Side Hustles: Reselling

“Clothes Sneakers” by Kasia Serbin/ CC0 1.0

Hi KCL! Now that term two has started, you may be thinking about ways to make some extra cash to help you make the most of the rest of the academic year. For our second blog post in this “side hustle” series, we thought we’d focus on reselling as an extra source of income. Lots of us will have items we no longer use that are gathering dust at home. Instead of letting these things go to waste, reselling can allow someone else to make the most of them. Best of all, you can get paid for it! There are so many options in terms of reselling so this post will focus on a few of the routes you can go down.

Clothes and shoes

Everyone probably has clothes they no longer wear anymore. Consider selling these on platforms such as Depop or Vinted. Branded or vintage items of clothing tend to sell more quickly (take a look at what items of clothing the most popular sellers are listing). But taking clear pictures with a neutral background also goes a long way. You can sell shoes on these platforms too, but if you have any unused trainers (or ones in good condition), you could look into reselling these via websites such as StockX or GOAT, which have worked well for me in the past. If you happen to own a popular pair of trainers, you can make a big profit doing this!

Textbooks

Any university textbooks that you no longer use can be sold via platforms such as Amazon, ebay and Facebook marketplace. Bear the shipping costs in mind, as packages filled with books can get quite pricey to send. An alternative option would be to sell these to students in years below.

Old CDs, DVDs and games

Most of us probably have CDs, DVDs or video games lying around that we’ll never use again. You can sell these via platforms such as musicMagpie. Payment is usually made via bank transfer or PayPal on the same day which is a big plus! The amount you receive depends on the item, but you can expect around 8p-£1 for CDs, £1.50 for DVDs and £10-£15 for video games.

Aluminium cans  

Lastly, this one may seem a bit unexpected but you can make money from any old aluminium recycling cans by selling them via recycling centres! Have a look at the Think Cans website for a list of recycling centres in the UK.

Reselling is more straightforward than people think so hopefully this post gives you some insight into how to make a bit of extra money by selling items that you no longer use, or would otherwise throw away. As always, feel free to reach out to KCL Money and Housing if you any questions. We’ll see you in our next post!

Aanchal Raina
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. 

National Student Money Week: Your Hidden Gems

“Coins Money” by Negative Space/ CC0 1.0

Hi there KCL! For the second day of National Student Money Week, we thought we’d make a post focusing on our chosen theme of “hidden gems.” London is a fantastic city to live in as a student, but we all know how expensive things can get. In this short post, I’ll go through some of the best current deals for students to save money, which you may or may not have heard of.  

Discounts  

This one may seem a bit obvious, but it’s worth making note of the different platforms that offer student discounts. There are three main ones to remember. Make sure to check out UNIDAYS, Student Beans and Totum as they can be very useful to help you save money, whether it comes to buying clothes, technology or eating out. If you’re studying a healthcare-related course, you could also consider getting a Blue Light card. This costs £4.99 for two years and you’re entitled to discounts on a large number of brands. All you need is a valid NHS ID to register.  

Travel  

We have a separate blog post dedicated to travel costs but one tip that I learned too late would be to link your Oyster card to your Railcard. Doing this will allow you to save one third on off-peak travel prices! Off-peak times are from 9:30am to 4pm and after 7pm. Travel between these times where possible as public transport will be less busy and travel costs will be lower. I’d recommend downloading the King’s Move app too, especially if you enjoy walking. You can earn points for walking, running, swimming and cycling and redeem these for rewards such as hot drinks and KCL branded clothing!

Food  

In addition to the student discount apps mentioned above, you could also download the Too Good To Go app. This app allows you to buy food and drinks from local restaurants, cafes and bakeries that have extra food at the end of the day at a discounted price! Another great app is First Table which, as the name suggests, allows you to book the “first table” of the evening at participating restaurants. In return for securing a spot at the first table, you’ll receive a significant discount on your meal!  

Activities  

Finally, there are so many activities in London that you can make the most of without spending any money. While the Shard offers great views of London, an alternative option is Sky Garden, which offers 360-degree views of London’s skyline, as well as indoor gardens, cafes and bars! Entry is free – just make sure to book in advance. There are also plenty of comedy nights all around London, which don’t charge an entry fee. If you’re an art or science lover, you can visit the National Gallery and the Science Museum at no cost! These are all great options if you want to try something new with your friends without breaking the bank account.  

So there you have it! A short guide to some of London’s hidden gems, allowing you to make the most of your time living in and exploring London at an affordable price. Hopefully after reading this, you’ll feel encouraged to try out some of the options mentioned and let us know how you find them!  

Aanchal Raina
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. 

Side Hustles: Hobby Streaming… for Uni students!

“Mobile Phone” by Erik Lucatero/ CC0 1.0

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: 

  1. 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. 
  1. 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! 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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.  
  1. 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:  

  1. Subscriptions and donations – Platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow viewers to subscribe or donate directly. Even a small, engaged audience can contribute. 
  1. Sponsorships and brand deals – Companies love working with student creators who have a relatable audience. 
  1. Affiliate marketing – Share links to budget-friendly student essentials and earn a commission. 
  1. 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.