With maintenance loans no longer covering basic living costs, being a student in the UK has become financially overwhelming. New data shows that 68% of full-time UK students now work part-time during term, up sharply from 56% in 2024 — a rise directly linked to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
While traditional part-time jobs often clash with lectures, deadlines and exams, a growing number of students are turning to flexible online income streams that fit around academic life rather than compete with it.
Experts at Hopp by Wix have identified five low-barrier online side hustles gaining serious traction in 2026 — offering students a way to earn without sacrificing their studies.
1. Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistance has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, valued at $4.12 billion in 2020 and growing by nearly 25% year-on-year. The global virtual assistant workforce is projected to expand from 3.9 million in 2020 to 8.4 million by 2028, highlighting just how fast the sector is maturing.
In the UK, freelance virtual assistants earn £24,000–£27,000 annually, according to Glassdoor, with hourly rates ranging from £10 to £50+ depending on skills.
Students can start with just 5–10 hours a week, handling tasks such as inbox management, scheduling, customer support or social media posting — all doable during evenings, weekends or even commutes.
“Most creators and small business owners already have access to powerful automation tools,” explains Amir Gabay, Co-CEO of Hopp by Wix. “But ease doesn’t equal desire. Many people simply want to stay focused on creating — that’s where virtual assistants come in.”
Increasingly, VAs aren’t just handling admin — they’re running the systems behind online businesses.
2. Print-on-Demand (POD)
The print-on-demand market is forecast to explode from £10.3 billion to £82.1 billion by 2034, making it one of the fastest-growing digital business models globally.
Profit margins typically sit between 20% and 40%, with the average POD business earning around £3,700 per month, and top sellers reportedly pulling in £7,800+.
For students studying art, fashion, photography or graphic design, POD offers a near-perfect setup. Illustrations, posters, photography prints or slogans can be uploaded once, while third-party suppliers handle printing, packaging and shipping.
With no upfront inventory costs, creators can focus on promotion — often using platforms like Instagram, TikTok or Etsy — while the business runs quietly in the background.
3. Freelance Translation
If you’re bilingual, freelance translation remains one of the highest-paying flexible side hustles available.
UK-based freelance translators earn between £17,708 and £31,757 annually, with specialists in legal and medical translation reportedly charging £47–£79 per hour.
“Bilingual individuals already have the core skill,” says Gabay. “They’re simply monetising fluency built over years.”
Languages such as Japanese, Mandarin and German are especially lucrative, with one UK translator reportedly earning £114,550 in 2025 after scaling from a side hustle into full-time work.
Unlike traditional jobs, translation work allows students to accept projects selectively, making it ideal for exam periods and deadlines.
4. Selling Digital Products
From fitness plans and cookbooks to budgeting templates and skincare guides, selling digital products has become a powerful income stream for students with specialist knowledge.
According to social commerce research, the top 10% of digital creators earned over £40,000 in just three months, while full-time sellers typically make £39,000–£65,000 annually.
Crucially, you don’t need a massive following. Many creators rely on SEO, email newsletters and niche communities rather than viral content.
Students can start small — creating a single ebook or tutorial — and scale gradually while studying. Publishing helpful, search-optimised content is often more effective than chasing social media trends.
5. Evergreen Background Video Creation
Perhaps the most unexpected income stream of all: background video content.
Recent reports reveal that a single YouTube fireplace video has generated over £950,000, while a popular Lo-Fi study beats channel is estimated to earn £22,000 per month.
The concept is simple: create once, earn indefinitely.
Ambient sounds, white noise, ASMR, nature footage and study playlists perform exceptionally well on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music, generating long-term passive income through ads and streams.
While success isn’t guaranteed, it’s one of the lowest-maintenance side hustles available — ideal for students who want something that won’t interfere with lectures or deadlines.
The Bigger Picture
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to reshape student life, traditional part-time jobs are no longer the only option. Flexible online income streams are allowing students to earn on their own terms, protect their academic performance and build skills that last well beyond graduation.
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