6 Side Hustles Students Can Start in 2025(Ali Abdaal)

Blog Title: 6 Side Hustles Students Can Start in 2025 (No MLMs, Just Money)  

Why Bother With Side Hustles in 2025?  

Thumbnail Credit: Ali Abdaal

Let’s cut the fluff: side hustles aren’t about becoming a money-obsessed goblin. They’re about freedom, the kind that lets you quit the 9-to-5 grind, travel spontaneously, or finally afford avocado toast without guilt. But here’s the catch: making money isn’t magic. It’s about providing value to people who’ll happily pay for it. Think of it like selling bubble tea at a summer festival, if your drink’s good, folks will line up.  

Now, let’s dive into 6 side hustles that work in 2025. No pyramid schemes, just actionable ideas.  

1. Become a Writer (Yes, Even If You Hate Essays)  

Why it works: Writing online is like planting a money tree. It takes time, but once it grows, you’ll shake it for cash every month.  
How to do it:  

• Start a newsletter on Substack/Beehiiv (free!). Write about literally anything, finance, gaming, or why pineapple does belong on pizza.  
• Monetize via sponsorships ($1,400 per ad, like Jack Reigns) or paid consulting calls ($300/hour).  
• Pro tip: Binge-read successful newsletters, then email the creators with specific questions. Example: “Loved your 200th issue! How do you pick sponsors? 

@follyelizabeth Tips on growing a newletter starting with 0 subscribers! #newsletters #writer #growth ♬ Let's Go Back - Jungle

2. Be a Content Curator (No, You Don’t Need to Be Creative)  

Why it works: People are lazy. They’ll pay you to filter the internet’s noise.  
How to do it:  

• Curate book summaries (like Alex & Books) or niche content (e.g., enamel pins like Eduardo Morales).  
• Grow an audience on Instagram/TikTok, then sell ads or affiliate products.  
• Pro tip: Steal the “J-curve” mindset, grind for 6-12 months before expecting payouts.  

@_aliyahnicoleb Thinking about becoming a Content Creator? Heres the basics!🤳🏾 #contentcreationforbeginners #contentcreatorsontiktok #contentcreatorjourney #contenttipsforbeginners #blackcontentcreatorsontiktok #contenttips2023 #howtobeacontentcreator ♬ original sound - Aliyah | Lifestyle Creator✨

3. Design Thumbnails for YouTubers (Yes, It’s a Real Job)  

Why it works: YouTubers like me need click-worthy thumbnails. Badly.  
How to do it:  

• Learn basic Photoshop/Canva. Redesign thumbnails for creators (start with free mockups).  
• Charge $250+ per thumbnail (like Dil Tomar).  
• Pro tip: Study a YouTuber’s style, then DM them: “I redesigned your last 3 thumbnails. Want to see?

@prominiaturas What do you think on this fishing niche thumbnail? Is it great or bad enough? prominiaturas.com #asmr #thumbnail #thumbnaildesigner #prominiaturas #youtubethumbnail #asmrcreative #design ♬ original sound - Youtube Thumbnail Experts

4. Become a Research Assistant (Get Paid to Google Stuff)  

Why it works: Authors/content creators need help digging up facts, studies, and dank memes.  
How to do it:  

• Cold-email experts like Billy Oppenheimer did: “I read your 3 books. Here’s how I can help with research.” 
• Charge $30-$100/hour depending on complexity.  

@armita_hosseini Reply to @idrinkfiji how to do university-level research as a high school student! #harvard #stanford #researchassistant #researchpaper #research #academia #collegeapps #collegeapplications #college #ivyleague #politicalscience #economics #collegebound ♬ original sound - Armita Hosseini

5. Sell Stuff as a Remote Sales Rep (No Suit Required)  

Why it works: Companies need charismatic folks to close deals over Zoom.  
How to do it:  

• Learn basic sales scripts (YouTube is free).  
• Pitch companies like Milk Road (they paid a student $250K in 60 days).  
• Pro tip: Offer free value first (e.g., audit their sales page) to build trust.  

@ltvplus_official 🚨 Now Hiring: 100% remote • Customer Service reps • Bi-lingual CS reps (French) • Sales reps & executives 👉 Apply on the Careers page at the link in our bio #Outsourcing #corporatetiktok #remotework #wfh #workfromanywhere #remotejobs #techjobs #customerservicejobs #nowhiring #remotework ♬ original sound - Zara Lopez & Simon Javier ❤️ - zaralopez_official

6. Build Websites (Even If You Can’t Code)  

Why it works: Startups are desperate for good designers. Desperate.  
How to do it:  

• Learn Webflow/WordPress (free tutorials!).  
• Charge $3K-$10K per site (like Chris Misterek).  
• Pro tip: Build a portfolio site, then flex it on Twitter/LinkedIn.  

@nizzyabi Let’s make our first website!! #fyp #coding #viral #programming #website ♬ original sound - nizzy

Final Thoughts  

Side hustles in 2025 aren’t about shortcuts, they’re about skills + consistency. Pick one idea, grind for 6 months, and thank yourself later. And remember: “Making money is a skill, not a lottery ticket.”  
Free Resources:  

• Trading212: Invest your side hustle earnings.  
• Canva: Design thumbnails/newsletters for free.  

Now go hustle, your future self will high-five you. 🚀  

P.S. If you read this whole blog, you’re in the top 10% of humans with grit. Leave a comment: Which hustle will you try?