59 Obvious Business Ideas For Students in 2023 (With Low Investment)

Launching a business while studying can be a daunting task. However, it's an excellent opportunity to apply learned theories, gain practical skills, and even earn some income. In this article, we present 59 low-budget business ideas specifically curated for students.

These ideas are designed to be manageable alongside your studies, requiring minimal initial investment, while offering valuable learning experiences. Whether you're pursuing an MBA or an undergraduate degree, there's something here to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

(And, of course, if you're looking for a hub to research, plan and think through it all, get started in Bizway, today.)

1. Tutoring Services

‍Offer your academic expertise to peers and younger students.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: None
Tips: Start with subjects you excel in, promote through college boards and social media.

2. Proofreading Essays

‍Help fellow students improve their essays with your impeccable grammar.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: None
Technical experience: None
Tips: Offer services on college boards, libraries, or online platforms like Upwork.

3. Campus Laundry Service

‍Assist students by washing and folding their laundry.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Moderate (for equipment)
Technical experience: None
Tips: Start with dorm mates and friends to gain trust.

4. Dorm Cleaning Service

‍Offer cleaning services tailored for student accommodations.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: None
Tips: Promote during start/end of terms when cleaning needs are highest.

5. Freelance Writing‍

Create content for blogs, websites, and local publications.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: None
Technical experience: Basic writing skills
Tips: Start a portfolio on platforms like Medium and seek clients on freelance websites.

6. Graphic Design

‍Design digital assets like logos, banners, and infographics for businesses.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low (for software)
Technical experience: Intermediate design skills
Tips: Use free tools like Canva initially, and showcase your work on platforms like Behance.

7. Photography Services

‍Capture events, provide portrait sessions or sell photos online.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: High (for equipment)
Technical experience: Basic photography skills
Tips: Offer discounted rates to friends and college events to build your portfolio.

8. T-Shirt Printing

‍Create and sell custom apparel for college events or niche themes.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: None
Tips: Use print-on-demand services initially to reduce upfront costs.

9. Meal Prep Services

‍Cater to health-conscious peers with pre-planned, nutritious meals.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Basic cooking skills
Tips: Begin with simple recipes and promote on college boards or through social media.

10. Mobile Repair Service

‍Provide handy repair services for common devices like phones and laptops.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Intermediate technical knowledge
Tips: Offer pickup and drop services for added convenience; ensure you’re updated on the latest repair techniques.

11. Event Planning

‍Organize and coordinate events for your campus and outside clients.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low to Moderate
Technical experience: None
Tips: Partner with local suppliers for decor, catering, etc., and always have a backup plan.

12. Fitness Classes

‍Lead workout sessions or yoga classes for fellow students.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Basic knowledge of fitness
Tips: Offer classes in open spaces in the campus or virtually through Zoom.

13. College Blogging

‍Share insights, reviews, and tips about campus life through a blog.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Basic writing skills
Tips: Use platforms like WordPress or Blogger to start; incorporate multimedia like photos and videos.

14. Handmade Crafts

‍Sell unique handmade items like jewelry, paintings, or knitted goods.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low to Moderate
Technical experience: Craft skills
Tips: Set up stalls during college fests or sell online via Etsy.

15. Personal Shopping

‍Assist peers in shopping for clothes, accessories, or even groceries.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: None (unless offering products upfront)
Technical experience: None
Tips: Stay updated with the latest trends; consider niche markets like vegan shopping.

16. Digital Marketing

‍Offer social media, SEO, or PPC services to local businesses.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Basic digital marketing knowledge
Tips: Certifications from platforms like HubSpot or Google can add credibility.

17. Personal Chef Services

‍Cook and deliver meals to students or faculty on-demand.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Cooking skills
Tips: Consider health trends like keto, vegan, or gluten-free options.

18. Music Lessons

‍Teach fellow students how to play a musical instrument or sing.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Proficiency in a musical instrument or vocals
Tips: Offer group classes to accommodate more students at a time.

19. Pet Sitting

‍Take care of fellow students' pets during vacations or busy times.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: None, but love for animals is a must
Tips: Ensure you have a space for pets and understand their specific needs.

20. Custom Merchandise

‍Design and sell custom merchandise for clubs, teams, or events on campus.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Basic designing skills
Tips: Use print-on-demand services to avoid inventory issues.

21. Study Group Coordinator

‍Organize and lead study groups for tough courses or exams.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: None
Technical experience: None, but a strong academic record helps
Tips: Charge per session or offer package deals for a series of sessions.

22. Campus Tour Guide

‍Help potential new students and their families get to know the campus.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: None
Technical experience: None
Tips: Familiarize yourself with the college's history and frequently asked questions.

23. Language Tutoring

‍Teach students a new language or help international students with English.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Fluency in the chosen language
Tips: Use platforms like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone for structured curricula.

24. Reselling Business

‍Buy popular or discounted items in bulk and sell them individually at a profit.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate to High
Technical experience: None
Tips: Start with dropshipping to minimize risks.

25. Graphic Designing

‍Offer design services for websites, advertisements, or custom artwork.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Proficiency in tools like Adobe Illustrator
Tips: Build a portfolio on Behance or Dribbble to showcase your work.

