
There are numerous things that can be sold to university students, from products to services. Students are always on the lookout for cheap, good-quality products, and they can be a great audience to sell to, given their specific needs and requirements. From stationery to snacks, there are a variety of options to choose from. Services such as tutoring, pet-sitting, and laundry can also be offered, providing an opportunity to earn money while catering to the needs of fellow students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Mini pizzas, snacks, coated nuts |
| Stationery | Paper, pens, calculators |
| Technology | Power banks, headphones, smartwatches, smart bands, USB cords, chargers |
| Beauty | Hair conditioners, beauty creams, oils, jewellery |
| Clothing | Graphic t-shirts, handmade goods |
| Services | Laundry, tutoring, social media management, pet-sitting, revision planners, freelance writing |
| Health | Yerba mate, detox products, breathalyzers |
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What You'll Learn

Food and drinks
University students are often on the lookout for convenient, affordable, and tasty food and drink options. Here are some ideas for food and beverage items that you can sell to university students:
Meal Plans and Dining Options
University students often seek convenient and cost-effective meal options. Many universities offer all-you-can-eat dining plans or meal plans that students can sign up for, especially in their first and second years. You could explore opportunities to partner with universities to provide such meal plans or cater to specific dining locations on campus. This could include cafeterias, food courts, coffee shops, or food trucks.
Pre-packaged Food and Beverages
Pre-packaged food and beverages are a popular choice for university students as they are convenient and often affordable. This could include items like snacks, sandwiches, salads, drinks, and more. Ensure that you follow proper food handling and temperature control guidelines to maintain product quality and safety.
Specialty Items
University students often have diverse tastes and are open to trying new things. You could consider offering specialty food and beverage items that cater to specific dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegan, vegetarian, organic, or gluten-free options.
Catering Services
Students often host events, gatherings, or study sessions and may require catering services. You could offer catering packages specifically tailored to student needs and budgets. Ensure you follow the university's guidelines for external caterers, which may include using specific university-approved vendors or obtaining written approval from the relevant university department.
Beverages
Coffee and tea are in high demand among university students. You could consider selling specialty teas, coffee blends, or healthy drink options. For example, you could offer subscription services or discounts to students to encourage repeat purchases.
Remember to research the specific regulations and requirements for selling food and beverages on or near university campuses, as these can vary by location. It is important to prioritize food safety, quality, and compliance with any necessary licenses or approvals.
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Gadgets and accessories
When it comes to gadgets and accessories, there are numerous options to consider selling to university students. Firstly, identify what students need and will find useful. For example, portable chargers are a great option as students often need to charge their devices on the go. You could also sell phone accessories like cases, screen protectors, pop sockets, and charging cables. These items are often affordable and can be purchased in bulk, making them a profitable option.
Another idea is to sell headphones, earphones, and portable speakers. Students often require these for entertainment, online classes, and blocking out noise in noisy environments like libraries or cafes. Additionally, consider selling laptop stands, mouse pads, and ergonomic accessories to cater to students' needs for comfortable and efficient studying.
If you want to cater to a wider range of students, you could sell affordable smart devices like fitness trackers, smart watches, and tablets. These devices often have multiple functions that can assist students in their daily lives. For students with a passion for photography or content creation, you could sell camera equipment, tripods, ring lights, and other accessories.
Lastly, don't forget about the smaller accessories that can make a big difference. USB drives, for instance, are always handy for students to have, especially for transferring important assignments and projects. You could also sell fun and functional items like colourful laptop stickers, laptop cases, and desk organisers. By offering a range of gadgets and accessories, you can cater to the diverse needs and interests of university students.
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Stationery and textbooks
Stationery
- Pens, pencils, and highlighters are essential for note-taking and highlighting important passages in textbooks. You can offer a variety of colours, styles, and brands to appeal to different preferences.
- Notebooks, notepads, and loose-leaf paper are necessary for taking notes during lectures and tutorials. You can provide different sizes, bindings, and paper qualities to cater to various needs.
- Folders, binders, and dividers help students organise their notes and handouts. Offer a range of colours and sizes to suit different organisation systems.
- Post-it notes and sticky tabs are useful for bookmarking pages and leaving reminders in textbooks and planners.
- Calculators are required for certain courses, especially in STEM fields. Ensure you offer calculators with the required functions for specific courses.
- Planners and calendars assist students in time management, exam preparation, and assignment planning. You could even design a customised revision planner with exam tips and pointers.
Textbooks
- Second-hand textbooks are often sought after by students looking to save money. You can buy these from students who no longer need them and resell them at a markup.
- New textbooks can also be sold, especially if you can offer competitive prices or convenient delivery options.
- E-textbooks or online textbook subscriptions might appeal to students who prefer digital formats or want access to a wide range of textbooks for a flat fee.
Remember to be mindful of any rules or regulations regarding the sale of textbooks, especially concerning plagiarism and intellectual property rights. Check with your university or local laws to ensure compliance.
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Clothing and jewellery
University students can sell clothing and jewellery to their peers, provided they understand the local laws and any age restrictions on the products they sell.
Clothing
University students can sell custom college apparel, such as t-shirts and hoodies adorned with the college logo or unique, student-designed graphics. They can also sell vintage clothing, fixing up old items to sell on a dedicated website or online marketplace. Students studying fashion management can even run their own business selling clothes online.
Jewellery
Students can also sell handmade jewellery, such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. They can also collaborate with faculty members to sell class-made items, with the artist receiving a percentage of the retail price.
It is important to note that, according to RIT policy, students are not allowed to directly vend on campus. However, they can join clubs or sell items among friends.
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Services, such as tutoring or laundry
University students are often busy and financially challenged, so services that save them time and money are likely to be popular. Tutoring services are one option, and you could offer to help students with their academic studies or test preparation. You could also consider providing resume writing services, or interview preparation, to help students prepare for life after university.
Laundry services are another option, as they save students time on a mundane but necessary task. You could offer a simple wash-and-fold service, or even provide additional services such as dry cleaning or clothing repairs.
If you are looking to provide a service with a lower upfront cost, you could consider offering tech services, such as device repairs or IT support. This could be particularly useful for students who may not be able to afford professional services. Similarly, you could offer print services, such as printing, scanning, and binding, which could be useful for students who need to print essays or other academic work.
Another idea is to provide experiences or workshops. For example, you could offer bike or culinary tours of the local area, or advertise DIY workshops where students can learn a new skill.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many products that can be sold to university students, some of which include:
- Portable chargers and power banks
- Stationery
- Snacks
- Jewellery
- Clothing
- Phone cases
- Headphones
Services that can be sold to university students include:
- Laundry services
- Social media management
- Tutoring
- Coaching
- Pet-sitting
University students can implement the following business ideas:
- Freelance writing
- Selling handmade goods online
- Selling second-hand items on eBay
- Designing and selling revision planners
Some tips for selling products and services to university students include:
- Offering affordable prices
- Standing out from the competition
- Targeting specific needs and interests of students, such as drinking games and phone accessories















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