Offline businesses you can start in college
Trying to figure out a way to earn for your college expenses? A lot of college students find themselves unable to cope with the high costs of college education. Some are forced to look for jobs just to pay for a project that they should be working on. So what’s a student to do?
Ryan previously posted about the different business opportunities online. Of course, there are some offline alternatives for those who want to vary their income streams or college entrepreneurs who aren’t as interested in online businesses. Though as a word of caution, check with your student handbooks about your particular university’s rules and policies. You can never be too careful in case in-classroom bartering happens to be against the school regulations.
So, what business to start with? Here are a few suggestions:
Home cooked meals. If your course involves anything culinary, or you just know how to cook, a lot of college students would prefer home cooked meals to fast food or microwave dinners. And if you can make a really mean coffee for those who need to keep themselves up late, that’s good, too.
Cookies, snacks and cakes. Know how to bake? This is something anyone who’s ever stayed up really late studying for an exam would appreciate. Nothing beats a few cookies or cakes to nibble on when you’re finishing up your equations. (This is how Insomnia Cookies started.)
Entertainment. Excellent with a guitar? Why not offer to play at your local parties or shindigs? If you can’t sing, look for someone who can and make it a duo. While you’re at it, form your own band! Or, for a more entrepreneurial venture, manage bands and sell their merchandise for them.
Computer repair. Know your way around computers? Do you know you’re GPU’s from your CPU’s? Why not offer a helping hand to fellow students with computer woes? Provided they pay an affordable service fee, of course.
Writing Services. Have a way with words? Write resumes for people or offer your services writing menus for local restaurants. Don’t resort to plagiarism, though. It could really get you into trouble.
Signs, portraits and graphics. Have a knack for design? A fine arts student who’s just finished freehand and application-based graphics? Why not offer your services to make signs, logos and graphics for local and online businesses. You can even make your own website to promote your services.
Storage. Do you live somewhere nearby? Why not offer to store a few college students’ personal belongings for summer breaks. It’ll save them the trouble of hauling them back to school after the vacation.
Found something you like? Starting a business in college can be very rewarding, and it’d look pretty good on your resume, too. Most employers look for ingenuity, and it might just be the edge you need to get the job you want after you graduate.
Related Articles:
- Forbes $100,000 Business Plan Competition
- Crafting The Perfect College Startup
- Leveraging Your Online Power For Offline Assets
- Starting a Business in Business School
- Don’t do Startups, Buy a Business..?
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