Small businesses to run while at university

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Many students, especially those from humble families struggle financially at university. The expenses can overwhelm.  From meals, transport, hostel fees to buying handouts and general maintenance.

Good news is; you can run a business while studying but you have to prioritize books.

Selling shoes, clothes, beddings and cosmetics will earn you money.

Macklean Byansinza attests to this. The founder of Itoto cosmetics first tried her hand at business while she was doing bachelor’s degree in Development studies at Makerere University in 2003. She would buy T shirts, underwear, bedsheets and dresses from Owino market, wash and iron them before hawking them in hostels and offices.

“The profits were motivating. I would buy an item at sh15, 000 and sell it sh30, 000 and more,” she reminisces. She also made friends one of whom connected her to her first formal job at World Vision where she worked as a data entrant.

Also, Angella Asiimwe hawked second hand clothes to raise money for maintenance while doing law at Cavendidh University. Asiimwe is currently an international human rights lawyer.

There is more. Donna Keirungi, Warden at Makerere University says, some students make and sell snacks, art pieces, jewelry, crotchets and mobile money.

Selling print-on-demand goods is another great business. Use your artistic skills to print designs on T-shirts, caps and mugs.

YYou can also buy snacks from wholesalers and sell 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 stresses that the most important business that takes a student to campus is clear; to be a student.

So, you must prioritize your studies before anything.

“Remember, students are guided by rules and regulations. Running businesses in places like rooms which can easily inconvenience others is not allowed,” she adds.

Meanwhile, Asiimwe advises to research about the business you want to do and have financial discipline such that you don’t eat capital. Also, split your time so well and ensure business doesn’t interfere with academics.