Campus Hustlers: How Campus Students Juggle Studies, Side Hustles for Financial Survival

By Nyanchama Eglah Atei.

Gone are the days when university students focused solely on their studies.

In today's economy, being a university student is no longer just about attending lectures, completing assignments, and preparing for exams. Many students find themselves in a constant balancing act between academics and the need to make money. Whether it's running small businesses, or engaging in gig work like content creation, tutoring, or online trading.

The cost of living has increased significantly in recent years, making it difficult for students to rely solely on parental support or government scholarships. Tuition fees, rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses create a financial burden that often forces students to seek alternative income sources. The financial reality of university life is tough.

While making money as a student is empowering, it comes with its own set of challenges.

The biggest struggle is time management since students have to attend classes, study for exams, and complete assignments while also committing to their income-generating activities.

Fatigue is another major issue. Many students end up sacrificing sleep to meet both academic and financial demands, which can take a toll on their health. Additionally, some side hustles are unpredictable, leading to financial instability.

Unstable Income. Not all side hustles guarantee a steady income. Business may be slow at times, making it hard to rely on hustling as the main source of financial support.

Academic Performance Risk. Some students get so focused on making money that their grades suffer. Poor academic performance can lead to delayed graduation or even failure.

Despite the challenges, many students believe that juggling work and studies prepares them for the real world. They develop critical skills such as time management, financial discipline, communication, and problem-solving.

Moreover, earning money while studying provides financial independence, reducing reliance on parents or loans. It also helps students build valuable work experience, making them more competitive in the job market after graduation.

How Students Can Balance academics and hustling?

Students trying to balance work and studies should do the following;

Prioritize Tasks. Use planners and scheduling apps to keep track of deadlines, assignments, and work commitments.

Choose Flexible Jobs. Freelancing and online gigs often provide more flexibility than traditional part-time jobs.

Avoid Overloading. It's crucial to know when to take a break and avoid burnout. Ensure you get enough rest, your health matters.

Leverage Campus Resources. Some universities offer work-study programs or allow students to work on campus, making it easier to balance both responsibilities.

The Kenyan government acknowledges the financial challenges that students face and has implemented various initiatives to support their entrepreneurial endeavours and work opportunities while studying.

Introducing University Work-Study Programs is one of the major initiatives that the government has initiated, where some Kenyan universities have implemented work-study policies to support financially needy students.These programs enable students to gain work experience and earn income while pursuing their studies.

Drafting career guidance policies. The Kenyan government has developed frameworks to assist students in making informed career choices, which can influence their decision to engage in side hustles. The National Policy Framework for Career Guidance in Kenya outlines strategies to provide career information and counselling to students, helping them align their hustles with long-term career goals.

Stay Focused on the Goal. While making money is important, education should remain the primary focus, as it will lead to better opportunities in the long run.

The reality for many university students today is that they must study while also earning money to survive and the hustle culture on campus is not just a trend, but it’s a lifestyle that reflects the changing economy. More students are becoming self-reliant, innovative, and business-minded, setting themselves up for a future of financial independence and career success.

By mastering the art of balance, these students are not just securing their present but also building a strong foundation for their future careers.

Balancing academics and making money is not easy, but it is possible. For many students, the hustle is more than just about money, it’s also a survival strategy and a stepping stone to bigger dreams.

The key is discipline, time management, and knowing when to prioritize school over work.