I built a small freelance design business during my Masters that paid my rent in the final semester

How it started:n

• Started taking small Fiverr jobs in my first month — mostly to practice professional English
• Charged very low rates initially to build reviews and a portfolio
• Within 6 months had three regular clients who found me through LinkedIn

nnWhat I learned:n

• Raising rates gradually as you build reputation works — do not undercharge indefinitely
• UK clients want reliability and clear communication more than the lowest price
• I had to be disciplined about not letting it expand into dissertation time in semester two

nnUKBuddy Freelancing Guide for International Students