How To Make Extra Cash on Campus.

All fingers are not equal. On campus, some students live comfortably and large while some manage to survive. As a student, there are many ways to bring home some cash. 

Having  extra source(s) of income to help with minor expenses is a good reason to start up a business. An additional source of income also provides a practical experience of the real world of business, beyond what can be taught in the classroom.

Student business is good, however, it is easy to be carried away. Nevertheless, it is possible to have a thriving business on campus and make good grades as well.

In this post, we will examine some businesses you can do as a student on campus that will yield reasonable profit. These include;

1. Course, school fees and scholarship registrations

This business idea is the top on our list for students on campus, why? It is still a money-spinner. One will think with the proliferation of cheap internet this business will fade but it hasn’t. Some students don’t just have the time to sit down and start registering for courses. Even those that have the time, prefer not to be frustrated by their school’s slow web portal. I had a few friends in this business and they did pretty well.

Another advantage about this business is that you get to know many people. A network built from here could be of help many years after graduation. A tip in this business is to have someone working with/for you, maybe another student. This is because there are peak times when the jobs will just be too much for only one person to handle.

For this business, you’ll need the following:

• Laptop
• good internet supply, printer
• scanner
• photocopier
• generator (optional).

2. Typing of assignments/projects, photocopying and scanning

You can do this along with the previously mentioned business.. However, if you don’t have the internet you can start with just typing and photocopying first. 
For this business, you’ll need:

• Laptop
• Printer
• Scanner
• Photocopier

3. Printing on shirts/jerseys
Campuses have organisations that will need printed shirts from time to time. Departments and faculties may also need customised shirts. All you have to do is negotiate a price, agree on the design, then meet a printer. 

4. Tutorial services
If you’re very intelligent and stand out academically, you may want to consider tutorial services. With tutoring, you get to make some money and sharpen your intellect as well. You can target the freshers or pre-degree student. Students are willing to pay for a class if they’re confident that the tutor can add to their knowledge.
You can also make your own “Past questions and answers” and sell. Some students have gone on to make big money producing and selling past questions.

The following are what you’ll need:

• Your brain
• chalk/markers
• past examination questions.

5. Phone repairs
Virtually every student has at least one phone. Imagine the potential market for a student on campus who knows how to repair phones. To be in this business you have to know how to repair phones. 

For this business, you’ll need:

• Technical know-how
• Phone repair toolkit

6. Barbing/Hair styling services
I had this friend who was very good at plaiting hair. According to her, anytime she needed small money, she will actively market herself to ladies in the hostel. At the end of the day, she could go home with up to ₦2,000. This is a skill that is not that difficult to learn. Same with barbing. Also, this business does not require much capital to start. For the ladies, this business can be combined with the sale of hair attachments and other products.

Items needed include:

• Combs
• Needles and thread
• Mirror
• Hair cream

7. Freelancing
Whether as a writer, data analyst, graphics designer etc., there are freelancing opportunities for everyone. As a student, this business idea allows flexibility with your time. You get to choose when and how long you want to work. Once you are an expert, it will not too difficult securing jobs online when you have free time.

You’ll need the following:

• Laptop
• smartphone
• internet supply
• generator set (optional)

8. Researching and data analysis
As an undergraduate, there was a software I learnt that was used in data analysis for water-related projects. I didn’t hesitate to advertise this service to fellow students who might need it. I ended up making a few bucks from it.

My friend was able to pay her fees from the money she got from researching for a client’s PhD project. To do this business you have to be an expert at what you do.

Most projects require the analysis of statistical data using programs like SPSS and Microsoft Excel. You can learn how to use these softwares and help students in data analysis.

For this you’ll need:

• Laptop
• necessary software
• research skill
• Printer

9. Portrait sketching/painting service
You may be blessed with the talent to create beautiful portraits for people. A good number of students will readily pay you to draw portraits of themselves or their loved ones. Charge per sketch/painting usually starts from ₦5,000.

What you’ll need:

• Art materials,
• talent.

10. Sales
 You need to identify a prevailing student need and supply it. Items to sell include but is not limited to;

• motivational books
• hair attachments
• fairly used phones
• kerosene
• clothes
• shoes
• rechargeable lamps
• Airtime vouchers etc.

What you’ll need: Good supply of products to be sold.

These businesses have been practiced by many and cool cash has been made by students. You too can make extra cash. All you need to do is choose the most appropriate one for you and start. It doesn't have to be on large scale.

Are there other business ideas not stated above? Kindly use the comment section below. You can also share your experience with us.