Some say that our college years are the most formative. There is a lot of truth in some words. College students are at a point in their lives when they are not children anymore, but not yet adults. They exist in a unique dimension in between those two steps as they learn for their future careers. Those who work with college students agree that the relationship is immensely rewarding. They can have a grounding or inspiring role in the next generation, helping the leaders of tomorrow to grow and learn at their own pace. Besides, anyone who has been through college knows that it’s a period that combines stress, excitement, and new experiences. There is always a lot going on for students! If you naturally want to help others, working with college students can be a fantastic opportunity, whether it is a side hustle or a full-time job.
Unfortunately, most people decline the opportunity to be active in the life of young students because they don’t believe they are not qualified. You do not have to become a college professor to help young adults grow mentally, physically, or emotionally. Students face a ton of challenges outside of the classroom. Are you ready to consider some of the following options?
#1. Are you a professional athlete?
You will already need to be a professional athlete or a qualified coach to play a role with active college teams. It’s worth keeping an eye on the hot CFL coaches spots. But chances are, if you are in the industry, you already know about them.
However, you can work alongside coaches to support college teams. Body conditioning, nutrition tips, stretching, and movements to help relax the muscles; all these are valuable skills that can make a difference. So when you get to hear about a new coach, you could try making yourself known. You can also help cheerleaders and mascots with similar skills.
#2. Offer simple budgeting programs
Did you know that bad financial habits begin during the college years? Indeed, many students are unsure how to manage their finances. As a result, many fail to prepare for recurring costs or even for repaying their student loans at the end of their studies. In other words, debts begin during young adulthood. There is also some expected level of debt for students. However, you can ensure they are prepared to manage their budget effectively with smart tips and plans. Becoming a finance advisor for students could become a side hustle for a certified accountant. It can allow you to keep fees low and student-friendly while sharing valuable knowledge. It’s the perfect opportunity for students to learn about how to create and maintain a budget. You can also encourage them to create a small saving goal, which will be useful at the end of their studies.
#3. Create a fashion recycling center
Fashion and college go hand-in-hand. College students enjoy the new independence of living away from home. They often feel free to experiment with style during those years. However, with a reduced budget, many students find it hard to discover their fashion identity. A small side-hustle around fashion recycling could be a game-changer for many colleges. You can use your fashion shop to offer simple repair and tailoring services, such as fixing holes or adjusting the length of pants. But there is a lot more than could benefit students. Arranging for fashion exchanges and donations can give less financially secure students the chance to fully shine and explore their style. Additionally, you can also create unique items by combining unwanted or damaged pieces together.
#4. Start a mobile food business
Who doesn’t love the idea of running a food truck business? Food truck businesses can bring in over half a million $ per year, making them highly profitable for their low starting costs. Why would students love a food truck? There are many reasons:
A lot of students miss home-cooked meals. Unfortunately, many don’t have access to a fully equipped kitchen to reproduce the dinners of their childhood. Besides, keeping a strict grocery budget can limit their options. But with a food truck business, you can offer some traditional and comforting cooking.
#5. Be the life coach they need
A life coach is, in essence, the lighting tower that guides young and inexperienced adults through life. Students have a lot of new experiences during those formative years. It’s never easy for them to open up to parents and discuss some of the most embarrassing experiences. Yet, a life coach can be a trusted ally who offers tips, guidance, and answers to some of their most delicate questions. You can help them cover a variety of topics, ranging from how to schedule revision time before an exam to how to break up from a long-distance relationship. As a life coach, you can also encourage students to set up goals for themselves, such as volunteering activities or learning additional skills, which can improve their professional profile in the future.
#6. Student accommodation rentals
While student campuses can provide accommodation, many students still choose a rental in the vicinity of their college. Becoming a landlord is no easy task, especially if you choose to target students. College students often need fully furnished rentals as many are not able to bring furniture with them. Additionally, with a reduced budget, students need to prioritize their needs. A landlord who can provide a cost-effective rental with full access to essential facilities and services can be a game-changer for students.
There are different ways to ensure your property investments remain profitable. As a landlord, you can use high-value properties to keep student rental costs low without losing money. Alternatively, maximizing bedrooms per rental can also enable students to reduce the cost per head, allowing you to continue to make a profit on the property.
#7. Digital training
Granted, college students are digitally savvy nowadays. However, just because they understand how to use the Internet, it doesn’t mean they grasp the consequences of their online presence. Becoming a social media advisor can be a useful role for students looking for a part-time job or trying to prepare a professional presence. As an advisor, you can help them manage their online reputation, making them desirable applicants for businesses.
Additionally, social media management can be a valuable lesson they will use even in later years. Teaching students how to build an attractive profile on LinkedIn, for instance, can speed up the recruitment process for them.
#8. Household skills workshops
Let’s be realistic: Most students have to learn household skills when they leave home. For many, it’s a trial and fail process until they get the hang of it. But, ultimately, some students never learned those skills from their parents. As a result, they don’t know how to cook, do the laundry, or even clean the kitchen. Running frequent household workshops throughout the year could help students to learn some basic home management skills. From learning how to remove stains on their favorite clothes to how to store vegetables longer, basic household skills could save students a lot of hassle and money.
#9. A mental health companion
College students are more vulnerable to mental health issues. Young adults who are away from home for the first time can face a lot of personal challenges. College professors are often frustrated by the lack of support for students. You can get in touch with your local college to discuss different options. A mental health office within the college could ensure students can find an interlocutor when they need to talk. Many young adults can struggle with anxiety, depression, and high pressure. High-stress levels and the desire to fit in can also affect their decision-making process, increasing the risk of substance abuse, suicide, and drop-out.
#10. Student-only fitness
It can seem odd to discuss fitness needs for students. However, many students who are not sports team members could experience physical discomfort, such as lower back pain from sitting at a desk. Student fitness classes can help address these issues to boost their health and provide energy-boosting routines.
#11. Self-employment tips
Some students are keen to start their freelancing careers while they are still attending college. Freelancing can be a fantastic way for them to hone their skills. However, it also means file taxes and arranging for self-promotion. If you are self-employed, you can offer advice and guidance on preparing for the tax season. You can also help them find the right platform to promote their services, such as creating a website or boosting their visibility on social media.
#12. Proofreading services
Writing a cover letter and a resume is a skill that many students struggle with. If you work in HR or are familiar with the recruitment process, you can consider offering proofreading and formatting advice to young adults applying for their first positions.
In conclusion, working with college students can be a varied and exciting side hustle if you are keen to make a difference. Whether you are a professional accountant, a property investor, or a trained psychologist, many roles are available to support students. Are you ready to help the next generation?
What do you think?