In today’s digital age, college students are not limited to just studying. Now they also think of starting their own business along with studies. There are many students in India who have set up successful startups despite fewer resources and limited time.
If you are also studying in college and want to do something different, then this article is for you. Here we will tell you how you can start a service or product-based business at low cost, which platforms can help you, and which students have done it.
Service-based business ideas that can be started at low cost
1. Freelancing
If you know how to write, design, create websites, coding or run social media, then you can do freelance work. Create your profile on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer and offer your services to clients.
Example: If you are a good graphic designer, people will contact you to make logos, posters, banners or social media designs.
Earnings: Initially you can get ₹500-₹5000 per project, as the rating increases, your fees also increase.
2. Online Tutoring
If you are good in Maths, Physics, English or any other subject, then you can become an online tutor. You can teach students online on platforms like Vedantu, TutorMe, Unacademy.
Benefit: Along with studying, you also help others and can also earn your own money.
3. Virtual Assistant Service
Nowadays, many small businesses or solo entrepreneurs need someone who answers emails for them, does data entry, or talks to clients. You can do this work online from home.
4. Social Media Management
You can help small businesses and local brands manage their social media. Such activities include designing posts, writing content, and replying to comments on posts and messages.
5. Content Creation
If you like making videos, writing blogs, or making Instagram reels, then you can become a content creator. Gradually you can get offers from brands for promotion.
6. Digital Marketing
Today it is necessary to promote every business online. You can start providing services like SEO, email marketing, Facebook ads, Google ads by learning them.
7. Life Coaching or Mentoring
If you can motivate people, give counseling or are an expert in a particular field, then you can give mentoring to students.
Product-Based Business Ideas
1. Dropshipping
In this business, you do not need to keep the product yourself. You create a website or Insta store, orders come in, and a third party supplier ships the product.
Platform: Shopify, Meesho, GlowRoad
2. Online Reselling
You can buy products on apps like Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho and sell them profitably. This business is especially popular in clothes, shoes, home decor, etc.
3. Making handmade products
If you are fond of art or crafts, then you can sell your own products such as handmade rakhis, gift boxes, paintings, and jewelry. It can be sold on platforms like Instagram or Etsy.
4. Print-on-Demand
You can start selling T-shirts, mugs, mobile cases, etc. by putting your own design on them. In this, the production and delivery work is done by a third party.
5. Niche E-commerce Store
If you like a particular category like ‘pet products’, ‘sustainable lifestyle’, or ‘stationery for college students’, then you can open an online store based on that.
Some more special business ideas
- Event planning: Organize small events, workshops or seminars on college campuses.
- Community-focused venture: Start a non-profit or social enterprise based on a need of the local society.
- Creating a podcast: Start a podcast on a specific topic and publish it on platforms like Spotify and Apple.
- Affiliate marketing: You can earn commission by promoting products of Amazon, Flipkart or other brands.
Examples of some successful student-startups
1. Instamojo
Started by three IIT Bombay students. It provides payment gateways and e-commerce solutions for small merchants and creators.
2. Frugal Forager
Started by college students from Kerala. It is a content platform that provides information based on sustainable living.
3. The Tea Shelf
This is a premium tea brand started by a college student. This brand specifically targets tea lovers online.
4. Tinkerbell Designs
A graphic design studio started by a student that offers logo design, brochures and other design services.
5. BookChums
This platform connects students with tutors and mentors. It was also started by a team of students.
Finally, some important things
- Do not underestimate yourself. Even a small idea started during college can become a big business.
- Learn something new every day. Many free skills are available on platforms like YouTube, Coursera, Udemy.
- Failing is also a part of learning. Not every idea is successful, but it gives experience.
- If you do not have resources, start with others. Many big projects have been successful through teamwork.
Conclusion:
College timings are not just about studying, it is also about knowing yourself and doing something new. If you have the passion, you can start a successful business even with less money. Students who are starting with digital marketing, freelancing or handmade products today can become successful entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
If you are also ready to do something different, then take your first step today. The beginning may be small, but the flight of dreams can be big.
Bryan is a thoughtful writer who enjoys creating simple and useful content to help readers make informed decisions. His writing is focused on clarity, support, and real-life guidance.
