Blog Post

A young South African student on a couch in a Hatfield flat, packing small handmade goods for orders next to an open lap

Running a Small Side Business While You Study

Many students at Hatfield earn a little on the side, from tutoring, baking or selling airtime. It can work, as long as your marks come first. Start small and keep your costs low. Ayesha Patel, our Business and Accounting Tutor, suggests writing down every rand that comes in and goes out from the very first sale.
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. Malcolm X
Block out your lecture and assignment times before you take any orders. Say no when exam week arrives. A small business can wait a few days, but a missed deadline cannot be undone.
Smiling young Black South African university tutor holding an open textbook and pen, standing beside a blank green chalk
Close-up of a university student's study desk with spiral notebooks, highlighters, sticky notes, a smartphone and a coff

Pick one simple idea

Choose something you already know how to do, like typing up notes, braiding hair or fixing phones. Test it with friends in res first. If three people will pay, you have something worth building on.

Keep your money records tidy

Open a separate account for the business and note every sale in a simple spreadsheet. Our Excel and Data Analysis for Business course shows you how, step by step, using real student examples.

4 Comments

  1. Useful blog for students. Clear advice on studying online and staying on top of assignments. Practical tips that I could use the same day. Well done!

  2. Helpful study advice! This blog explains exam preparation and online learning in plain language, which is great for first-years and matric learners alike. Thanks!

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