What To Sell To Make Money: 15 Things You Can Sell to Make Quick Cash as a Student

University life is full of exciting new experiences, but it’s also when you’ll first start managing your own finances. Between textbooks, rent, and, let’s face it, the endless nights out, money can run out fast. Luckily, you might already be sitting on a small fortune without realising it.

If you’ve ever wondered “what can I sell to make money” or “how can I sell stuff online safely”, this guide has all of the advice you need. From clothes and gadgets to furniture and collectables, here are 15 things you can sell to make quick cash as a student, plus the best sites to sell on and tips to help you earn more!

Best Things to Sell to Make Money as a Student

Whether you’re decluttering before moving into student accommodation or need some extra pocket money mid-term, these are the best things to sell to make money while studying.

Clothes

If your wardrobe is overflowing with outfits you no longer wear, it’s time to turn them into cash. Selling clothes online is one of the easiest ways for students to make quick money. Trendy or branded items, especially from labels like Nike, Zara, or Urban Outfitters, tend to sell fast on platforms like Vinted, Depop, and eBay. 

Make sure you upload good-quality photos, and mention the size and condition. If you’re eager to shift items faster, you can even offer deals on bundles! On the flip side, if you’re looking for the best things to resell for profit, keep an eye out for vintage or Y2K-style pieces in thrift stores.

Jewellery & Accessories

You might not wear that chunky necklace or stack of rings anymore, but someone else might love them. Jewellery, sunglasses, belts, and handbags are some of the easiest things to sell online to make money because they’re lightweight and cheap to post.

Handmade or unique vintage jewellery can fetch even higher prices, particularly if you know how to market them well on platforms like Etsy or Depop.

Phones

Upgrading your phone? Don’t leave your old one gathering dust in a drawer. Sites like CeX, MusicMagpie, and Envirofone let you sell used items like phones and tablets for instant cash or store credit.

If the device still works but is slightly damaged, you can often still get money for it. To err on the side of caution, be sure to wipe your data and remove your SIM card before selling!

Electronics

If you’ve ever asked yourself what can you sell online to make money fast, gadgets are your answer. From gaming consoles and headphones to tablets and laptops, pre-loved tech is among the best items to resell for profit.

Often, students upgrade their tech at the start of the year, which means older models are easy to shift. For local pickups, try Facebook Marketplace, and if you’re open to postage, then eBay is the way to go!

Kitchen Utensils

When you move into student accommodation, it’s easy to overpack kitchen gear, especially when flatmates bring duplicates. Extra pans, spatulas, or cutlery sets can easily be sold online or to other students moving in next term. No, they might not bring in huge profits individually, but when you bundle them together, it will make it worthwhile. Plus, you’ll be helping someone else tick off their kitchen essentials for students list!

Kitchen Appliances

If you’ve finished uni or are moving to a furnished flat, you might have appliances you no longer need. Mini-fridges, blenders, toasters, and kettles are among the best things to sell locally. Get them listed on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace to avoid postage costs. Even second-hand appliances can fetch decent prices if they’re in good condition and, most importantly, clean.

Furniture

When students move between houses, unwanted furniture often gets left behind. Whether it’s a bed, desk, or bookshelf, furniture can be one of the easiest things to sell to make money quickly, particularly near the start or end of a university term when others are moving in or out.

If you’re selling larger items, offer collection only and price them competitively! This way, you can sell items for cash, meaning you don’t have to worry about the refund policies of online marketplaces.

Decorations

We’ve all been there… First-year uni students decorating our rooms with fairy lights, wall art, and mirrors (and we have no regrets!) While it makes any student room feel homely, tastes and trends change. So if you’re revamping your uni room, try selling your old décor online!

Trendy items like LED lights and framed prints are some of the best things to sell online to other students on a budget. They’re easy to post and always in demand at the start of term. 

If you’ve got a creative flair, you could even try designing printouts and wall decor on Etsy! 

Uni Books

Course books are one of the best items to resell because they’re expensive when bought new and often used for a limited number of modules. 

To find suitable customers, check university Facebook groups or noticeboards for new students taking the same course. Alternatively, list them on eBay or Ziffit. Remember to include the edition number and condition; bear in mind that newer versions or lightly used books will naturally sell faster.

Gift Sets

Ever received a gift set you didn’t really need? Whether it’s a skincare bundle or a chocolate hamper, unopened items make great things to sell to make quick cash. As long as they’re sealed and within their expiry date, they’re perfect for resale, especially around Christmas or Valentine’s Day!

