53 business ventures you may launch while still in University

Working for yourself and starting your own business is a terrific way to earn additional money from home. Finding a brilliant idea, though, might be challenging.

These start-up business concepts will inspire your entrepreneurial spirit and position you for success.

How to develop a successful company concept

Investigate what individuals need or want. Think of a common challenge. How is it to be defeated? Start by searching on Google.

What would you create or provide if you could make life better, safer, more equitable, or less expensive?

What do you excel at or like doing the most? Start with that, perhaps.

Consider the business opportunities that could finance your future or your schooling.

Top small business suggestions

Here are some profitable home-based business concepts:

1. Using social media to generate income

Advertising products for companies on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram can earn you money (and free stuff).

You'll have more success contacting businesses that relate to your brand. If you're a food blogger, for instance, contact kitchenware manufacturers to market their products. But keep in mind that influencers frequently endorse products of various kinds, even if they don't fit your niche.

For additional information, see our guide to monetizing social media.

2. Launch a website

Setting up your own website is among the simplest small business ideas there is.

The finest feature is that you can choose the subject (within the confines of the law, of course).

Choose a topic that interests you, start blogging, and make money. We've identified a few ways for you to monetize your website.

3. Publish on YouTube

There is some substantial money to be made on YouTube, whether it be from advertisements or the chances for sponsored content.

To make money from YouTube videos, you don't need millions of followers. Simply choose an area of interest to you (games, comedy, and music are frequently searched for), then create straightforward instructions or reviews.

There is no reason why you shouldn't succeed as long as you are providing something unique.

4. animal care

Even though all of these business ventures are worthwhile, is there anything better than getting paid to spend time with animals?

Many people are ready to pay someone to take care of their cherished dogs, from hard-working individuals who are out during the day to families traveling abroad for a few weeks. Even if it's just an hour or so a day to walk the dog.

The pay isn't bad either, as we outline in our guide to becoming a pet sitter.

5. Sell your textbooks

Although it's a terrific place to start, you don't have to limit yourself to selling your own textbooks.

Offer to purchase used textbooks from your classmates at the end of the semester. As it saves them the effort of having to sell it themselves online, chances are they'll accept a fairly cheap price.

Find the new students enrolled in that course at the beginning of the new semester. You can get in if you sell the books to them for more than you paid for them (but less than the price of a brand-new copy). straightforward supply and demand

6. Sell in online creative markets

Have an inventive streak? Then visit sites like Fiverr and Gumroad as soon as possible.

These websites are the ideal places for you to profit from your skills. You could be making a lot of money if you are skilled at graphic design, music composition, or even generating recipes.

7. Make a magazine or blog public

When it comes to publishing a magazine, concentrating on your primary interests would be the simplest way to start. You'll have a sufficient pool of potential writers by then to begin populating your newspaper.

If you're a student, ask professors, professionals, and your peers if they would be willing to contribute. You might include advertisements in your magazine if you have your writers (and your content) (or on your blog).

However, it's not all about the cash. This sort of endeavor will also look fantastic on your resume.

8. Promote clothing on Depop

additional cash in your pocket? Check. support for sustainability Check. More room in your closet? Check.

It's difficult to imagine a drawback to online clothing sales. Sites like Depop also make it very simple.

If you want to advance your efforts, visit a charity shop, look for some hidden treasures, and then resell them online for a profit.

9. Recycle used items to make money

Your outdated garments can be revived by upcycling. But the procedure can also make you money, so it's not just about saving money.

You can change things other than your clothes. Furniture made from recycled materials is also very popular. Give that worn-out old chair in the charity shop that might use a fresh coat of paint that coat!

Once you're finished, sell your work online to make money. You'll soon be running your own tiny business. For selling upcycled things, websites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are ideal.

10. operate a delivery business

Just one of the several options to earn money while walking is to launch your own delivery service. Each order should be completed much more quickly if you have a bike (or even a car).

The best times to deliver McDonald's and beer combos are on the weekends and in the evenings. In the mornings, you could deliver people's coffees, newspapers, or train tickets.

11. Buy and sell well-liked icons and visuals

Pay a set cost to a freelance graphic designer to develop well-known web images or icons, presuming you don't have the abilities to generate them yourself (if you have, this one is pure profit for you).

