Having an entrepreneurial spirit can help make you some decent cash on the side while studying in college. In this article, I’ve carefully curated a list of the best things to sell in college that can easily get you started on this path.
Whether you need money for textbooks, a weekend getaway, or just some fun, these tried-and-tested options can help you make some easy money without too much hassle.
When choosing from the following list of ideas for your side hustle in college, it is important to keep the needs of the students in mind and understand them. Offer products and services that might be of the most use to them.
You may need to experiment with multiple products and services before you find the winners that will bring in the big profits.
You should also leverage the power of social media and word-of-mouth promotions to advertise the products and services that you will sell.
Disclaimer: Before we go further, I’d encourage you to find out about the local college regulations relating to selling in and around their campus and get the necessary permissions. Please ensure that you abide by their rules and are in no violation of them.
Best Things to Sell in College to Make Money
Tutoring and Academic Services
- Tutoring Services – Provide one-on-one or group tutoring in various subjects to help fellow students succeed academically.
- Essay Editing – Offer editing and proofreading services to improve the quality of essays and academic papers.
- Study Guides – Create comprehensive study guides and notes for different courses and subjects.
- Language Lessons – Teach language lessons to help students with foreign language courses or language learning goals.
- Math Problem Solving – Help students solve complex math problems and provide step-by-step explanations.
- Note-taking Services – You can offer to attend lectures and take notes or do assignments on demand for college students.
Stationery, Art and Design
- Stationery Supplies – College students and faculty are always in constant need of various types of stationery supplies. You can sell items like pens, pencils, markers, staplers, notebooks, printing papers, and other art-related supplies.
- Custom Artwork – Create personalized art pieces, paintings, and illustrations for dorm room decor or as gifts.
- Graphic Design Services – Offer design solutions for event posters, flyers, and social media graphics for student organizations and clubs.
- Custom Graduation Cap Designs – Design and create unique graduation cap decorations to celebrate the achievements of college students.
- Digital Illustrations – Create custom digital artwork for various purposes, including social media and marketing.
Health and Wellness
- Fitness Training – Provide personalized workout plans and fitness coaching for students looking to stay fit.
- Yoga and Meditation Classes – Offer yoga and meditation sessions to help students manage stress and stay balanced.
- Healthy Meal Prep – Prepare and deliver nutritious meal options for busy students seeking healthy eating solutions.
- Self-Defense Workshops – Conduct self-defense workshops to empower students with essential self-defense skills.
- Personal Fitness Assessments – Conduct fitness assessments and evaluations to guide students in achieving their fitness goals.
Event Planning and Photography
- Event Photography – Capture special moments at college events, parties, and graduation ceremonies.
- Event Planning Services – Assist in organizing and planning campus events, parties, and fundraisers.
- Party DJ Services – DJ at college parties, events, and social gatherings for entertainment.
Technology Services
- Computer Repair and Troubleshooting – Offer computer repair services for software and hardware issues.
- Mobile Phone Repair – Fix common phone issues such as cracked screens and battery replacements.
- Web Design Services – Design and develop websites for student clubs, organizations, and small businesses.
- App Development – Create mobile apps for various purposes, such as event management or study tools.
- Tech Support and Troubleshooting – Provide technical support for laptops, phones, and other electronic devices.
Fashion and Accessories
- Vintage Clothing – Sell unique and stylish vintage apparel and accessories for fashion enthusiasts.
- Customized T-shirts and Merchandise – Design and sell personalized T-shirts, hoodies, and merchandise for college clubs and events.
- Handmade Jewelry – Create and sell handmade jewelry pieces, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
- Fashion Styling and Consulting – Offer personal styling and wardrobe consultations for students seeking fashion advice.
- Sunglasses and Accessories – Sell trendy sunglasses and accessories for students’ fashion needs.
Handcrafted and Handmade DIY Items
- Handmade Crafts and DIY Items – Sell unique handcrafted items, such as candles, soaps, and home decor.
- Knitting and Crocheting – Create and sell hand-knit scarves, hats, and other cozy items for the winter season.
- Scrapbooks and Memory Books – Create custom scrapbooks and memory books to preserve college memories.
- Handmade Greeting Cards – Design and sell personalized greeting cards for special occasions.
- DIY Craft Kits – Offer DIY craft kits with materials and instructions for creative projects.
