15 small business ideas to start at university

Introduction

In today’s job market, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. One way to do that is to start your own business while you’re still in university. Not only will this give you some real-world experience, but it can also help you pay for your education. There are a number of small business ideas that are perfect for university students. From online businesses to brick-and-mortar stores, there’s something for everyone.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 small business ideas to start at university. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get your business off the ground and make it a success. So if you’re looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and make some extra money, read on for some great small business ideas for university students.

1. Make money from social media

As a university student, you know the power of social media. You’re always on your phone, tweeting, sharing photos and videos, and connecting with friends. But did you know that you can also make money from social media?

There are a number of ways to do this. You can start by becoming an influencer. If you have a large following on social media, you can start working with brands that will pay you to promote their products or services.

You can also start a social media marketing agency. This is a great option if you’re good at managing social media accounts and getting results for your clients.

If you’re more of a creative type, you can start a business creating content for social media. This could be anything from short video clips to infographics and images.

Whatever route you decide to take, there’s no doubt that there’s money to be made from social media. So if you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash, consider one of these options.

2۔ Start a website

Starting a website is a great way to get your ideas and products out there for the world to see. It can be a very rewarding experience, but it does take some work to get started. Here are a few things you need to do to get your website up and running:

1. Choose a domain name and web hosting: Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet (www.example.com). Web hosting is like renting space on the internet for your website. You’ll need to choose a web hosting company and pay them a monthly fee to host your website.
2. Design your website: This is the fun part! You’ll need to decide what kind of look and feel you want for your website and then create the graphics and layout using HTML and CSS code. If you’re not confident in your coding skills, there are plenty of online resources and templates available to help you out.
3. Write content for your website: Once you have the design of your site sorted, it’s time to start filling it with content. This could be anything from articles and blog posts to product descriptions and photos, to information about your services or business. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s well written and engaging enough to keep people coming back for more!
4. Promote your site: Now that your website is live, you need to let people know about it! There are lots of ways to promote your site, including social

3۔ Become a YouTuber

If you’re a university student with a knack for creating videos, then becoming a YouTuber could be the perfect small business idea for you. You can use your platform to showcase your talents, share your knowledge and connect with like-minded people from all over the world.

To get started, all you need is a camera, some editing skills and a strong passion for your chosen niche. Once you’ve got those sorted, simply start filming and uploading your content to YouTube. As your channel grows in popularity, you can start monetising your videos through Google Adsense and other advertising platforms.

With hard work and dedication, there’s no reason why you can’t build a successful YouTube channel that generates a healthy income. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see where your creativity takes you!

4۔ Pet sitting

As a pet sitter, you will be responsible for taking care of people’s pets while they are away. This can include feeding, walking, and providing companionship. It is important to be reliable and have a flexible schedule, as pet owners will often need someone to watch their pets on short notice. Promote your services through social media and word-of-mouth to get started.

5۔  Resell textbooks – small business ideas to start at University

Selling textbooks is a great way to make some extra money while you’re at university. You can buy textbooks second-hand and then sell them for a profit, or you can even resell your own used textbooks if you’re no longer using them.

There are a few things to keep in mind when reselling textbooks, such as making sure the books are in good condition and pricing them competitively. You can list your textbooks for sale online or in person, and there are a number of different platforms that you can use to sell them.

If you’re looking for an easy and profitable way to start your own small business, then selling textbooks is a great option!

6۔ Sell on creative marketplaces

There are many creative marketplaces online where you can sell your products and services. If you have a unique product or service, then you can list it on one of these marketplaces and start making money.

Some popular creative marketplaces include:

• Etsy: Etsy is a marketplace for handmade and vintage items. If you make unique products, then this is the place to sell them.
• Fiverr: Fiverr is a marketplace for digital services. If you offer any type of service that can be delivered digitally, then you can list it on Fiverr and start making money.
• 99designs: 99designs is a marketplace for graphic design services. If you’re good at graphic design, then you can sign up and start offering your services to buyers.

These are just some of the many creative marketplaces that are out there. If you have a unique product or service, then do some research and see if there’s a marketplace that would be a good fit for you. Then, create a profile and start selling!

7۔ Publish a magazine or blog

The internet has made it easier than ever to start a magazine or blog. You can do this by setting up a website and using a content management system like WordPress or Blogger. If you want to make money from your magazine or blog, you can do this by selling advertising space on your site.

Read More: 24 Low Cost Business Ideas with High Profit Potential

8۔ Sell clothes on Depop

There’s no need to spend hundreds of pounds on a new wardrobe each season – start selling your clothes on Depop instead! This app is perfect for university students who want to make some extra cash, as it’s quick and easy to use. Plus, you can set your own prices and ship items directly to buyers. Whether you’re selling vintage finds or your own creations, Depop is a great way to make money from your fashion sense!

9۔ Upcycle and sell for a profit

As a student, you likely have a lot of items around your dorm or apartment that you no longer need or use. Why not upcycle them and sell them for a profit? You can create unique pieces of art, furniture, or clothing and sell them online or at local craft fairs. This is a great way to make some extra money and declutter your living space at the same time!

10۔ Run a delivery service

There are many ways to get involved in the delivery service industry. The most obvious way is to become a courier, but there are also opportunities to start your own delivery service business. Here are a few tips on how to get started:

1. Decide what type of delivery service you want to provide: There are many different types of delivery services, from food and groceries to packages and letters. Consider what type of service you want to provide and what kind of customers you want to work with.
2. Research the competition: Once you know what type of delivery service you want to provide, take a look at the competition. What services do they offer? How much do they charge? What areas do they cover? Knowing your competition will help you create a unique offering for your customers.
3. Create a business plan: A delivery service is a business, so you need to treat it as such. This means creating a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. Not sure where to start? Check out our free business plan template.
4. Get insurance and bonding: If you’re going to be handling other people’s property, it’s important that you have insurance in case something gets lost or damaged in transit. You may also need to get bonded, which protects your customers in case you don’t fulfil your obligations as a delivery person.

