How SPU Students Are Making Money While Studying , And You Can Too
Independency
Being a student at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in 2025 is no joke ,between lectures, res life, and assignment overload, it's easy to feel broke and overwhelmed. But what if you could earn cash without sacrificing your studies or social life? That’s exactly what these SPU hustlers are doing. From slippers to study notes, here are real side hustles run by students right here on campus , and how you can start your own.
Making money as a student isn’t just about getting rich ,it’s about surviving, building independence, and sometimes just having enough for Kota Friday. These stories aren't fairy tales. They’re real examples of young people making things happen with what they’ve got, right here on the streets and in the res rooms of Kimberley.
1. The Slipper Plug: Nokuthula, 2nd Year B.Ed StudentNokuthula started reselling trendy women’s slippers she found online. Her brand, "VelviSteps," took off after she started marketing on WhatsApp groups and Instagram Reels. She buys at R45 and sells for R95, earning R50 profit per pair. She started with just five pairs and sold out within a week.
"I never thought anyone would buy from me. But when I saw the reactions to the photos I posted, I knew there was a demand. Now I sell every month, and I’ve even got loyal customers waiting for restocks," Nokuthula says.
Pro tip: Start with 10 pairs, take your own photos, and use friends as models. Promote during res move-ins, SRC events, and even during exam season when people are too tired to go to town.
2. Notes for Cash: Thabo, 3rd Year Law StudentThabo types and sells summarized lecture notes to first-years who are struggling. He charges R20 per module and markets through a Google Form link he shares on student WhatsApp groups.
"I realized I was already making notes for myself, so why not help others and make some cash? During test season, my orders double. I even had to hire someone to help type!" he laughs.
Pro tip: Partner with students from other faculties to expand your catalog and cover more subjects. You can also offer digital packages or create a paid Telegram channel.
3. TikTok & Affiliate Links: Lerato, 1st Year Media StudentLerato posts funny skits and day-in-the-life content as an SPU student. She adds affiliate links in her bio for products she uses (like stationery, study tools, or beauty items). When someone buys through her link, she earns commission.
With over 6,000 followers now, her platform keeps growing. "I never thought my 15-second videos would bring me income. But now I get free products to review and my Payhip account is getting active," Lerato says.
Pro tip: Use Payhip or Takealot affiliate programs, and keep your videos under 60 seconds for max views. Consistency is key even one viral video can change your reach.
How You Can Start Your Own Side HustleYou don’t need to be famous, rich, or have a huge following. Start small. Focus on a problem students face (like cold feet, confusing notes, or boredom), and solve it in your own way.
Start by asking yourself:
What do people always complain about in your class or res?
What can you make or sell that solves that?
What’s trending on campus right now that you could tap into?
Quick Ideas:
Sell campus-themed hoodies or stickers
Offer CV writing and LinkedIn setup services for seniors
Bake cupcakes or magwinya and sell during lunch hour
Tutor first-years in subjects you’ve already passed
Sell second-hand textbooks or clothing on your WhatsApp stories
Remember: consistency beats hype. You don’t need a big launch. You just need to start.
Final ThoughtsSPU students are already proving that you can make money while earning your degree. Whether you're a creator, a connector, or a quiet hustler, there’s a lane for you. So why not start now?
You don’t have to wait until graduation to build something real. Your first sale, your first client, your first post ,it could happen today. The hustle doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.
Tag a friend who needs this article. Share it on your res group. And remember broke is temporary, hustle is forever.
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Comments (1)
This is some great stuff. Nokuthula's slipper business is smart. I remember when I was in school, I could've used some extra cash. Thabo's note-selling idea is clever too. It makes me wonder, what other unique side hustles could students come up with these days?