Beyond the Books, Hustle and Study

Name; Beyonce Wambui Macharia

Students running businesses outside the university

Other than students spending most of their time in books they have also embraced side hustles. Hitting the books is one part of the equation while hustling is the other.

A side hustle is a part-time activity that one takes on in addition to what they mainly do. Most of the students in Universities and colleges have taken on side hustles, the skills they have being the key factor.

The side hustles include;

I)Service-based business

This is a business where students render their services to the employer. In service based businesses both genders are evenly distributed since the skills is what is mostly needed. Some of these businesses include salons, food delivery, laundry, errand running, graphic design, photography etc.

ii) Online work

This is a task that one gets to earn money through the internet. It is the most flexible to the students since they get to do jobs at the comfort of their houses and get paid. Examples of online jobs include freelance writing, online surveys, content creation, social media management, online tutoring and online research.

Ayden, a third year student in Chuka University who does freelance writing confirmed that engaging in writing has completely improved his life. "Being from a humble background, online writing has made my life easier since I don't have to depend on my parents for upkeep which can be challenging to them."

Therefore online work is not only a campus-based job but also a breadwinner to it's employees.

iii) Creative business

This is a business that requires creative skills to build a brand. Students engage in arts like crocheting, braiding, beadwork, juice making etc.

This arts not only provide capital to them but also bring their creations to life.

Side hustles play a key role in personal and professional growth of students. It goes beyond making extra money to building character and real world experience.

Major importance of engaging in side hustles:

i) Financial independence -It helps students to manage their needs without relying fully on parents or guardians. It also teaches financial discipline and budgeting skills.

ii)Through side hustles students gain practical skills, market and problem solving abilities.

iii) Real-world experiences-It bridges the gap between theory and practical by exposing students to real challenges and responsibilities making them job ready.

iv) Entrepreneurial mindset-Hustling cultivates creativity and risk taking. This traits prepares students for self-employment and leadership role.

As students strive to balance academic life and entrepreneurial aspirations they often encounter challenges including financial constraints, burnout and time management but can overcome this challenges by seeking mentorship, setting realistic goals and creating schedules.

Hustling in campus is not just about earning it's about learning and shaping students into independent and well rounded individuals ready for life beyond school.