Are you near a university or college campus? Or maybe you’re a student yourself thinking about starting a side hustle? With new students streaming in, especially first-years, this is the perfect time to tap into opportunities. Campuses are like small towns, students need almost everything, from food to fashion to services. If you position yourself well, you can make good money while building a long-term business.
Here are some of the best businesses you can start around campuses that are both profitable and in high demand:
1. Food Delivery & Affordable Meals
Let’s be real, most students don’t enjoy cooking daily. They’re busy attending classes, making friends, and adjusting to campus life. If you can provide affordable, tasty meals or snacks, you’ll be solving a real problem.
Think along the lines of:
- Chapati and beans
- Fries and sausages
- Packed lunches or dinner delivery
- Healthy smoothies and juices
Pro tip: Advertise your menu on WhatsApp groups or social media. Word spreads super fast among students!
2. Printing, Photocopy & Stationery Services
Assignments, notes, and endless handouts; campus life is full of paperwork. Having a small printing and photocopy business near campus can bring in steady cash.
You don’t need to own all the machines at once; you can start small with just printing services and expand as demand grows.
3. Fashion & Thrift Clothes
Campus students love to look good, and many are hunting for affordable yet stylish outfits. Thrifting (mtumba business) is booming, and you can make good profits by sourcing trendy clothes and reselling.
You can even take it online; post items on Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp stories. Students love convenience.
4. Salon, Barber & Beauty Services
Looking fresh is a priority for most students, especially first-years. A simple salon, barber shop, or even mobile beauty service (braiding, makeup, nails) will always be in demand.
If you’re good with your hands, you don’t even need a shop, start with home visits, then grow into a physical space.
5. Entertainment & Content Creation
Students love entertainment. Whether it’s organizing small campus events, running a movie night, or even starting a YouTube/TikTok channel targeting students’ lifestyle, the opportunities are endless.
With just creativity and consistency, you can turn this into both income and influence.
6. Second-Hand Items & Essentials
New students often need items like:
2. Printing, Photocopy & Stationery Services
Assignments, notes, and endless handouts; campus life is full of paperwork. Having a small printing and photocopy business near campus can bring in steady cash.
You don’t need to own all the machines at once; you can start small with just printing services and expand as demand grows.
3. Fashion & Thrift Clothes
Campus students love to look good, and many are hunting for affordable yet stylish outfits. Thrifting (mtumba business) is booming, and you can make good profits by sourcing trendy clothes and reselling.
You can even take it online; post items on Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp stories. Students love convenience.
4. Salon, Barber & Beauty Services
Looking fresh is a priority for most students, especially first-years. A simple salon, barber shop, or even mobile beauty service (braiding, makeup, nails) will always be in demand.
If you’re good with your hands, you don’t even need a shop, start with home visits, then grow into a physical space.
5. Entertainment & Content Creation
Students love entertainment. Whether it’s organizing small campus events, running a movie night, or even starting a YouTube/TikTok channel targeting students’ lifestyle, the opportunities are endless.
With just creativity and consistency, you can turn this into both income and influence.
6. Second-Hand Items & Essentials
New students often need items like:
- Bedding (blankets, duvets, sheets)
- Kitchen utensils (plates, cups, cooking pans)
- Electronics (second-hand phones, earphones, laptops)
If you can source and sell these at student-friendly prices, you’ll be shocked how quickly stock moves.
7. Cyber Café & Online Services
From filling HELB forms to applying for internships, students need internet services constantly. A cyber café or even offering mobile online services (using your laptop and Wi-Fi) can be a steady business.
You can also offer CV writing, typing services, and online research help.
Starting a business around campus is not just about money, it’s about solving problems for students in a convenient, affordable way. The best part? You don’t need huge capital to start most of these ideas. Even with just a small amount and creativity, you can grow something sustainable.
So, as first-years report, the question is: Are you ready to grab the opportunity?
7. Cyber Café & Online Services
From filling HELB forms to applying for internships, students need internet services constantly. A cyber café or even offering mobile online services (using your laptop and Wi-Fi) can be a steady business.
You can also offer CV writing, typing services, and online research help.
Starting a business around campus is not just about money, it’s about solving problems for students in a convenient, affordable way. The best part? You don’t need huge capital to start most of these ideas. Even with just a small amount and creativity, you can grow something sustainable.
So, as first-years report, the question is: Are you ready to grab the opportunity?
