Summer is the perfect time for students in the UK to explore flexible income opportunities. Whether you want to save for the next term or fund your travels, a summer side hustle can help.
From remote work to local gigs, there are countless ways to earn without affecting your studies. In this guide, we’ll explore eight profitable side hustle ideas tailored for UK students.
Each idea is simple to start, requires low upfront investment, and can help boost your bank balance. Let’s dive into the top summer income options that are trending in 2025.
1. Freelance Writing or Proofreading
Freelancing offers students an ideal way to monetise their writing and grammar skills online. If you enjoy creating content or editing essays, you can make money offering these services remotely.
Platforms like Upwork, PeoplePerHour, and Fiverr make it easy to find writing gigs. You can specialise in blog writing, CV editing, academic proofreading, or product descriptions.
English-speaking freelancers are in high demand, and UK students can charge higher rates. Once you build a portfolio, referrals and repeat clients will increase your income over time.
This side hustle is location-independent and fits well around a student’s summer schedule. It also builds communication and writing skills valuable for future employment.
2. Offer Private Tutoring Online or Locally
Private tutoring is one of the most lucrative side hustles for UK students in 2025. You can teach subjects you excel at, whether it’s Maths, English, Science, or even Music.
Websites like Tutorful, Superprof, and MyTutor allow you to create a profile and set your hourly rate. Rates typically start at £15–£25 per hour, depending on your subject and experience.
You can tutor local students in-person or conduct sessions online using Zoom or Google Meet. GCSE and A-Level support is especially in demand during the summer break.
Parents are willing to pay more during the holidays to keep their children learning. University students often find tutoring to be both rewarding and highly profitable.
3. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services
Many families travel during the summer and need reliable help with pets. This is a great chance to earn money offering pet care services like dog walking or house pet sitting.
Apps like Rover and Tailster connect you to local pet owners seeking help. You can earn £10–£20 per walk or even more for overnight stays.
This side hustle is ideal for students who love animals and enjoy being outdoors. It requires minimal equipment and allows for flexible scheduling around your social life.
Plus, it’s a fun way to stay active and meet new people in your community. Reliable and caring pet sitters often get repeat bookings and strong word-of-mouth referrals.
4. Sell Items on eBay, Vinted, or Facebook Marketplace
If you enjoy thrifting or have unused items lying around, selling online can be profitable. eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to list, sell, and ship products.
Popular items include vintage clothes, electronics, books, and accessories. You can source more stock from charity shops, car boot sales, or clearance racks.
UK students often make £100–£300 weekly reselling part-time during summer months. Use clear photos and detailed descriptions to attract more buyers and boost ratings.
You’ll learn basic eCommerce skills like pricing, negotiation, and logistics. This experience can help you start a long-term online business or supplement your income year-round.
5. Deliver Food or Groceries Using Apps
Delivery apps have exploded in popularity, and students can tap into this growing demand. You can deliver food or groceries using apps like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eat.
All you need is a bicycle or scooter and a smartphone with mobile data. Once you register and get verified, you can choose shifts and earn per delivery.
Average earnings range from £9–£15 per hour depending on your area and the app. Peak hours are evenings and weekends, so you can work around your summer plans.
You’ll also earn tips from happy customers, which can add up quickly. This side hustle keeps you active, requires no special skills, and pays weekly or even daily.
6. Offer Gardening or Outdoor Help in Your Local Area
During summer, homeowners need help maintaining gardens, lawns, and outdoor spaces. UK students can offer local gardening, painting, or outdoor cleaning services.
You don’t need formal training, basic tools and a strong work ethic will do. Offer to mow lawns, plant flowers, trim hedges, or power wash patios for neighbours.
Print flyers, post in local Facebook groups, or use Nextdoor to promote your services. Students can easily earn £10–£20 per hour depending on the job type.
This is a great way to work in the sun, stay fit, and earn money at the same time. Once you build trust locally, your services will be in demand throughout summer.
7. Participate in Paid Surveys and Market Research
Market research companies pay users to share their opinions through surveys and focus groups. UK students can earn extra cash from their phone or laptop during summer downtime.
Websites like Prolific, Swagbucks, and YouGov offer paid surveys with instant sign-up. While earnings won’t replace a full-time job, you can make £50–£150 a month easily.
Some studies are academic, while others involve consumer products, ads, or software tests. Longer surveys and user-testing projects often pay more than short questions.
This side hustle is ideal for introverts who prefer flexible online work. It’s passive, safe, and requires no specific experience to start earning today.
8. Start a Simple Service-Based Business
Summer is the perfect time to try launching a small service-based business locally. Students with skills like photography, car washing, social media, or babysitting can earn quickly.
Design flyers or use social media to promote your business in your town or university area. You can start with friends and neighbours and expand through referrals.
Babysitting can pay £10–£15 per hour, while car cleaning can bring in £30+ daily. Social media management is a high-demand skill among local businesses with poor online presence.
Choose a service that matches your strengths and offers high value with low costs. If your side hustle becomes consistent, you may need to register as self-employed with HMRC to stay compliant. Once your business gets traction, you can even continue part-time during term time.
10 Short FAQs About Summer Side Hustles for UK Students
1. How much can UK students realistically earn during summer from side hustles?
Between £300 to £1,000+ per month depending on effort, niche, and time commitment.
2. Do you need a business license to start a side hustle in the UK?
Most casual gigs don’t, but you may need to register as self-employed with HMRC if regular.
3. What’s the easiest side hustle for shy or introverted students?
Paid surveys, freelance writing, and online tutoring are great low-interaction options.
4. Can students work under 18 in the UK legally?
Yes, but with restrictions—students under 18 may be limited in hours and job types.
5. Is it safe to meet clients or customers from apps like Rover or Facebook?
Yes, if you meet in public spaces or let someone know your location beforehand.
6. Are there any side hustles UK students can start without money?
Yes, pet sitting, freelancing, surveys, and tutoring all require minimal to zero costs.
7. How can students avoid scams in online side hustles?
Stick to verified platforms, read reviews, and never pay upfront for work opportunities.
8. What skills look best to develop from a summer side hustle?
Time management, communication, marketing, and financial planning are valuable life skills.
9. Are these side hustles flexible with travel or holidays?
Yes, many are app-based or location-independent, so you can earn while travelling.
10. Can these summer hustles turn into long-term income sources?
Absolutely, many students build full businesses or freelance careers from these starts.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a golden opportunity for UK students to explore side hustles that pay well. You don’t need huge capital or experience to get started, just the willingness to try. From freelance writing to delivery jobs, tutoring, and selling online, options are endless. Each hustle helps you earn income, develop new skills, and gain real-world experience.
Plus, many of these summer hustles can be continued during the academic year part-time. Whether you’re saving for school, travel, or your future, now is the perfect time to start.
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