Top 10 Remote Side Hustles for Students in the UK (2025 Guide)
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Introduction

Student life in the UK is exciting but expensive. Between tuition fees, rising rent costs, and day-to-day living expenses, it’s no wonder that most students look for ways to earn extra money. Traditional part-time jobs like working in a café or retail store don’t always fit a student’s busy schedule. That’s where remote side hustles for students in the UK come in.

Remote work allows students to balance studies and work without wasting time commuting. It also builds skills that employers value — writing, digital marketing, customer service, and entrepreneurship. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 top side hustles for UK students in 2025, with actionable steps, earning potential, and trusted platforms to get started.

Side Hustles for Students in the UK

Why Remote Side Hustles Are Perfect for UK Students

Remote side hustles are more than just “extra cash.” They can transform a student’s career.

  • Flexible Hours: Work evenings, weekends, or between lectures.

  • No Commute: Save travel costs and time.

  • Global Market: Access international clients, not just UK employers.

  • Skill Development: Gain digital and business skills that improve CVs.

  • Scalable: Some side hustles (like blogging or e-commerce) can grow into full businesses.

1. Freelance Writing and Blogging

If you have a knack for writing, freelance writing is a golden opportunity. Companies and websites are always on the hunt for affordable writers.

Steps to Start:

  1. Create a writing profile on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or PeoplePerHour.

  2. Choose niches like student lifestyle, tech, travel, or finance.

  3. Write 2–3 free samples (blog posts or essays) to show potential clients.

Extra Tip: Start your own blog using WordPress. Write about “student life in the UK” or “budget tips for UK students.” Once traffic grows, monetize through Google AdSense or affiliate marketing.

Earning Potential: Beginners can charge £10–£20 per article, while experienced writers earn £50+ per article.

2. Online Tutoring

UK parents and international students are constantly looking for tutors. Whether it’s GCSE Maths, A-Level Biology, or English as a Second Language (ESL), online tutoring is in demand.

Best Platforms: MyTutor, SuperProf, Tutorful, Preply.

Steps to Start:

  1. Sign up and verify your academic credentials.

  2. Set an affordable hourly rate (start at £15/hr, increase with experience).

  3. Use Zoom or Google Meet for sessions.

Earning Potential: £15–£30 per hour. High-demand subjects can bring even more.

3. Virtual Assistant (VA) Work

Small UK businesses and even global entrepreneurs need part-time help with admin tasks.

Tasks include:

  • Email management

  • Calendar scheduling

  • Social media posting

  • Research and data entry

Steps to Start:

  • Build a CV highlighting your organizational skills.

  • Apply on Fiverr/Upwork as a VA.

  • Reach out to small business owners on LinkedIn.

Earning Potential: £8–£20 per hour.

4. Social Media Management

If you spend hours on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter, turn that into a job. Businesses often hire students to manage accounts at affordable rates.

Steps to Start:

  1. Offer a free trial week to small UK businesses.

  2. Learn Canva basics for designing posts.

  3. Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Later.

Earning Potential: £200–£500/month per client. With multiple clients, income can grow quickly.

5. Remote Customer Support

Big companies like Amazon, as well as smaller UK firms, hire students for customer support roles.

Why It’s Great:

  • Requires good communication, not advanced skills.

  • Provides consistent hours and pay.

Where to Apply: Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Jobs.

Earning Potential: £9–£12/hour.

Side Hustles for Students in the UK

6. Online Reselling & Dropshipping

E-commerce is booming in the UK. Students can sell thrifted items or run dropshipping stores.

Options:

  • Sell thrift fashion on Depop or Vinted.

  • Resell books or gadgets on eBay.

  • Create a Shopify store for dropshipping.

Earning Potential: £100–£1000/month depending on time and products.

7. Graphic Design (Beginner-Friendly with Canva)

Even without professional training, students can create logos, flyers, and social media posts using free tools like Canva.

Steps to Start:

  1. Build a portfolio on Behance or Dribbble.

  2. Offer budget services on Fiverr.

  3. Upskill with free YouTube tutorials.

Earning Potential: £5–£50 per design project.

8. Transcription & Captioning Jobs

Transcription involves turning audio into text. Captioning adds subtitles to videos. It’s easy to learn and requires no prior experience.

Websites: Rev, GoTranscript, TranscribeMe.

Earning Potential: £0.60–£1.20 per audio minute.

9. Blogging + Affiliate Marketing

Blogging can become a passive income machine if done right. Write about topics students care about: cheap travel, study hacks, or tech reviews.

How to Monetize:

  • Place Google ads.

  • Add Amazon affiliate links.

  • Promote student-friendly services.

Earning Potential: £100–£2000/month after 6–12 months of consistent blogging.

10. Online Surveys & Market Research

Not the highest paying, but a quick way to earn pocket money.

Websites: Prolific (UK-based and trusted), Swagbucks, YouGov.

Earning Potential: £2–£10 per survey.

Extra Side Hustles to Explore in 2025

  • Podcast Editing: Students can learn basic audio editing and charge podcasters.

  • Remote Data Entry: Simple tasks for £7–£12/hr.

  • YouTube Channel: Build audience around student life tips.

How to Balance Side Hustles with Studies

  • Time Management: Use Google Calendar to block study + work hours.

  • Start Small: Pick one hustle, test it, then scale.

  • Avoid Burnout: Don’t take more work than you can handle.

  • Choose Relevant Hustles: Pick gigs that add value to your CV.

FAQs

Q1: Which side hustle is best for UK students with no experience?
Virtual assistant work, online surveys, and transcription jobs are easiest to start.

Q2: Can international students in the UK take remote side hustles?
Yes, but always check visa work restrictions. Freelancing online is usually more flexible than traditional jobs.

Q3: How much can students earn monthly?
Anywhere from £100 to £800 on average. Advanced hustles like blogging or tutoring can cross £1,500/month.

Q4: Do I need special skills to start?
Not always. Some hustles like tutoring or graphic design require skills, but many (like surveys or VA work) don’t.

Q5: How do I avoid scams?
Never pay upfront for jobs. Stick to trusted platforms like Fiverr, LinkedIn, MyTutor, or Prolific.

Side Hustles for Students in the UK

Conclusion

Remote side hustles give UK students an incredible opportunity to earn money, reduce financial stress, and build future-ready skills. Whether you choose freelance writing, tutoring, social media management, or e-commerce, there’s a hustle for everyone. Start small, stay consistent, and within months you can transform your free time into income.

✅ 2025 is the year to stop worrying about money and start building financial independence — one side hustle at a time.