Mark Tilbury’s Top 7 Side Hustles Every Student Can Start Today

Being a student often means juggling classes, assignments, and a tight budget. Whether you're looking to cover tuition costs, save for a trip, or just have a little extra spending money, a side hustle can make a big difference. Self-made millionaire and popular YouTuber Mark Tilbury, who has over 5.7 million subscribers, recently shared seven powerful side hustles tailored specifically for students. The best part? These side gigs are beginner-friendly, flexible, and can be started with little to no upfront investment.

Let’s dive into Mark Tilbury’s top 7 side hustles every student can start today:

1. TikTok Shop

If you’re already spending time on TikTok, why not turn that scroll time into cash? With the introduction of TikTok Shop, users can promote products directly on the platform and earn a commission from each sale. You don’t even need to create or ship any products — just share content about items you like and earn when others buy through your links.

Why it works for students:

• No inventory needed
• Simple affiliate-style earnings
• Opportunity to monetize your existing audience

Pro Tip: Focus on products you genuinely use or believe in — authenticity performs best on TikTok.

2. Participate in Focus Groups

Companies and researchers are always looking for opinions on new products, services, and trends. By joining online or local focus groups, you can get paid for simply sharing your thoughts.

Why it works for students:

• Flexible hours
• No experience required
• Paid for your opinions

Where to start: Sign up on platforms like Respondent, User Interviews, or local university research programs.

3. Boring Business Optimization

Don’t let the name fool you — this method is smart and profitable. The idea is to take a simple business, like a vending machine, and improve its setup to increase earnings. For example, placing a vending machine in a high-traffic area on campus could generate passive income without much effort.

Why it works for students:

• Can become semi-passive income
• Great for entrepreneurship experience
• Solves real student needs

Example: Rent a vending machine, stock it with snacks students love, and place it near dorms or libraries with permission.

4. Part-Time Work (with a Twist)

While traditional part-time jobs like working at a coffee shop or retail store are still solid options, students should also look for paid internships or on-campus jobs that align with their long-term career goals.

Why it works for students:

• Stable and predictable income
• Helps build a resume
• Some roles offer tuition assistance

Pro Tip: Check with your university’s career center for job openings that relate to your major.

5. Reselling Used Items

If you have an eye for bargains, reselling used or upcycled items can be a profitable hustle. Many students have found success by flipping furniture, thrifting clothing, or even reselling textbooks.

Why it works for students:

• Low startup cost
• Environmentally friendly
• Can be done on weekends

Platforms to try:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Poshmark
• Depop
• eBay

6. Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to run an online store without holding any inventory. When a customer places an order, a third-party supplier ships it directly to them. All you have to do is manage the storefront and marketing.

Why it works for students:

• Scalable with the right niche
• Minimal upfront costs
• No need to handle products

Caution: It requires strong marketing skills and reliable suppliers to succeed.

7. Dubbing or Voiceover Work

If you have a clear voice and a quiet space, dubbing and voiceover gigs could be perfect for you. This involves replacing the audio in videos or translating foreign-language films into your native language.

Why it works for students:

• Completely remote
• Flexible timing
• No experience necessary with the right tools

Where to begin: Platforms like Fiverr, Voices.com, and Upwork are great places to find entry-level gigs.

Final Thoughts

Side hustles aren’t just about making money — they’re about gaining real-world experience, learning time management, and discovering your strengths. Whether you're into social media, business, or creative work, Mark Tilbury’s student-friendly hustles give you options that can fit right into your lifestyle.

Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to fail forward. Who knows? Your side hustle could become your main hustle one day.

Want to learn how to start making money? Check out our previous post on this subject.