Image by Freepik
By Mariem Abada
Side hustles are no longer an option: living costs are rising, and many students in Holloway need to make another income. As the rent, food, and transport prices are increasing in London, students are inventing alternative methods of earning an income with their studies.
Aisha Khan, a second-year student, recounts that she began to resell clothes when she realised that her student loan was not sufficient. “I did not mean to,” she says. “I only required some additional money, and now I sell items every week, which helps me meet some basic needs such as food and travelling.”
What began as a small way to make extra cash has rapidly become a habit. Aisha confesses: “It can be challenging myself to juggle it with university. I have days when I have a deadline, and I must still post something and reply to buyers. It can be overwhelming.”
Student – and delivery driver
Daniel Green, a third-year student, has done it in a different way. During the evenings, he is a delivery driver to earn a living. “It’s flexible, which is why I chose it,” he says. “I have a chance to work around my lectures, but it is tiresome, particularly when I have to work in the early mornings.”
Daniel says that a lot of his friends are empowered in the same positions. “Everyone I know is going somewhere, whether it is turning or beauty services, or delivery jobs; you feel like you can no longer really get by without it anymore.”
In the case of some students, social media has motivated them to start a side hustle. Aisha states that she feels inspired by seeing others post their experiences online. “I noticed people discussing reselling and being able to make money off it, and it crossed my mind that I could do the same.”
On the other hand, some may disagree. Khadidja Ahmed, a first-year student, thinks that there’s pressure to be doing more. “When you go online, it seems that everybody has a business or a side hustle. It might even make you feel that you are not doing enough, yet despite already finding it difficult to cope with university.”
Khadidja sometimes does freelance video editing work. She mentions that extra income helps but adds stress. “It’s good to have money, but another responsibility. You don’t really get a proper break.”
Impact on social life
Students also add that having side hustles can impact their social university life. Daniels says that he had to cut back on social activities. “I don’t go out as much anymore,” he says. “When I have free time, I will normally ensure that I work since I know I require the money instead.”
Aisha concurs, and she considers that in most cases, financial pressure is the first priority. “On the one hand, you want to have a fun university experience, but on the other hand, you must pay bills. It is difficult to balance.”
Despite the challenges, some students see the positive side of it. Khadidja says her freelance work has helped build her confidence and develop new skills. “It taught me how to manage my time and deal with clients, which I think will help me in the future.”
Still, opinions differ; while side hustles provide a way for students to stay financially stable, they also highlight the pressures many face while studying in London.
“It’s not something I would do if I didn’t have to,” Aisha says, “But right now, it’s the only way I can manage it.”
Image by Freepik
Leave a Reply