The side hustles fuelling university students
Beyond degrees
Education pays, but what pays the bills?
The lecture halls may be quiet, but the hustle never stops.Across Namibia's campuses, students like Conny Shituleni are redefining what it means to be a scholar. "I don't just study design, I live it through my client work," says the third-year media student, whose graphic design business funds her education.
For nail artist Upi-Kayla Greenwood, her growing client list proves creativity pays: "Every set I do means one less textbook I have to stress about affording."
What began as survival tactics have become full-blown enterprises, proof that today's students aren't just preparing for the future, they're building it now.
At the University of Namibia, the traditional student experience has evolved into a delicate balancing act. Rising tuition costs, increasing living expenses, and a competitive job market has forced students to get creative.
Rise of the student entrepreneur
"It was never a distraction," Shituleni says, designs everything from club flyers to corporate branding kits. "Design actually made school easier for me, it gave me structure and kept me inspired."
Shituleni's journey started in 2021 at NAMCOL with just a free app and YouTube tutorials. Today, she's an Adobe Certified User with clients across Namibia. "My biggest lesson? Never undersell your time," she says. "People will value your work when you value it first."
With plans to launch a creative agency, Shituleni isn't just building a career, she's shaping a movement.
Glitter & grades
"They call it 'just nails' until they see my semester fees paid in full," says Greenwood, a third-year Media Studies student by day and in-demand nail artist by night. Her business, Midas Touch, has helped lessen the financial burden on her parents while supporting her through university.
"I started because of passion, but it's become so much more," Greenwood explains. "I'm learning financial stability, how to save and spend on what's important." Though new to the industry, she's determined: "I'm here to place my roots and build a solid foundation. I know I can be one of the best."
Then there's the digital gold rush. "I pitched brands for months before landing my first paid collab," says Undji Kandjii, a content creator with 11.8K Instagram followers. "Now I balance exams with filming. It's chaotic, but worth it."
For this third-year Media Studies student, content creation is both passion and practical solution. "When relatives can't help with cab money or lunch, a brand deal comes through," she shares. Kandjii sees her work as divine purpose: "My creativity is sourced in Christ. Everything I do, from beauty content to personal branding, ultimately brings glory to God."
What makes her hustle unique? "I'm already practicing what I learn in school. As a PR student, I apply those lessons to build my personal brand daily."
What's next?
As tuition rises and jobs shrink, side hustles are becoming less optional and more essential. The question isn't whether students should work, it's how institutions can support them better.
Want to share your hustle? Tag #varsitycorner and @myzone.
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