11۔ Buy and sell popular graphics and icons

There are plenty of opportunities for enterprising students to make some extra money by buying and selling popular graphics and icons.

Many students are already familiar with the online marketplace Etsy, which is a great platform for selling handmade goods. However, Etsy is also a great place to sell digital products like graphics and icons.

If you’re not familiar with graphic design, there are plenty of resources available online to help you get started. Once you’ve designed some killer graphics or sourced some high-quality icons, all you need to do is set up a shop on Etsy and start promoting your products.

Social media is a great way to get the word out about your new business venture, so be sure to post about your products on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can even create some simple marketing materials like flyers and business cards to help spread the word offline.

12۔ Film screening club

Many students love going to the movies but don’t have the time or money to do so on a regular basis. A film screening club is the perfect solution! By renting out a movie theatre for a night, you can offer affordable tickets to your fellow students. This is a great way to build community and connect with other movie lovers on campus.

To get started, you’ll need to find a venue and secure funding. Once you’ve got those sorted, promote your event and start selling tickets. You can also reach out to local businesses to see if they’re interested in sponsoring your club. With some hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to turn your film screening club into a successful business!

13۔ Get paid to queue – small business ideas to start

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind spending a few hours standing in line, then getting paid to queue could be the perfect small business idea for you. There are plenty of businesses and individuals who are willing to pay someone else to stand in line for them, whether it’s to buy concert tickets, get into a popular nightclub, or even vote in an election.

All you need to get started is a bit of free time and a willingness to chat with people while you’re waiting in line. If you can build up a good reputation as a reliable and friendly queuer, then you’ll be in high demand. You can charge hourly rates or per job rates, and there’s always the potential to earn tips from happy clients.

14۔ Convert CDs into MP3s

There are a number of ways to convert CDs into MP3s. One way is to use a program like iTunes or Windows Media Player. These programs will usually have an option to convert CDs into MP3 format.

Another way is to use a dedicated CD ripping program like Audiograbber or FreeRIP. These programs are designed specifically for converting CDs into digital audio files.

Once you have ripped your CDs into MP3s, you can then transfer them to your computer, smartphone, or other portable media player. You can also burn them onto a blank CD if you want to create an audio CD.

15۔ Self-publish a book

Self-publishing a book is a great way to get your name out there and build up your portfolio. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when self-publishing, such as copyrighting your work, finding a printer, and marketing your book.

Copyrighting your work is important to protect yourself from plagiarism. You can copyright your work through the Library of Congress or by using an online service like Copyscape. Be sure to include your contact information on the copyright page so that people can reach you if they want to use your work.

Finding a printer can be tricky, but there are a few options available to you. You can use an online print-on-demand service like Lulu or CreateSpace, or you can find a local printer that specializes in small runs of books. Make sure you get quotes from multiple printers before making a decision.

Marketing your book is key to getting it into the hands of readers. You can start by creating a website or blog dedicated to your book, and then promoting it through social media and online bookstores. You can also give copies away to friends, family, and colleagues to spread the word about your work.

Conclusion

Starting a small business while you’re still in university can be a great way to get ahead of your peers. If you’re looking for some ideas, we’ve compiled a list of 15 businesses that you could start at university. With a little hard work and dedication, any one of these businesses could become a success. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Read Also: The Best 14 Business Ideas for Students in 2023

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are some small business ideas that can be started while attending university?

Certainly! Here are some small business ideas that can be started while attending university:

• Tutoring Services: Leverage your expertise in a particular subject and offer tutoring services to fellow students who need help.
• Freelance Writing or Design: If you’re skilled in writing or graphic design, you can offer your services to local businesses or online clients.
• Social Media Management: Help businesses or individuals manage their social media accounts and create engaging content.
• Handmade Crafts or Art: Create and sell handmade crafts, jewellery, or artwork through online platforms or local markets.
• Event Planning: Plan and organize events for campus organizations, parties, or local businesses.
• Photography Services: Offer photography services for events, portraits, or even campus-related projects.
• Fitness or Yoga Instruction: Become a certified fitness or yoga instructor and offer classes to fellow students.
• Mobile App Development: If you have programming skills, you can create mobile apps for specific purposes or needs.

2. What are some important considerations before launching a small business while in university?

• Time Management: Balancing academics and business can be challenging. Ensure you have a realistic plan to manage your time effectively and avoid compromising your studies.
• Passion and Interest: Choose a business idea that aligns with your passion and interests. Running a business requires dedication, so being genuinely enthusiastic will make the journey more enjoyable.
• Market Research: Thoroughly research your target market and competition. Understand the demand for your product or service and identify unique selling points that set you apart.
• Resource Availability: Assess your available resources, including time, finances, and skills. Determine if you can meet the demands of the business without straining your academic commitments.
• Startup Costs: Calculate the initial costs required to launch your business. Consider expenses such as supplies, equipment, marketing, and any legal or registration fees.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Understand the legal requirements for starting a business in your area. This may include business licenses, permits, taxes, and any university regulations that may apply.
• Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and growth plans.
• Networking: Establish connections within the university community and beyond. Networking can help you gain support, mentorship, and potential customers or collaborators.
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and challenges that your business may face. Develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks and adapt to unforeseen circumstances.