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Many students, especially those from humble families, have financial difficulties in college. The expenses can be overwhelming. From meals, transportation, hostel fees to purchasing brochures and general maintenance.
The good news is; You can run a business while studying, but you should prioritize books.
Selling shoes, clothes, bedding and cosmetics will allow you to make money.
Macklean Byansinza attests to this. The founder of Itoto Cosmetics tried her hand at business while pursuing her degree in Development Studies at Makerere University in 2003. She bought T-shirts, underwear, sheets and dresses at the Owino market, washed and ironed them before selling them in the hostels. and offices.
“The benefits were motivating. He would buy an item for Sh15,000 and sell it for Sh30,000 or more,” she recalls. She also made friends, one of whom connected her to her first formal job at World Vision, where she worked as a data entry.
Additionally, Angella Asiimwe sold second-hand clothes to raise money for upkeep while studying law at Cavendidh University. Asiimwe is currently an international human rights lawyer.
There is more. Donna Keirungi, director of Makerere University, says some students make and sell snacks, artwork, jewellery, crotchets and mobile money.
Selling print-on-demand products is another big business. Use your artistic skills to print designs on t-shirts, caps and mugs.
You can also buy snacks from wholesalers and sell them at a profit. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)
You can also do freelance work like editing, illustration, research, graphic design, and marketing. Market yourself on social media.
However, Keirungi points out that the most important business that brings a student to campus is clear; to be a student.
Therefore, you must prioritize your studies before anything else.
“Remember, students are guided by rules and regulations. Businesses are not allowed to operate in places like rooms that can easily disturb others,” she adds.
Meanwhile, Asiimwe advises doing research on the business you want to do and having financial discipline so as not to consume capital. Additionally, he divides his time very well and makes sure that business does not interfere with academics.