Cambridge has a reputation for being all about libraries, lectures, and late-night essay crises, but student life here also comes with a pretty serious price tag. Rent isn’t cheap, coffee definitely adds up, and somehow there’s always another formal, society fee, or spontaneous night out around the corner.

That’s exactly why more and more students are picking up side hustles. Not full-on career moves, just flexible ways to earn a bit extra without wrecking their degree. And thanks to platforms like Locanto, finding opportunities nearby has never been easier. Just use keywords like ‘part-time,’ ‘student,’ or your specific interests, and apply the location filter to make sure the job is convenient.

With the cost of living rising across the UK, earning even an extra £100–£300 a month can make a big difference. Whether it’s a few hours a week or something more consistent, Cambridge students are getting creative with how they make money. Here’s what’s actually working right now.

1. Tutoring

It wouldn’t be Cambridge without mentioning tutoring.

With so many academically strong students in one place, there’s constant demand from school pupils and international students. If you’re confident in a subject, especially maths, sciences, or English, you can charge surprisingly high hourly rates, often £25+ per hour.

What makes tutoring so appealing is how flexible it is. You can do it online, in person, once a week, or several times. And unlike many other side hustles, it actually uses the skills you’re already developing through your degree.

2. Hospitality & Event Work

Bars, cafés, and events are always looking for extra staff, especially in a busy city like Cambridge. If you’ve ever walked through the city centre on a busy evening, you’ll know just how much demand there is.

Students often pick up shifts as bar staff, waiters or waitresses, or event assistants, helping out at events such as May Balls, conferences, and college events. A few evenings or weekend shifts can go a long way, particularly during peak times like tourist season or big university celebrations.

These jobs are flexible, social, and easy to get. You meet new people, work with others, and occasionally even get free meals or tips. Pay is normally between £10 and £15 an hour, depending on the job and the time of day. This makes it a good, predictable way to earn extra money.

3. Freelancing Your Skills

This is where things start to feel a bit more modern.

Popular student freelance gigs include:

• Graphic design
• Social media management
• Writing or editing
• Basic web design

For example, social media management alone can bring in £15–£25 per hour or even monthly retainers. The key difference with freelancing is that it can grow. What starts as a small side hustle can turn into regular clients, ongoing work, and a decent monthly income if you stick with it.

The best part? You can do all of this from your room (yes, even in pajamas).

4. Selling Things

Not every side hustle has to feel like work.

Some students make extra money simply by selling things such as used books, clothes they no longer wear, vintage finds, or even handmade items. Cambridge has a strong market for second-hand and unique products, especially among students.

Some people enjoy doing creative things like crafting jewelry, baking, or painting. It doesn’t have to be a whole enterprise. Even occasional sales can make a difference.

5. Gig Work & Quick Cash Jobs

Sometimes all you want is something simple: no long-term commitment and no complex setup.

Common options include:

• Delivery (bike-based in Cambridge works well)
• Dog walking or pet sitting
• House sitting
• Cleaning or odd jobs

These kinds of jobs pop up regularly, and they’re perfect if you only have small pockets of free time. They don’t require special skills—just reliability.

If you’re actively looking, browsing listings for jobs in Cambridge can quickly connect you with short-term or flexible work that fits around your schedule.

6. Tourism-Based Side Hustles

Cambridge gets millions of visitors every year, and students are taking advantage of that.

Some creative options include:

• Tour guiding (walking or punting tours)
• Selling photography prints of famous spots
• Hosting experiences or workshops

If you enjoy meeting people, this can be both fun and profitable.

7. Content Creation

Then there’s the long game.

A growing number of students are experimenting with content creation—TikTok, YouTube, blogs, or niche Instagram pages. It doesn’t pay immediately, and for most people it starts as a hobby, but over time it can turn into something more.

Sponsorships, ads, and collaborations are all possibilities down the line. The main challenge is consistency, especially when deadlines pile up.

What to Expect

Most students earn relatively modest amounts at first. In fact, the majority make under £500 per year from their side hustle. It’s usually not about making huge money straight away, but rather easing the pressure of everyday expenses.

That said, consistency matters. A few hours a week can still make a noticeable difference over time, especially when it comes to smaller but regular costs. You might find it helps you:

• Cover groceries
• Pay your phone bill
• Fund your social life

Even small, steady income can take the edge off student budgeting. And over time, some hustles can grow into more reliable or even serious income streams if you stick with them.

Quick recap: Where do you find these opportunities?

Students are using a mix of:

• Word of mouth and college networks
• Facebook groups and WhatsApp chats
• Platforms like Locanto for local listings

​​Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” side hustle in Cambridge. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s kind of the point.

Some people stick with tutoring, others prefer casual shifts, and some experiment with multiple things until they find something that clicks. The key is flexibility—finding something that fits around your degree, not the other way around.

Start small, stay realistic, and don’t be afraid to try something new. You might end up with more than just extra cash.