Then, sell them on a marketplace like GraphicRiver to earn a consistent income. You might need to sell a few copies to make a profit. But as soon as you do, it's all about the money after that.

12. club for seeing movies

Have access to a bar or church hall that might use additional patrons on a slow night? Or perhaps a lecture hall (often known as a fancy theater)?

You might set up a movie screening on a large screen (plus points if the location already has a projector) and charge your classmates, friends, and family for admission.

13. Paid to wait in line

Many people claim that Brits enjoy standing in lines. In actuality, though, everyone despises it. We simply obey the rules and acknowledge that this is the most equitable course of action.

We now know that no one like waiting in lines, so it's time to propose a solution. You can gain by making someone else suffer, whether it's standing in line for theater tickets outside a venue or dialing repeatedly before speaking to a staff member.

14. Create MP3 files from CDs

Although you shouldn't rule it out, your parents or grandparents will probably find this company concept more successful than people your own age. Don't let age stand in the way, though, if you find someone prepared to pay.

You can copy the music from the CDs onto your PC as long as it has a disc drive. See this article on how to rip CDs to MP3 if you need help.

After that, all your paying consumer has to do is drag and drop the songs onto the desired device for listening. A quick but somewhat time-consuming task.

15. Self-publish a book.

Have you ever had a tale idea? With the popularity of eBooks nowadays, there is no barrier to your becoming a published author.

In fact, you can still earn some money from writing even if you don't feel like creating a novel. Set a unique objective for yourself and write a blog post or book about it.

Use Ken Ilgunas as an illustration. He wrote a book about van life that he self-published.

16. start a website that offers hotel reviews.

At the risk of seeming repetitive, creating your own website is quite simple. Finding a great place to live while attending college is often difficult.

You could present an answer to your other pupils. Simply launch a review site for local lodging.

17. Set up a language lesson on Skype.

Having two languages? If that's the case, you might be able to earn a substantial income from something that comes naturally to you.

There are numerous methods to profit from your language abilities. The finest and simplest is to provide language lessons over Zoom or Skype. You can do business with clients all around the world in this manner without ever leaving your apartment.

18. Grow your own fresh produce and sell it.

Many different types of fruit, vegetables, and herbs can be grown inside.

One can grow a variety of plants indoors. Some can even survive in worn-out wellies and don't even require suitable pots.

19. Sell unique creations on Etsy

You can try this if number 6 on this list caught your attention. You should sell your original artwork on Etsy. T-shirts, jewelry, stationery, or anything else you want to sell can be sold.

Of course, before you begin, make sure to read our guide to earning money on Etsy.

20. Offer audio or eBook versions of items without a copyright.

This approach won't apply to contemporary novels. You're out of luck if you were planning on creating your own audiobook of the Harry Potter books.

However, works that are older (we're talking several decades) frequently lack copyright. This indicates that you can use and distribute them for free, even as eBooks or audiobooks.

Targeting more difficult-to-find items, such as books from the 18th or medieval literature, is advised. There will be less competition for these books and perhaps even greater demand for an online copy.

21. Become a specialist in finding.

Ever thought of yourself as a little bit of a Sherlock Holmes? These abilities, together with the internet and a few local contacts, can be used to assist others in finding the impossibly.

We're discussing items that they lost that are irreplaceable. Or, products they'd like to purchase but are incredibly difficult to find.

Naturally, all for a modest cost.

22. Take up freelancing

You can give your abilities to those who need web design, graphics, writing, administrative help, and much more, whether it's relevant to your present course or your ideal profession.

Once you've established yourself as a freelancer, websites like Fiverr and Upwork are excellent for marketing your services. Additionally, you'll gain some excellent experience to boost your resume.

23. Make food baskets

Students' parents will constantly be worried about what they are feeding their kids. Once they've sent them one of your hampers, they can relax a little bit.

Try to stock it with staples from your pantry, such as long-lasting meals (pasta, rice, baked beans etc.). Additionally, you can include some nutritious foods that they probably don't receive enough of.

24. Conduct speed-dating events

Apps for dating are great and all. However, nothing compares to actually meeting someone.

Plan a speed dating event and charge a little entrance fee for students searching for a slightly less virtual matchmaking service.

25. create customized photo albums

To create professionally printed books or periodicals, use a website like Lulu.com. Add personal touches or messages by hand to each one to make it distinctive.

