Juggling academic responsibilities with financial pressures is a constant challenge for many Nigerian undergraduates. With rising living expenses, tuition fees, and the desire for financial independence, students often seek alternative sources of income to support themselves and their families. The Nigerian university experience is characterised by a combination of financial constraints, academic rigor, and extracurricular activities. While pursuing higher education is seen as a pathway to success and upward mobility, the reality is that many students struggle to meet the financial demands associated with tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and other essentials. Research Shows that students who are from humble backgrounds usually fend for themselves through side hustles in school without seeking financial assistance from home. Also, those who are financially buoyant from home wants to be able to fund their lifestyle without depending too much on their parents, so they often combine academics with side hustle.In response to these challenges, students often turn to side hustles or part-time jobs to supplement their income and gain valuable work experience. However, balancing academic commitments with entrepreneurial pursuits can be very challenging as it requires careful planning, time management, and resilience. According to Merriam Webster, side hustle is work performed for income supplementary to one’s primary job. These days, lots of people have a side hustle to help them earn extra income, develop new skills, become a business owner and quit their day job.
SIDE HUSTLE IDEAS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NIGERIA
Below are side hustle ideas that students in Nigerian higher institutions can look into.
Tutoring: University students can leverage their academic knowledge and expertise by offering tutoring services to high school students or peers in need of academic support. Subjects such as mathematics, English language, physics, chemistry, and biology are in high demand, especially during exam periods. Tutors can conduct one-on-one sessions, group classes, or online tutorials to accommodate different learning preferences. This will bring in extra income while keeping them on their toes to study better in their academics.
Freelancing: With technological advancements and increasing demand for digital skills and remote work opportunities, freelancing has become a viable option for university students in Nigeria. Students can offer their services in areas such as digital marketing, writing, web development, graphic design, web development, and social media management. Online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer provide opportunities to find freelance gigs and earn extra income while honing valuable skills that will prepare them for life after school.
E-commerce and Dropshipping: The rise of e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces presents opportunities for university students to start their own online businesses selling products or services. Students can explore dropshipping, where they partner with suppliers to sell products online without holding inventory. Alternatively, students can create and sell their own products, such as handmade crafts, fashion accessories, or digital products like e-books or online courses. One good thing about this is that students can explore the “pre-order” method where they ask fellow students and intending customers to pay upfront and in return order the goods with the money paid.
Social Media Influencing: With the proliferation of social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, university students can build a personal brand and monetize their online presence through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and sponsored content. Building a loyal following and engaging with followers through authentic and relevant content is key to success as a social media influencer. They can influence for popular students or brands on campusl.
Blogging and Content Creation: University students can start their own blogs or YouTube channels to share their expertise, interests, and experiences with a wider audience. Whether it’s fashion, beauty, travel, food, lifestyle, or academics, there’s a niche for every interest. Rather than posting what interests them for fun, they can monetize it. Monetization options include display advertising, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and selling digital products or services.
Online Courses and Workshops: University students can share their expertise and teach others by creating and selling online courses and workshops on platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare. Whether it’s academic subjects, language learning, coding, photography, or business skills, there’s a demand for online learning opportunities. Students can leverage their academic knowledge, practical skills, and personal experiences to create valuable educational content for a global audience.
HOW TO BALANCE SIDE HUSTLE AND BOOKS
Set Realistic Goals: Establish clear and achievable goals for your side hustle endeavors, taking into account your academic workload and other commitments. Ensure you have a clear understanding of why you do what you do. Break down large goals into smaller, actionable steps to make progress consistently. When you start making money, don’t let the desire to want to make more money take away your good grades.
Prioritize Time Management: Allocate dedicated time slots for studying, attending classes, and working on side hustles. Use time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to maximize productivity and focus.
Stay Organized: Maintain an organized workspace, both physically and digitally, to stay on top of your academic and professional responsibilities. Use tools such as calendars, planners, to-do lists, and productivity apps to stay organized and keep track of deadlines and commitments. This can aid your productivity and ensure you meet all your daily goals.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being by prioritizing self-care activities such as exercise, relaxation, socializing, and hobbies. Avoid overextending yourself and listen to your body’s cues for rest and rejuvenation.
Seek Support and Accountability: No one can do life alone. Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers, friends, mentors and family, who can offer encouragement, advice. This will also help you to be accountability as you have peole to check and balance you while you navigate the challenges of balancing hustle and books. Lean on your support system during times of stress or overwhelm.
University students in Nigeria have a wealth of opportunities to pursue side hustles and entrepreneurial ventures alongside their academic pursuits. However, it’s essential to prioritize academic success and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Balancing hustle and books effectively can help students build a strong work ethic, and lay the foundation for future success in their careers and beyond.
Compliled by Temitope Kareem
