9 Awesome Business Ideas for College/University Students
College/university is an amazing time in our lives when we are able to live on our own, make new friends, and try out new things. It is a time when all of the money we do have goes towards books, beer, tuition, and living expenses. It’s often hard to find a descent paying job as you can’t get a fulltime gig because you don’t have the time for it. But what if you could make good extra income on your own schedule? Would you give it a shot?
Looking back on my years in the University, I had various businesses that kept me afloat. They were full time in the summer, and I was able to work them around classes during the school year. In this article I will tell you about some of my favorite entrepreneur ideas for college students and what worked for me. Feel free to check out my resources page as well if you need some recommendations on helpful tools for businesses. Like tools for doing the books, making websites, selling stuff online, and so on.
1. Start a Blog
Starting a Niche Blog can be a very rewarding and low cost business to start while in college. Find something you are passionate about and start writing and creating content. As your audience grows, you’ll have the opportunity to start doing affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is essentially sending referrals or leads to other companies.2. Computer Repairs
Computer repair businesses are dirt cheap to start and pretty easy to get into. I started out fixing computers for my professors and before long the word spread.Marketing: You’ll want to print off business cards and flyers. Take a walk through some nice looking neighborhoods and drop flyers off at each doorstep. Include a few testimonials about your business. Make sure to include your website address so they can find more information about you.
Tools needed:
1. Your own computer. It’s good to have your own computer to take with you to appointments. Often times computers will have viruses and you need to download or transfer data / files from one computer to another.
2. Hardrive backup tool: Often times you’ll need to save information from a customers harddrive that their computer can’t read. This converter tool allows you to remove the harddrive and hook it up to another computer’s USB port.
3. Various software: Often times you’ll need to recover passwords and re-install programs for customers. You’ll have to purchase software from time to time.
Summary: If you are good with computers, fixing them is a great entrepreneur idea for college students. Just make sure to be polite, courteous, and helpful to your customers. Don’t speak the typical geek computer lingo. Explain everything to your customer in laymen terms. They will be very glad you did.
ps: Don’t forget to take your shoes off at the door and to write a thank you note to your customers!
3. T-shirt Printing
You may be in an organization, Greek House, or planning committee that will need to order shirts. In addition to what you are involved in, there probably are all sorts of campus organizations that order shirts on a regular basis. You may be thinking you need to go get a printing press and all sorts of printing supplies. But I wouldn’t recommend it. I bought my own equipment, printed out of a garage, and had many long nights getting t-shirt orders out. I wouldn’t waste your time or money buying equipment. I would outsource screen printing from day one.Here’s what you’ll need to get started outsourcing your t-shirt business. Why outsource? Let me explain.
1. Screen printing is a frustrating and tedious task. You always need to buy new materials and equipment.
2. Outsourcing allows you to be the middle man, but you can still easily compete with other printers. Not to mention, the only time involved is doing sales, marketing, and putting in orders. No manufacturing!
4. DJ Service
Campus events are always in need of a DJ Service. You’ll also be able to target weddings, business events, and anniversaries. You will need to invest a few thousand dollars to get started. Paul started as a DJ during college. He got involved with the Fraternities and Sororities and was commonly booked solid for events Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.5. Buying and Selling
Buying and selling is an excellent way to make money in college. Craigslist is perfect for getting started. You might know a lot about computers, vehicles, dresses, or antiques. Continuously watch the classifieds to find good deals on these items. Often times, you’ll be able to get the product so cheap that you can resell it and make a good profit.
6. Cleaning Service Business
If you enjoy cleaning, this may be the business for you. You’ll need a vacuum and various cleaning supplies.7. Software Training / Computer Training
Many college students are great with design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut, and so on. Did you know there are lots of people in your community looking to learn how to use these programs? Advertise on craigslist, create a website, and tell everyone about your business.8. Website Design and App Creation
In my opinion every company should have a website. Yet, you’d be surprised that many don’t! Learn how to create websites using WordPress. The brilliant thing about WordPress is that the client can do much of the editing once it is setup. Plus, WordPress is a free open source platform.9. Videos
Online videos are becoming an excellent way to show off your products or services. There are a lot of companies that don’t have the time or equipment needed to make a simple Youtube video. Get a video camera, editing software, and some lighting.Learn what your customer needs and help them get seen online!Here is an example of a video I made during college for my car detailing business.
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