In today’s world, surviving as a student often means going beyond lectures and handouts. Many students at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi (FPTB) are combining academics with side hustles to make ends meet or gain early financial independence. From freelancing and mini-importation to photography, phone charging, and tailoring, students are innovating daily.
However, balancing academics and business can be tricky. If not properly managed, one may suffer at the expense of the other. This article explores practical tips, real-life examples, and helpful tools that can help you balance school and hustle effectively as an FPTB student.
🎯 Why Do FPTB Students Hustle?
- Financial Independence: Reducing dependency on parents or guardians
- Skill Development: Gaining real-life experience in entrepreneurship or trade
- Cost of Living: Covering expenses like rent, data, feeding, and handouts
- Future Planning: Building a small brand or business while still in school
🧠 Tip 1: Know Your Class Schedule Like the Back of Your Hand
Start by organizing your academic timetable. Know which days are packed and which have flexible hours. For example, if your Mondays and Thursdays are full of lectures, you can reserve Tuesdays and weekends for your hustle.
- Use scheduling apps like Google Calendar or Notion to plan weekly tasks
- Take advantage of free periods or gaps between lectures
- Set reminders for assignment deadlines and test dates
💼 Tip 2: Choose Side Hustles That Fit Campus Life
Not every hustle fits a student’s routine. Go for businesses that are:
- Flexible – Let you control your time (e.g., online services, weekend gigs)
- Campus-friendly – Solve real student problems (e.g., photocopying, food delivery, haircuts)
- Low-capital – Avoid ventures that demand too much money upfront
Popular Student Hustles in FPTB:
- Phone charging station (especially in Gwallameji)
- Freelancing (graphics design, writing, etc.)
- Mini provision or snack business in hostels
- Photography or videography for events
- Thrift clothing resale (okrika)
🕒 Tip 3: Avoid Procrastination
Time management is everything. Once you start postponing tasks – whether academic or business – you risk piling up stress.
- Set short-term goals each day
- Work in 2-hour blocks: 2 hours of study, then 1 hour of hustle
- Use the Pomodoro technique: 25 mins work, 5 mins break, repeat
Real-Life Example: Musa, an ND II student of Electrical Engineering, does barbering in the evenings and reads during early mornings. “I wake by 5 AM to revise before my clients start arriving,” he says. “That’s how I pass my tests and still make my ₦3,000 a day.”
🤝 Tip 4: Communicate With Lecturers and Customers
Sometimes, your hustle may clash with an impromptu test or lecture. Always stay informed through class reps and WhatsApp groups.
- Politely inform customers of your class hours to avoid clashing appointments
- Don’t book jobs during major exams or class projects
- Be honest with both clients and lecturers when schedules get tight
Building trust and professionalism makes your hustle sustainable.
🛠️ Tip 5: Use Technology to Your Advantage
Make your phone your office. Here are some helpful apps:
- Trello/Notion: For organizing tasks
- Canva: For graphic design
- Instagram/WhatsApp Business: To promote your hustle
- Grammarly: For writing gigs
- Google Drive: Store assignments, notes, and customer data
Don’t let tech distract you. Use it to work smarter, not just scroll endlessly on TikTok.
💡 Tip 6: Prioritize Health and Rest
No business is worth your health. Sleep at least 6 hours daily, eat proper meals, and hydrate. Being overworked will slow you down eventually.
Healthy Hustling Tips:
- Take breaks during the day
- Outsource simple tasks when overwhelmed
- Keep weekends partly free to recharge
You cannot pour from an empty cup—resting is part of the grind.
📈 Benefits of Balancing Hustle and Studies
- Earn money while avoiding academic failure
- Gain real-world experience and improve confidence
- Develop time management and discipline skills
- Graduate with a business and a certificate
Many successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria started their businesses as students. You could be next.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping classes regularly to make money
- Starting too many hustles at once
- Taking business too seriously during exams
- Neglecting your health or overworking yourself
Remember, your primary goal in FPTB is to get a certificate. Let hustle support it, not ruin it.
🎓 Conclusion
Federal Polytechnic Bauchi students are proving that you can combine hustle and academics successfully. It takes planning, discipline, and the right attitude. Choose a hustle that fits your schedule, prioritize your studies, use technology wisely, and don’t forget to rest.
With the right balance, you’ll not only graduate but also leave school with business experience, income, and a sense of accomplishment.
📚 References
- Interviews with students across Engineering, Science, and Business departments (2025)
- Student forums and WhatsApp group observations
- Google Calendar, Notion, and Pomodoro method productivity tools
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