26. Provide lecture transcription services

Although we'd never advise anyone to skip a lecture, very few seminars ever achieve 100% attendance. You can offer to transcribe the lecturer's words and sell them to the attendees as the presentation slides frequently lack some context.

Even the attendees could buy them if you wanted to. Ensure that these are the best possible lesson notes.

Alternatively, if you are proficient in graphic design, why you offer to create some handouts for your instructors?

27. Establish a swapping platform to connect lenders and owners

People are constantly trying to borrow items such as clothing, services, bikes, books, and more.

To connect those looking to borrow something with those who have something to share, a swapping website is a fantastic small business concept. Or perhaps a website that connects students from different towns with those who want to travel to the UK.

You'll enjoy these unusual ways that students have made money as well.

28. Babysitting

Not much to say in this regard. All the information you need to become a babysitter is in Google.

The most crucial factor is to actually take pleasure in children's company. What's the point (aside from making money, of course) if not that?

29. Plan student excursions

Plan a trip for you and a few dozen other students to some well-known festivals or towns (in the UK or Europe).

Booking for a larger group will probably result in a discount (on top of our tips for saving money at festivals). You should reasonably charge your friends a little commission for organizing the whole thing.

30. Using matched betting, assist family and friends.

If you strictly adhere to the guidelines, matched betting is a risk-free method of earning a reward that is guaranteed.

You can lose money if you make a mistake. Give your friends and family your expertise in return for a share of the prize money.

Here is our guide to getting started with matched betting if you haven't yet grasped the concept.

31. Make money modeling for stock photos

You don't have to look like a conventional model to appear in stock images, which is one of their best features. They are intended to be more realistic, after all.

However, if you don't feel at ease in front of the camera, you may assist photographers in finding models.

Alternately, eliminate the middleman entirely. Simply pick up a camera and try your hand at taking and selling your own pictures.

For some advice, see our guide to selling images online. We also discuss the potential earnings for you.

32. the creation of a campus newsletter

Instead of using a traditional paper newsletter, opt for an email version to save money (and the environment).

You can organize reader-only special offers and discounts, sell advertising space to nearby businesses, or hold contests to generate income.

33. start a yearly card or gift delivery service

Do you frequently forget other people's birthdays? Yes, us as well.

By putting up a service that not only reminds individuals of important events but also sorts the present and a note, you can spare yourself (and everyone else) a great deal of shame. Remember that holidays like Valentine's Day and anniversaries can be just as rewarding as birthdays!

Let us know when you do so we can join up.

34. Become a consultant for market research.

Despite the fact that students are known for having little money, businesses are still compelled to sell to them.

You may give them some priceless insight into how young people view their business and products by being a student. And they should compensate you for your services, just as is reasonable.

For more information on this sort of thing, visit our guide on product testing.

35. Create yearbooks

Although they are always a lot of fun, it's unlikely that your university will issue a yearbook. Why not assume the duty yourself and lead your class as the hero?

Numerous print-on-demand publishers can assist you with this. You might sell advertising space to nearby businesses to increase your revenues (or keep expenses low for your customers).

36. Purchase and sale of used gym gear

Everybody has some outdated home exercise equipment in their garage, right next to a mountain of well-intentioned plans.

Look on sites like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace to find the equipment at a discount price (or ask to take it away for free). Resell it to a person, organization, gym, office, or personal trainer after that.

37. Offer to wait for delivery or pick them up

This one resembles number 13 quite a bit. By agreeing to wait for them, you can spare someone the hassle and expense of rescheduling a lost shipment. Additionally, you could get it for them.

38. assist in connecting musicians with neighborhood activities and businesses

Make a website with a portfolio for artists and bands. The website can be used to advertise bands at neighborhood activities and shops. After that, they'll have a trusted source for local act booking.

39. sell sandwiches or smoothies to neighborhood businesses

Get some orders placed for later in the day by phoning nearby companies early thing in the morning. When lunchtime rolls around, deliver the smoothies and sandwiches—we've got some great sandwich ideas here—to their door. Similar to Deliveroo but much, much less expensive.

40. Create posters from your best images or artwork.

At the beginning of the term, this ought to sell well. Students are looking for inexpensive ways to decorate their rooms as they prepare to start college.

Do you think you could figure it out? Visit Snapfish and begin printing your creations.