Perfumes and Aftershaves

Whether you’ve fallen out of love with your signature scent or have been gifted a spray that just isn’t you, you might want to consider selling barely used, or better yet, unopened, bottles of perfumes or aftershaves. They can be pricey, so selling on the forgotten faves that are now lying around waiting to be used can be an effective way of pocketing a little bit of extra cash. To sell things online safely, include photos of the bottle and box, list the exact size (e.g., 50ml), and note how much is left if it’s been opened. 

Collectables

Do you have old trading cards, comic books, or limited-edition merch? These can be some of the best things to resell, and you might be surprised how much collectors are willing to pay. Research recent sales before listing to ensure you’re pricing fairly. For rare items, eBay is usually the best platform to sell items online securely, thanks to its Authenticity Guarantee. 

Sports Gear

From football boots and rackets to yoga mats and weights, sports gear is always in demand. If you’ve switched hobbies or joined a new society, selling your old equipment is an easy way to make money as a student. Clean everything before listing and include clear photos.

Bike

Many students buy a bike for uni but end up barely using it. If that sounds like you, selling your bike locally could free up space and give you some extra cash. List it on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree with details like tyre size, brand, and condition. To avoid selling fees, consider local pick-ups for a quick and smooth sale.

Unused Gift cards

Got gift cards gathering dust in your wallet? Don’t let them go to waste. You can sell your stuff online through exchange sites or swap it for cash or vouchers you’ll actually use. Websites like Cardyard or Zapper offer a simple way to trade unwanted gift cards safely and securely. 

How to Sell Things Online and Make Money: Top Tips & Tricks

Before you start listing, it’s worth learning how to sell things online effectively. Here are a few tips to help your listings stand out and sell fast.

Check Similar Listings 

Researching what similar items have sold for gives you a realistic price range and helps you set competitive listings. On eBay, you can filter results by “sold items” to see exactly what buyers have paid. This helps ensure you’re not overpricing or underselling your stuff.

Use Good-Quality Photos

If you’re wondering how to sell items online successfully, clear photos are the first step to building trust with buyers. Whether you’re selling clothes, tech, or furniture, natural lighting and non-blurry images make a huge difference. And no, you don’t need a whole studio for a photoshoot; just make sure you don’t have a cluttered background.

Offer Bundles and Local Pickups

Many platforms charge small fees or take a percentage of your sale. To save money, offer bundles, like “3 tops for £10”, or choose local pickup options. Local sales not only help you sell items for cash instantly but also cut out the postage hassle.

Time Listings Around When Term Starts

The start of the term is prime time for students looking for bargains on furniture, books, or kitchen essentials. Not only is this when demand for these items is at its highest, but it’s also when student loans come in, so your fellow uni-goers will have the cash to splash!

Best Sites To Sell On

There are plenty of sites to sell stuff online, but some work better for certain types of items. Here are the most popular options for students.

eBay

One of the oldest and most trusted platforms, eBay lets you sell items online to buyers across the UK (and beyond). It’s ideal for tech, clothes, and collectables. You can set a fixed price or run an auction, and eBay’s buyer protection adds an extra layer of security.

Vinted/Depop

If fashion is your focus, Vinted and Depop are the go-to platforms for selling pre-loved clothes, accessories, and shoes. Both are user-friendly and great for students.

Depop leans towards vintage and streetwear styles, while Vinted is perfect for high-street fashion and quick sales. Both make it easy to sell things online to make money with minimal effort.

Facebook Marketplace/Gumtree 

For larger or local items like furniture and bikes, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are ideal. You can arrange local pickups, chat directly with buyers, and sell items for cash in person. They also cost nothing to use, perfect if you’re wondering where you can sell your stuff online for free.

CeX, MusicMagpie & More

For phones, games, and DVDs, specialist resale sites like CeX, MusicMagpie, and Zapper are brilliant. You simply enter the item details, get an instant quote, and send your stuff in for payment. These platforms are especially handy if you want to sell used items quickly without dealing with buyers directly, and it’s a great way of giving old tech a new lease of life.

Book Your Student Accommodation With Now Student Living

At Now Student Living, we know student life is about more than just lectures; it’s about freedom, fun, and finding your balance. Whether you’re moving into your first student flat or heading into your final year, having comfortable, affordable accommodation makes all the difference.

From modern kitchens to social spaces, our properties are designed with student living in mind. So once you’ve decluttered, made some extra cash, and sorted your essentials, it’s time to find a home that fits your student lifestyle.

Book your student accommodation with Now Student Living today and make your uni experience one to remember.