There is a growing trend for students to try to earn some extra money from their hobbies in order to make end meet while at university. Students’ extracurricular ventures may show enterprise – but they point to growing financial pressures. They’re known as “side hustles,” but more often than not, they’re lifelines for students and young people. The side hustle is a way to make money from a hobby or skill and comes in many forms, from artwork to running a start-up. They can provide relief for those under financial stress – but they can also leave students thinly stretched.
A recent report called “The Side Hustle Economy” by the University of Reading found that 34% of those aged 16 to 24 have a money-making sideline of some sort.
A national survey by Save the Student found that the student maintenance loan falls £267 short of the average student’s monthly living costs. Two thirds of students have a part-time job, while half of working students say their studies suffer as a result.
What do you think? Is it unreasonable to expect students to work while undertaking their studies?
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.