5 small business ideas to start at university

 Running low on cash and inspiration? Have a look at our list of profitable small business ideas you can start from home with just a small investment.

Setting up your own business and working for yourself is a great way to earn extra money at home without being tied down to shift work – but finding a great idea can be quite tricky!

These small business ideas should get your entrepreneurial juices flowing and set you off on your merry way to startup success.

Here is our list of profitable business ideas you can easily start from home:

1. Make money from social media

Whether you're big on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or whatever else, you can make money (and get freebies) by advertising products for brands.

You'll probably have more luck with companies that are relevant to your brand (so if you're a food blogger, you may be better off approaching kitchenware companies to promote their gadgets), but it's not uncommon for influencers to promote all kinds of products.

Check out our guide to making money from social media for the full lowdown..

2. Become a YouTuber

Whether it's the ads that YouTube places on your videos, or the opportunities for sponsored content that come with having a successful channel, there's some serious money to be made here.

And you don't have to reach the levels of PewDiePie or Zoella to earn money from YouTube videos – just pick a topic that interests you (games, comedy and music tend to be popular) and put together simple guides or reviews. As long as you're offering something different, there's no reason for you not to do well.

3. Resell textbooks

Although selling your own textbooks is a great place to start, that's not your only option.

At the end of the semester, offer to buy your classmates' second-hand textbooks. Chances are they'll accept a fairly low price as it saves them having to go through the hassle of selling it onlinethemselves.

Then, at the start of the new term (or new year), find the latest students taking that module. Sell the books to them for more than you bought them for – but less than the cost of a new copy – and you're in the money. Simple supply and demand.

4. Sell on creative marketplaces

Got a creative streak? Then get yourself over to to the likes of Fiverr and Gumroad ASAP.

These sites are the perfect place to cash in on your talents, whether that be graphic design, composing music or even developing recipes.

5. Publish a magazine or blog

The easiest place to start here would be to focus on your main interests. That way, you'll know enough potential contributors to start filling out your publication.

If you're a student, speak to tutors, experts and even your classmates to see if they'd like to chip in. Once you've got your writers (and your content), you could then place adverts in your magazine (or blog).

But it's not all about the money! Seeing this kind of project through to completion will look great on your CV, too. You can create your blog for free 

6. Become a freelancer

Whether it's related to your current course or your dream career, you can offer your skills to people who need web design, illustration, writing, admin support and much more.

Sites like Fiverr and Upwork are great for advertising your services once you've become a freelancer and, as an added bonus, you'll also get some great experience to add to your CV, too.

7. Create food hampers

Parents of students will always be concerned about what their children are eating – but they can worry a little less once they've sent them one of your hampers.

Aim to fill it with student essentials like long-life foods (pasta, rice, baked beansetc.) plus some healthy stuff that they’re probably not getting enough of.