Best Side Hustles for ATBU Students in Bauchi: Earn While You Learn

Nmedia July 19, 2025

Studying at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) is exciting, but the financial demands can be overwhelming. Between textbooks, handouts, feeding, transportation, and data subscriptions, students often find themselves running low on cash. The good news? There are legit and practical side hustles you can do in Bauchi as an ATBU student to support yourself without affecting your academics.

In this article, we’ll explore the best side hustle ideas tailored to ATBU students, based on affordability, profitability, and student schedules.

📌 1. Freelance Services (Design, Writing, Programming)

If you have a laptop and digital skills, freelancing is your ticket to financial independence.

Graphic Design: Use Canva or Adobe tools to design flyers, banners, logos, and social media posts.
Content Writing: Write blog articles, SEO content, and academic work for clients.
Web Development: Design simple websites for local businesses around Bauchi or online.

Where to Start: Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups, or ATBU skill exchange forums.

📌 2. Laundry & Ironing Services

This is a practical hustle with low startup capital. Many students are too busy to wash or iron their clothes, especially during exams.

Offer daily or weekly laundry services within hostels like Yelwa and Gubi.
Charge per item or per bag.

Start with: A bucket, detergent, pegs, and good word of mouth.

📌 3. Selling Data & Airtime (VTU Business)

Almost every student buys data daily. You can tap into this by becoming a virtual top-up (VTU) agent.

Use platforms like VTUpress or TopUp and Get Rewards.
Sell data, airtime, electricity tokens, and even GOTV/DSTV subscriptions.

Tip: Combine it with WhatsApp marketing for wider reach.

📌 4. Mini Importation & Reselling

Start small by importing affordable items (like phone accessories, fashion items, or gadgets) from sites like Alibaba or 1688, then resell to your classmates or hostel mates.

Products: Chargers, wristwatches, jewelry, makeup kits, perfumes
Channels: WhatsApp status, Instagram, Jiji, and campus word-of-mouth

Capital: As low as ₦5,000–₦10,000 can get you started.

📌 5. Note Typing and Handout Preparation

Some students prefer soft copies of notes or handouts. If you can type fast and use MS Word or Google Docs, this is for you.

Type and sell class notes
Format projects, assignments, or presentations

Extra Tip: Partner with classmates or class reps to get wider patronage.

📌 6. Photography and Videography

If you have a good phone or camera and basic editing skills, this can be very lucrative around events like:

Matriculation and graduation ceremonies
Departmental or religious programs
Hostel birthdays and outings

Bonus: Learn how to edit with apps like CapCut, InShot, or Adobe Premiere Rush.

📌 7. Campus Food Delivery

Not everyone has the time or energy to cook every day. If you can cook or have access to someone who can, food delivery is a great hustle.

Prepare or deliver meals to classmates, hostel mates, and friends
Offer small chops or lunch packs

Tips: Start small. Use social media and bulk cooking to reduce costs.

📌 8. Tutoring and Tutorials

If you're good in any course—maths, physics, programming, etc.—organize paid tutorials for juniors or fellow students struggling with a subject.

Target courses like Engineering Mathematics, GSTs, or Science courses
Charge per session or per semester

Tools: Whiteboard, markers, and access to a lecture room or quiet space.

📌 9. Online Surveys and Paid Reviews

This is one of the easiest hustles to do with just your phone and data.

Register on platforms like SurveyTime, Swagbucks, or Mobrog
Earn small tokens for completing surveys or reviewing products

Note: You won’t get rich, but it helps with minor expenses.

📌 10. Social Media Content Creation

Are you creative or funny? Do you love talking or reviewing products? Then turn your phone into a money-making tool by becoming a content creator.

Create educational content for ATBU students
Use TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram
Monetize through affiliate links, promotions, or brand deals

Idea: Start a “Day in the Life of an ATBU Student” vlog series.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Having a side hustle as an ATBU student not only helps you survive financially but also builds your experience and soft skills. The key is to choose something that won’t affect your academics. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to market yourself.

Success doesn’t wait until graduation — you can start building your financial freedom today.