26. Hair and Makeup Services

‍Offer grooming services for special events or regular styling.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Basic styling skills
Tips: Stay updated with the latest beauty trends; consider partnering with event planners.

27. Campus Laundry Service

‍Offer laundry services to students, including pickup and drop.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: None
Tips: Offer package deals or subscriptions for regular clients.

28. Organic Farming

‍Grow and sell organic vegetables or herbs.

Difficulty: High
Budget needed: High
Technical experience: Basic gardening knowledge
Tips: Use campus spaces or local gardens, and promote the organic and fresh aspects.

29. Travel Planning

‍Plan trips or local experiences for fellow students during holidays.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: None, but knowledge of the locale is helpful
Tips: Offer group discounts and unique experiences.

30. Thrift Shop

‍Sell second-hand clothes, books, or gadgets to students.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Budget needed: Low to Moderate
Technical experience: None
Tips: Hold regular pop-up events and ensure quality control.

31. Interview Coaching

‍Help students prepare for job interviews or college placements.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: None, but experience in recruitment or placements helps
Tips: Use real-world examples and conduct mock interviews.

32. Coffee Cart

‍Serve coffee or snacks to students during breaks or study sessions.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: None
Tips: Find high-footfall locations and offer student discounts.

33. Campus Delivery Service

‍Deliver food, books, or supplies across the campus for students.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: None
Tips: Use apps or chat groups to take orders and update customers.

34. House Cleaning

‍Offer cleaning services for student dorms or off-campus housing.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Low to Moderate
Technical experience: None
Tips: Offer flexible scheduling and regular cleaning packages.

35. Book Exchange

‍Create a platform for students to exchange or rent textbooks.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Basic platform management
Tips: Ensure quality checks and transparent pricing.

36. Campus Guide App

‍Develop an app to help newcomers navigate campus facilities, eateries, and events.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: App development basics
Tips: Collaborate with student groups for regular updates and event integrations.

37. Sports Coaching

‍Offer coaching sessions in sports you excel at, or arrange group training activities.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Expertise in the chosen sport
Tips: Consider seasonal sports clinics or fitness challenges to boost engagement.

38. Nutrition Consulting

‍Guide students on balanced diets, meal plans, and fitness nutrition.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Nutrition basics or certification
Tips: Collaborate with campus gyms or offer meal prep workshops.

39. Custom Merchandise

‍Create and sell custom t-shirts, mugs, or stickers based on college culture and memes.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Basic designing skills
Tips: Take pre-orders to gauge interest and reduce inventory risks.

40. Study Groups & Bootcamps

‍Organize focused study sessions or intensive bootcamps on challenging subjects.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Expertise in the chosen subject
Tips: Collaborate with professors or TA's for credibility.

41. Career Workshops

‍Organize sessions on resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and job hunting.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: None, but having a recruitment background helps
Tips: Collaborate with the college placement cell or invite industry professionals.

42. DIY Craft Store

‍Sell handmade crafts, jewelry, or DIY kits.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Budget needed: Low to Moderate
Technical experience: Craftsmanship
Tips: Offer customization options or hold DIY workshops.

43. Personal Shopper or Stylist

‍Help students shop for events, or offer wardrobe styling sessions.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Fashion sense and awareness
Tips: Stay updated with the latest fashion trends and offer packages for special events.

44. Mental Health Workshops

‍Organize sessions on stress management, mindfulness, or mental wellness.

Difficulty: Moderate to High
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Basic knowledge or certification in psychology/counseling
Tips: Collaborate with college counselors or mental health professionals.

45. Event Planning

‍Help organize campus events, parties, or functions.

Difficulty: Moderate to High
Budget needed: Moderate to High
Technical experience: Organizational and managerial skills
Tips: Start with smaller events and build a portfolio.

46. Roommate Finder Platform

‍Develop a secure platform for students to find and vet potential roommates.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Website or app development basics
Tips: Integrate verification methods to ensure safety and authenticity.

47. College Gear Rental

‍Offer rental services for equipment such as cameras, musical instruments, or sports gear.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: High
Technical experience: None, but knowledge about equipment maintenance helps
Tips: Offer student discounts and create a strong check-out/check-in system.

48. Campus Tour Guide

‍Provide tours for prospective students or visitors, showcasing the highlights of the campus and sharing student experiences.

Difficulty: Easy
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: None, but strong communication skills are essential
Tips: Collaborate with the admission office for potential leads.

49. Foreign Language Tutor

‍Assist students in learning a new language or improving their proficiency in one.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Low
Technical experience: Fluency in the chosen language
Tips: Offer interactive sessions, like language cafes or game nights.

50. Tech Repair Service

‍Offer repair services for gadgets such as phones, laptops, or tablets.

Difficulty: High
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Knowledge of electronics and device repair
Tips: Ensure you have reliable suppliers for parts and always prioritize safety.

51. Content Creation Agency

‍Offer services like blogging, graphic designing, or video production for local businesses or websites.

Difficulty: Moderate
Budget needed: Moderate
Technical experience: Skills in content creation tools or platforms
Tips: Build a strong portfolio and consider group collaborations for diverse offerings.