41. Start a company that proofreads essays or theses.

Okay, perhaps proofreading other people's essays is the last thing you'd want to do after writing your own.

But consider it this way: You'll learn a lot about how to structure essays and how not to. Additionally, you will be paid for your time, unlike when you complete your own work.

Start marketing your services on some freelance websites. There are thousands of people out there who are desperate to have someone read their writing.

42. Make a local guide for the area.

Whatever you decide on, use your local knowledge to develop a tool that enables newcomers to make the most of their new town, whether it be a website, a magazine, or an app.

Include the best coffee shops, the best offers, and some secret treasures. You can either sell the guide or give it away for free while requesting a small donation from businesses to be included.

43. Create your own travel agency

Organize packages of inexpensive travel, lodging, and events and organize them with a university located abroad.

Start with a university with which yours is already affiliated if that makes it simpler. For instance, one of the colleges that offers a year of study abroad.

44. Offer a welcome kit with essentials for students.

When we refer to "essentials," we include items like office supplies, cooking equipment, and discount coupons. Basically, anything that can be delivered to freshers' rooms before their first day at university from our what to bring to uni checklist.

45. launch a tutoring business

Private tutors are compensated very well.

However, don't limit yourself. You can advertise yourself as a tutor for school students in any subject you are studying at the university. Offer to assist children with math if you are studying English but were a strong student of math in high school.

You can tutor online to broaden your clientele, as we describe in our guide to becoming a tutor.

46. Your unused parking space can be rented

See if you can make some extra money by renting out a parking space you have outside your home.

If you live close to a train station, airport, or high street, or if permit parking is primarily allowed in your neighborhood, this idea is especially profitable. Basically, everywhere with limited parking.

47. coach teams in your community or at your university

Pretty basic. Get paid to coach one of the local teams if you're skilled at a sport or simply enjoy teaching it (or the uni team, if they pay).

48. gather the soiled laundry of other students.

If your fellow students can't be bothered to take their laundry to the laundromat (or don't know how to use a washing machine), why not do it for them? We're probably not doing much to combat the stereotype of "lazy students" here.

You only need to charge each person a few pounds. You can be earning up to £20 from each one, depending on the size of the flats in your halls.

49. Make an inspirational app.

Make sure the app can track lecture, seminar, and gym attendance along with some motivational messages. It can then provide users rewards for meeting their goals (or exceeding them!) and punishments for falling short.

50. Create a fitness trail outside.

People are constantly looking for free or low-cost ways to stay in shape. One of the most well-liked alternatives is using outdoor fitness trails.

Create a MeetUp.com trail and guide people to unusual or off-the-beaten-path locations while exercising without any gym equipment.

51. Offer to develop or evaluate resumes.

The majority of people find it awkward to put together a CV, especially when doing so for the first time.

Read our CV writing guide to refresh your knowledge. Then you may advertise that you are a resume reviewer.

52. Create covert gadget cases

Have you ever seen bean cans that double as hidden safes for your valuables? The same idea applies to all of your favorite technology; however,

Consider laptop cases that resemble ring binders or phone covers that resemble pencil cases. Basically, anything that is so useless that a thief would never consider stealing it Utilizing recycled products earns you extra points with both us and your small business's clients.

53. Give out a study survival kit.

Customers can register at the beginning of the year and inform you whenever they anticipate having a busy time with revisions or deadlines.

Then, you can send them a study survival kit to their home or the library whenever they require it. They'll be prepared if you fill it up with items like Berocca, tea bags, scented candles, Red Bull cans, and a few brain foods.

Golden rules for beginning a business

Use common sense to keep your top startup business ideas on course:

Don't do anything illegal

Don't compromise anyone's safety to make a buck

Do not neglect your studies in favor of earning money

Check any rules your uni or student insurance provider might have concerning establishing a company

Each year, you must submit a self-assessment tax return.

If you plan to sell your notes or writings, be sure you are aware of the plagiarism policies.

Before you take any action, determine whether you need a license, insurance, or other qualification to put any of your ideas into practice.

Don't only consider financial matters. Choosing projects that benefit your neighborhood or nearby charities can be just as beneficial to your resume or personal satisfaction.

Anyone can have an odd or wonderful idea, but very few people actually make their dreams come true.

Before you can have a startup business, you must start, regardless of whether you have an idea that will change the world or are just looking to earn some extra money.