Side hustles that can pay you up to £45 per hour this summer

It's nearly time for students to take a well-deserved break from their studies. However, not all are planning to kick back and relax just yet.

Many students will be on the hunt for jobs to earn some extra money over the coming months. Aside from the usual pub, barista, or supermarket roles, there are a variety of other 'side hustle' style jobs available this summer.

Data gathered by global student accommodation provider, Yugo, suggests that students are seeking something a bit more unique this summer. Based on real-time Google searches, here are the most sought-after student summer jobs you might not have thought about, along with their average hourly rate.

Virtual assistant

The demand for virtual assistant roles has recently skyrocketed -from arranging appointments and making phone calls to booking travel and managing email accounts, you could earn around £15 per hour. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection, and you don't even have to leave your bed.

Pet sitting

What could be better than being paid to spend time with adorable animals? UK pet sitters typically charge between £6-£20 per hour depending on the task. Expect a lower wage for simple tasks like feeding cats while the owner is away, and higher rates for more demanding activities like dog walking or puppy sitting.

Online tutoring

If you're keen on making a real impact in the lives of students, online tutoring could be your calling. The demand for online tutors has surged by 80% worldwide and with an average hourly wage of up to £45, it's easy to understand why. All you need is a laptop, internet access and a flexible timetable.

Festival steward

Who wouldn't want to go to a festival for free? The shifts might be long and require you to be on your feet all day, but you'll also acquire valuable skills, make new friends and get to enjoy live music. Festival steward roles typically offer around £13.85 per hour and are usually advertised through specialist event companies.

Delivery driver

If you own a car, have a driving license, and some free time you can earn extra cash as a delivery driver. Whether you choose to deliver tasty meals via Uber Eats or Deliveroo, or compete with the postman delivering Amazon packages being a delivery driver is a straightforward yet rewarding side job that can help manage those bills.

The average pay is about £13 an hour, and you can apply easily online provided you have a clean driving record. It's no surprise that searches for delivery driver jobs have increased by 180%.

Holiday rep

Want to bask in the sun without having to fork out for a holiday? Holiday repping could be your ticket to a fun-filled summer.

With salaries starting from around £600 per month (including food and accommodation), it's a great way to see the world without breaking the bank. All you need is a friendly personality, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Mystery shopping

If you're someone who's always saying they don't have time to work, mystery shopping could be your ideal side hustle. It's recently become popular on TikTok, with Google searches also on the rise. The job involves simple tasks like checking out a brand counter at your local Tesco, providing feedback and getting paid. With average earnings of £12 per hour, you can fit this easy money-making activity into your schedule.

Online writing

You can make money from your writing skills this summer. Ghostwriting, copywriting and AI writing jobs are plentiful online, and you don't need a degree or experience to start.

If you can write clearly and coherently, you can earn money. Check out sites like Fiverr or Upwork for new listings - if you speak a second language, there are even more opportunities. The average hourly rate is £14.35.