- Customized Gifts and Keepsakes – Create personalized gifts and keepsakes for special occasions and events.
Business and Professional Services
- Resume Writing and Review – Provide resume writing services and feedback to help students land job opportunities.
- Logo Design – Design custom logos for student clubs, organizations, and small businesses.
- Social Media Management – Manage social media accounts for clubs, businesses, and events to increase online presence.
- Business Card Design – Create unique and professional business card designs for students and entrepreneurs.
Food and Beverage
- Sandwiches and Burgers – Prepare delicious sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs for students and see them fly off the shelves!
- Baked Goods and Desserts – Bake and sell delicious cakes, cookies, and other treats for special occasions.
- Snack Packs and Meal Prep – Offer assorted snack packs and meal prep solutions for students on-the-go.
- Coffee and Tea Subscription Boxes – Curate and deliver specialty coffee and tea blends to students’ doorsteps.
- Cold Drinks – Make and sell a variety of cold drinks like iced tea, cold coffees, lemonade, energy drinks, etc.
Related: Best Snacks, Food & Drinks to Sell at School
Pet Services
- Pet Sitting and Dog Walking – Offer pet sitting and dog walking services for busy students and faculty.
- Pet Accessories and Treats – Sell pet accessories, toys, and treats for pet owners on campus.
Transportation and Travel Services
- Campus Bike Tours – Conduct guided bike tours around campus and nearby areas for students and visitors.
- Car Sharing and Rideshare Services – Facilitate car sharing and rideshare arrangements among students to save on transportation costs.
- Travel Planning Assistance – Help students plan trips and vacations, including booking accommodations and creating itineraries.
Household and Dorm Essentials
- Dorm Room Decorations – Sell decorative items, posters, and wall art to personalize dorm rooms.
- Bedding and Linens – Offer comfortable and stylish bedding sets for dorm room beds.
- Dorm Room Organizers and Storage Solutions – Sell practical and space-saving organizers for dorm room organization.
- Cleaning and Laundry Services – Provide cleaning and laundry services for dorm rooms and apartments.
Entertainment and Leisure
- Concert and Event Tickets – Offer ticketing services for concerts, shows, nightclubs, and cultural events on and off campus.
- Gaming Tournaments – Organize gaming tournaments and events for video game enthusiasts.
- Movie Nights and Film Screenings – Host movie nights and film screenings on campus or in community spaces.
- Karaoke Nights – Organize karaoke nights for students to showcase their singing talents.
Photography and Visual Content
- Portrait Photography – Offer portrait photography services for individuals and groups, such as graduation photos and family portraits.
- Product Photography – Provide high-quality product photography services for local businesses and e-commerce sellers.
- Event Photography – Capture special moments at college events, parties, and cultural gatherings.
- Stock Photography – Sell stock photos and images for use in publications, websites, and marketing materials.
Local Experiences and Tours
- Local Tour Guide Services – Offer guided tours of the campus and nearby attractions for new students and visitors.
- Food Tasting Tours – Organize food-tasting tours to explore local cuisine and restaurants in the college town.
- Adventure and Outdoor Excursions – Plan and lead outdoor adventures and excursions for students seeking adrenaline-pumping activities.
Career and Personal Development
- Personal Branding Workshops – Host workshops to help students build and enhance their personal brand for future careers.
- Financial Planning Seminars – Organize seminars to educate students about budgeting, investing, and financial planning.
- Career Workshops and Networking Events – Host workshops and networking events to assist students in career exploration and job hunting.
Miscellaneous
- Phone Accessories – Sell phone cases, chargers, powerbanks, and other accessories for popular smartphone models.
- College Merchandise and Spirit Gear – Design and sell college-themed merchandise to show school pride.
- Board Games and Card Games – Sell board games and card games for students to enjoy during their leisure time.
- Used Textbook Exchange – Facilitate a used textbook exchange platform to help students save on textbook costs.
Also Read: Best Things To Sell At School To Make Good Money
Final Thoughts
And there it is! A comprehensive list of things and services that you can sell in college to earn some good money, either as a side hustle or full-time!
I hope this list gives you some really practical ideas to get started on your own business journey selling in colleges and campuses near you.
I wish you the best!
Are there any other products or services that I might have missed that are bringing you good money by selling in colleges? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
