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Freelancing is a flexible, creative way to earn money doing what you’re good at. Whether you’re testing out a side hustle while studying or want to make it your full-time career, this guide will help you get started.
In this guide:
- What is Freelancing?
- Types of freelance work
- How to get started
- Advice and support
- Freelancer Club
What is Freelancing?
Freelancing means using your skills to take on paid work without being tied to one employer. You choose who you work with, pick projects that interest you and build experience along the way.
Freelancers are self-employed, so you’re your own boss.
Whether you freelance full-time or as a side hustle, the Student StartUp team is here to guide you. For students and graduates, freelancing is a valuable way to gain experience, grow your network and earn money doing something you love.
Types of freelance work
There’s no one-size-fits-all route into freelancing. Here are some popular areas to explore:
Creative & Content
- Copywriting / Content Writing – blog posts, articles, web copy, product descriptions
- Graphic Design – logos, branding, social media assets, print design
- Photography & Videography – events, promotional shoots, editing
- Illustration – books, packaging, online content
- Audio Narration / Voiceover – podcasts, ads, audiobooks, explainer videos
- Crafts & Handmade Goods – selling on Etsy, markets, or your own site
- Film & television production
Digital & Tech
- Web Development – building websites, landing pages, e-commerce stores
- App Development – mobile or web apps for businesses or individuals
- UI/UX Design – designing user experiences and interfaces
- SEO / Digital Marketing – optimising content for search engines, running paid ads
- Social Media Management – planning and creating content, running campaigns
- AI
Business & Admin
- Virtual Assistance (VA) – inbox management, data entry, bookings
- Project Management – helping coordinate tasks, people, or timelines
- Market Research – conducting surveys, analysing trends
- Business Consultant -
- Translation / Transcription – turning speech into text or translating documents
- Financial analyst/accountant
Other
- Tutoring – school subjects, university prep, languages
- Course Creation – developing online classes or learning content
- Translator - translating written or spoken content from one language to another
- Proofreading - reviewing and correcting written content
- Health coach - personal trainer, nutritionist, advisor and more
How to get started
- Talk to the Student StartUp team - We’re here to help! Whether it’s pricing, business registration, insurance, branding, or anything else—we’ve got you covered.
- Start building a portfolio. Use uni projects, internships, volunteer work, personal projects, or past gigs to show what you can do.
- Register as self-employed or 'sole trader' with HMRC. You're technically running a business, so you need to make sure you're complying with government tax regulations.
- Start part-time. Freelancing alongside a part-time job gives you income while you grow your client base.
- Join freelance communities. Find support, inspiration and opportunities by connecting with others online or in person. Why not check out our collaboration with the Freelancer Club below.
Advice and support
Most side hustles are on a self-employed or freelance basis. So there are a few things you need to do while working for yourself:
- Keep a detailed log of all your earnings in a spreadsheet to make your tax return easier.
- Learn how to file your own self-employed tax return. Or consider getting an accountant - you can claim their fee as a business expense next year. The Student StartUp team has contacts to get initial advice for free, so speak to them first.
- Have a signed or confirmed work agreement with each client. It keeps you better protected. And make sure to read through all of it!
- Think about your intellectual property early on. The Student StartUp team has contacts to get initial advice for free, so speak to them first.
Further resources
Check out these great platforms and networks:
- Student Startup resources - there is a specific section on freelancing
- Freelancer Club - masterclasses, resources and community
- Portsmouth Freelancers Meet
- The New Kind
- IPSE (Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed)
- Freelance Lifestyle
Got questions or feeling stuck?
Just ask! The Student StartUp team is here to support you every step of the way. Get in contact by emailing studentstartup@port.ac.uk or booking a ‘Startup Advice’ appointment on MyCareer. Don’t forget to check out the other pages on our Student StartUp website, we have resources, events and much more.
Self-Employed Placements
Did you know there is also an option to freelance during your placement year? You can spend the year testing out your future career as a freelancer with the support of our Student StartUp team.
Freelancer Club
The University of Portsmouth has partnered with Freelancer Club to give students free access to their award-winning platform. The Freelance Club offers online courses, tools to connect with clients and collaborators, and resources to help you turn your skills into income within weeks.
Get 12 months of free access to Freelancer Club’s learning tools and resources.
What's included?
Learn business basics, how to set your rates, promote your services, pitch for work and land clients.
- 4 bite-sized courses covering the freelance business essentials
- Course Materials with links to apps, tools and resources
- Assignments accompanying each course
- A chat forum for students to share ideas and discuss each topic
- Live Q&A sessions dedicated to each topic.
Freelance Courses
Bite-sized sessions delivered by leading experts in the freelance industry, covering topics from mastering Instagram Reels to resilience training and confidence building.
- Over 30 mini-courses covering a range of topics
- On-demand, learn at your own pace
- Track your progress and see which courses you’ve completed
One-To-One Coaching
- Schedule monthly online sessions with freelance experts
- Receive expert advice to take the next step on your freelance journey
In addition to the Academy, students will gain access to:
- Collabs, Skill-Swap and Deals tools to help connect with others and promote your services to potential clients
- Discussion Board to connect with others, ask questions or set up a Community of your own
- Resources, including a downloadable legal template and guides
- A Profile to promote your work and make new contacts
What's the cost?
University of Portsmouth students get a full year of Freelancer Club Academy Membership - normally £300 - completely free, courtesy of your university. To continue using Freelancer Club after your free year, membership starts at just £7.99 per month (when you purchase an annual membership).
Startup resources
Ready to turn your idea into a business? Our comprehensive guide to startup resources helps you navigate the entire journey, from securing funding and understanding Council Tax to protecting your intellectual property. Get the tools and support you need to launch a successful venture.
Startup workshops and events
Explore our workshops to develop your ideas, grow your business and expand your connections.
Startup funding
Discover our startup funding grants and opportunities to kickstart your business.
