Freelance Job Ideas For University Students
Are you a university student looking for flexible ways to earn money? Freelancing is one of the best ways to work on your own terms while juggling coursework, social life, and studies.
In this guide, we’ll explore high-paying freelance jobs for students, how to get started, and where to find your first freelance side-hustle.
If you need a bit of help, Prograd's algorithm matches you with 100s of freelance job opportunities, so you can find your perfect flexible online job today.
What Is A Freelance Job?
Instead of being employed by a company, freelancing is a type of self-employment.
Freelancers tend to deliver their services on a contract or project basis. It means being your own #boss and pursuing projects that interest you.
A big perk of being a freelancer is that it is far more flexible than a contracted role. However, this also means that you won’t receive the perks of a working contract. In real terms, this means no holiday pay and being responsible for paying your own taxes.
If the idea of freelancing sounds appealing, you might be thinking: which freelance jobs can I do at uni?
What Freelance Jobs Are Good For University Students?
Interpreter
Knowing a second language is always a useful skill in the world of work. In freelancing, this is no exception. If you are fluent in another language, put it to use in freelance interpreting.
Several sectors including the UK public sector are always in need of over-the-phone translation services.
💡 Where to start: Sign up on Gengo, ProZ, or Upwork.
💰 Average pay: £15-£50 per hour.
Content Writer or Copywriter
Plenty of companies look for copywriters to produce eye-catching content for them. So, if you have a knack for writing punchy and memorable text, you may be just what they’re looking for.
And there are plenty of freelance writing you could try your hand at. These include writing engaging blog posts, social media, website copy or journalism.
Whatever turns your fancy, freelance writing is a great way to hone your writing skills and build a portfolio of published work.
💡 Where to start: Create a portfolio on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Contently.
💰 Average pay: £20-£50 per article (more as you gain experience).
Photography
Do you have a passion for photography and own a quality camera? Then take a shot at becoming a freelance photographer! (excuse the pun!)
You can offer your services in professional portraits, product photography, creating UGC or events like weddings and birthdays. All you need to do is advertise yourself on social media to showcase your work and attract clientele.
Particularly if you want to go into the creative industry, this job will help you build a valuable portfolio. Not to mention, it’s always enjoyable to earn income from a passion!
💡 Where to start: Use Instagram, TikTok, or local Facebook groups to showcase your work and find clients.
💰 Average pay: £50-£200 per shoot.
Social Media Manager
Although it may seem shocking, social media is useful for more things than posting your holiday pics. Today, it plays a crucial part in company marketing.
Businesses often require help with managing their social media accounts. If you’re savvy with platforms like TikTok Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, consider offering freelance management services.
This will involve creating and scheduling content, engaging with followers, and analysing social media metrics.
This is a great way for a student to gain experience in digital marketing. As a freelance social media manager, a student can build a track record of successful campaigns.
💡 Where to start: Reach out to small businesses or use platforms like PeoplePerHour and Freelancer.
💰 Average pay: £10-£30 per hour.
Web Development and Design
Becoming a freelance web developer or designer can be a lucrative job for students.
If you have coding skills or a creative eye for design, you can help businesses build or revamp their websites. You may do this by offering services including website creation, customisation, or troubleshooting.
💡 Where to start: Create an online portfolio using Behance or GitHub and apply for gigs on Toptal or Fiverr.
💰 Average pay: £50-£100 per project.
Online Tutor
Are you great at maths, English, science, or coding? You can earn money by tutoring school students or university peers.
Popular tutoring platforms include: MyTutor (UK-based), Preply (for language tutors) and Tutorful (all subjects).
💰 Average pay: £15-£40 per hour.
Virtual Assistant
If you’re highly organised and detail-oriented, becoming a freelance Virtual Assistant (VA) is a great way to earn money while studying.
Many businesses, entrepreneurs, and influencers need help managing administrative tasks, and you can do this job remotely from anywhere.
💡 Where to start: Create a profile on Wing Virtual Assistants, Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour. You can also reach out to small businesses or busy professionals on LinkedIn.
💰 Average pay: £10-£25 per hour.
Video Editor
With the rise of YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and online courses, video editing is in high demand. If you enjoy working with editing software and have a creative touch, this could be a high-paying freelance job for you.
💡 Where to start: Offer your services on Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour. Start by editing free or low-cost projects to build your portfolio.
💰 Average pay: £30-£100 per project, depending on complexity.
Online Reseller
If you enjoy bargain hunting or have an eye for valuable items, you can earn serious money by reselling products online.
This is one of the easiest ways for students to start freelancing, as you don’t need any special skills—just patience and good research skills.
💡 Where to start: Browse charity shops, garage sales, or online marketplaces for cheap items. Use eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Depop to resell at a higher price.
💰 Average profit: £50-£500 per month, depending on sales.
How to Start Freelancing as a Student
Follow these steps to land your first freelance job:
✅ Choose a skill you enjoy – writing, photography, coding, etc.
✅ Create an online portfolio – showcase your work on LinkedIn, Instagram, or a personal website.
✅ Join freelance platforms – Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or PeoplePerHour.
✅ Market yourself – Use social media and networking to find clients.
✅ Set your rates – Start low, but increase prices as you gain experience.
Start Freelancing & Take Control of Your Finances
Freelancing can allow you to earn money while managing your academic commitments. And, with the rise in remote work, there is plenty of this kind of work around. Just look through online job platforms to find the freelance job that is suitable for you.
With some dedication, freelancing can not only provide a flexible income. It can also become a fulfilling and rewarding experience to help build your CV.
Ready to earn money while studying? Start freelancing today.
FAQs About Student Freelancing
What are the best freelance platforms for students?
A: Prograd, Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer are great for beginners.
How much can students earn from freelancing?
A: Income varies, but students can easily earn £200-£1,000 per month with steady clients.
Is freelancing better than a part-time job?
A: Yes! Freelancing offers flexible work hours, better earning potential, and valuable experience for your CV.
Do students need to pay taxes on freelance income?
A: In the UK, you must register as self-employed with HMRC if you earn over £1,000 per year. (Check the official UK gov website for details).
