistent income stream while also allowing students to gain work experience and develop new skills. If you're studying marketing, for example, you might consider working part-time at a marketing agency or a local business to gain practical experience in your field. If you enjoy working with people, you could work part-time in a retail store or a restaurant.

Part-time work can help you improve your English language skills while also allowing you to meet new people. Working in a job where you interact with English-speaking customers or coworkers will allow you to practice your language skills and gain confidence in speaking and listening.

You can begin your search for part-time job opportunities by searching online job boards such as Indeed or LinkedIn, or by visiting local businesses in person to inquire about job openings. Part-time job opportunities on campus, such as working in the library or as a student ambassador, may also be available at your university.

Keep in mind any visa restrictions, as international students are typically permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. And, of course, make certain that any job you take on does not conflict with your studies.

Freelance Or Gig Work

Freelancing is a flexible way to earn money by putting your skills to use. There are no set hours like in a part-time job, so you can work as much or as little as you can fit around your university schedule.

Any skill, such as writing, music, graphic design, or programming, can be turned into an income through freelancing. Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Upwork are examples of freelancing platforms. Rather than creating your own website and marketing yourself, these make it much easier to find freelance jobs.

Tutoring

Another way on How To Make Extra Money As An International Student In The UK is Tutoring. Although it may appear to be time-consuming, becoming an online tutor allows you to set your own hours and availability.

Almost anyone can become a tutor, and some sites, such as MyTutor, specifically seek university students. Most tutoring services do not require any qualifications other than a passion for your subject and the patience and enthusiasm required to teach others. In addition to MyTutor, two other UK-based tutoring websites are Tutorful and FirstTutors.

Sell Items Online

Selling items online can also be an excellent way for international students to supplement their income while studying in the UK. Selling items you no longer need or want, such as clothes, textbooks, or electronics, or creating and selling handmade goods, such as jewelry or crafts, can be part of this.

There are numerous online marketplaces where you can sell your items, including eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace. These platforms enable you to create an account, list your items, and set prices and shipping fees. Pricing must be carefully considered to ensure that you cover your costs while also making a profit.

Pet-Sitting Or Dog Walking

If you have a passion for animals, you might consider becoming a pet sitter while you are attending university. Those people who are going to be living away from home for the first time and will miss their dogs and cats as pets will find this to be an excellent option.

You can become a member of one of the many pet-sitting agencies available, such as House Sitters UK, or you can even launch your own company in this field.

Event Staffing

Event staffing is another option for international students who want to make extra money while studying in the UK. This involves working at events such as concerts, festivals, or sports games, assisting with tasks such as ticketing, concessions, or security.

There are many event staffing companies in the UK that hire temporary staff for events. Some popular companies include Reed, and Adecco. These companies allow you to apply for specific event positions, and they typically offer training before the event to ensure you're prepared for your role.

Working as event staff can be a fun and exciting way to earn money, as you'll have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment and potentially meet new people. However, it's important to keep in mind that the hours can be long and the work can be physically demanding.

If you're interested in event staffing, start by researching different staffing companies and their application processes. Consider what types of events you're interested in working and what tasks you feel comfortable with.

Photography Or Videography

If you enjoy photography or videography, you can use your skills as an international student in the UK to supplement your income. You can sell your own content or offer your services for events such as weddings, parties, or corporate events.

You'll need to invest in some equipment, such as a camera, lenses, and editing software, to begin earning money with photography or videography. Once you have the necessary equipment, you can begin marketing your services by creating a portfolio of your work.

Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where you can showcase your work and reach potential clients, are one way to market your services. You can also find potential opportunities by networking with local event planners, photographers, and videographers.

Another option is to create and sell your own content online. You can, for example, create stock photos or videos and sell them on sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Because your content can continue to generate sales over time, this can be a great way to earn passive income.

Deliver Food Or Groceries

Another option for international students who want to earn extra money while studying in the UK is to deliver food or groceries. This entails picking up and delivering food or groceries to customers using your own vehicle or bike.

Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat are just a few of the food delivery apps that hire drivers in the UK. These apps allow you to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want, making it a versatile way to supplement your income. To get started, you'll need a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle or bike.

You could also consider delivering groceries for companies like Tesco or Sainsbury's, which provide grocery home delivery services. These businesses typically employ drivers to pick up and deliver groceries to customers, and they frequently provide flexible schedules to accommodate your studies.

Remember that delivering food or groceries can be physically demanding, especially if you ride a bike. It is critical to follow traffic rules and wear appropriate safety equipment while delivering.

Blogging

Blogging is a great way for international students to increase their income in the UK. If you enjoy writing and have a specific topic in mind, you can start your own blog and earn money through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.

To start a successful blog, select a niche in which you are knowledgeable and passionate. This could be anything from travel to fashion to food. Once you've identified your niche, you can begin creating content that will appeal to your target audience.

As your blog grows in popularity, you can begin monetizing it with ads or sponsored content. You can also use affiliate marketing to earn money by promoting products or services related to your niche.

Keep in mind that creating a successful blog takes time and effort. You'll need to consistently produce high-quality content, build a large following, and network with other bloggers and brands in your niche. However, if you're willing to put in the effort, blogging can be a rewarding and profitable way to earn extra money as an international student in the UK.

To get started with blogging, sign up for a platform like WordPress or Wix and start building your own website. You can also read up on blogging tips and strategies to help you grow your blog and start earning money.

Rent Out A Spare Room

Renting out a spare room is a popular way for international students to earn extra money for their income while studying in the United Kingdom. You can rent out an extra room in your house or apartment to someone who needs a place to stay if you have one.

Many online platforms, such as Airbnb and SpareRoom, allow you to rent out your spare room. These platforms connect you with potential renters while also allowing you to manage bookings and payments securely.

Before renting out a spare room, think about the legal and financial implications. You must obtain the necessary permits and approvals from your landlord or local authorities. You should also become acquainted with the UK's rental income tax regulations.

Renting out a spare room can be an excellent way to supplement your income while meeting new people and sharing your living space. However, it is critical to be selective when selecting a renter and to establish clear rules and boundaries to ensure a positive experience for all parties involved.

FAQS

How much can an international student earn in UK while studying?

The nature and location of your part-time job in the UK determine your salary or remuneration. Depending on the job, you can expect to earn between £8 and £30 per hour on average. 

What is the side hustle for students in the UK?

There are many side hustles for students in the UK, depending on their skills, interests, and availability.

Online tutoring is the highest-paying online side hustle in the UK by hourly rate, according to our research. The average hourly rate for an online tutor is £26.07.

Can international students work 2 jobs in UK?

Yes, international students are generally allowed to work 2 jobs in the UK, as long as they comply with the conditions of their visa. However, it's important to note that working too many hours can impact your studies and academic progress, so it's important to balance work and study commitments carefully.

International students are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university holidays. However, some visas may have different restrictions, so it's important to check the specific conditions of your visa before taking on additional work. 

Which part-time job is best for students in UK?

A: The best part-time job for students in the UK depends on their skills, interests, and availability. Some popular options include working in retail, hospitality, or customer service, as these industries often offer flexible schedules and opportunities for growth and development. Another popular option is tutoring, which allows students to use their knowledge and skills to help others and earn extra income 

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many proven ways for international students to make extra money while studying in the UK. Whether it's through part-time work, freelancing, selling items online, event staffing, photography, delivering food or groceries, blogging, or renting out a spare room, there are plenty of opportunities to earn income and gain valuable experience.

It's important to choose a method that aligns with your skills, interests, and schedule, and to make sure you're aware of any legal or financial implications.