Have you ever thought about turning your hobbies into side hustles while studying?
As a university student, balancing coursework, social life, and finances can be challenging. But what if you could turn your hobbies — whether gaming, art, music, or even study sessions — into a fun and potentially profitable side gig through streaming? Streaming isn’t just for pro gamers, it can be a fantastic way to share your passions, build a community, and even earn some extra cash along the way. So, how do you get started while juggling student life?
Getting Started with Streaming on a Student Budget
Starting a stream doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here’s how to get going without breaking the bank:
- Choose a streaming platform – Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming are some of the biggest names in the game. Instagram live also allows you to stream your hobbies to viewers but has limited functionality and monetisation options. Twitch is the go-to for live content, while YouTube allows you to mix live and pre-recorded content. Choose the one that fits your style and schedule the best.
- Use what you already have – You don’t need high-end gear to start – your laptop, a decent microphone (even a headset can work), and a stable internet connection are enough to start. If your university provides tech resources or streaming rooms, take advantage of them!
- Take advantage of free streaming software – OBS or Streamlabs OBS are beginner-friendly and allow for overlays, alerts, and smooth streaming without costing you a fortune.
- Optimise your setup – A well-lit, clutter-free background and good audio quality can make a big difference in viewer engagement. Just think about which streamers are successful and use this as inspiration.
- Pick a niche and stay consistent – Whether it’s gaming, study-with-me sessions, picking a niche helps attract a dedicated audience. A realistic schedule that fits around your classes is key, so that hobby streaming doesn’t interfere with your studies.
Making Money as a Student Streamer
Monetising your stream can be challenging, especially in the early days when building an audience takes time. Many platforms require meeting certain milestones (such as a minimum follower count or minimum number of streaming hours) before unlocking revenue options like ads and subscriptions. However, with patience, consistency, and engaging content, it is absolutely possible to turn streaming into a source of income. The key is to focus on community-building first, and the monetisation will follow with options such as these:
- Subscriptions and donations – Platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow viewers to subscribe or donate directly. Even a small, engaged audience can contribute.
- Sponsorships and brand deals – Companies love working with student creators who have a relatable audience.
- Affiliate marketing – Share links to budget-friendly student essentials and earn a commission.
- Selling notes, merch and crafts – If you stream study sessions, offering notes or custom study-related merchandise can be a niche income source.
Things to Watch Out For
While streaming can be a fun and rewarding side hustle, there are certain things to bear in mind, especially when you are putting yourself out there for viewers all over the world to see. There can be unforeseen barriers to your streaming, such as copyright strikes, privacy issues and internet trolls which can hinder your progress. If you are choosing to stream during your studies, make sure to balance your studies and use your passion for streaming as a break from studies, not another thing that will add to your burnout.
Finally…
Streaming can be an amazing way to share your passion, meet like-minded people, and even make some extra money while studying. The key is to have fun and be yourself — your enthusiasm will attract the right audience. So, what’s stopping you? Hit that “Go Live” button and start your journey today!
Claire Han
King’s Student Money Mentor
Part of Money & Housing Advice
The King’s Student Money Mentors blog shares our students’ personal experiences and thoughts on money-related topics. Any reference, opinions or recommendations on a particular company/brand are only the views of the student(s) who wrote the blog post. King’s College London, the Money & Housing Advice service and the Money Mentor project do not share the views in the blogs nor endorse any of the companies mentioned. Readers should conduct their own research before using any companies mentioned in our blog posts.