DUE to financial constraints, a student from Universiti Putra Malaysia decided to sell burgers on campus to cover daily expenses while continuing her studies.
Bachelor of Wood Science and Technology graduate, Puteri Nurasmaliyana Asri, 24, said she had been selling burgers on campus since her first year of study.
"I started the business because my family's financial situation was quite limited. My father worked as a lorry driver, while my mother was a school clerk.
"Some of my siblings are also pursuing their studies at institutes of higher learning (IPT). As the eldest of four siblings, I don't want to burden my parents.
"Because of that, I chose to find a side income to ease the burden on my parents and cover expenses throughout my studies," she said.
The young woman from Rawang, Selangor said she chose to do business because it was the most flexible 'job' with her lecture schedule.
"I started the business at 5.30 pm until 12 midnight. Before 5.30 pm, I could attend lectures as usual and complete my assignments.
"At the same time, I am really interested in doing business. So, it could be an opportunity for me to gain real business knowledge while earning an income," she said.
According to her, she faced several challenges throughout her business, including time constraints which sometimes made it difficult for her to divide time.
"I used to hold a position as one of the student leaders. At that time, it was quite difficult for me to manage my time between lectures, meetings, programs and doing business," she said.
She said the income she earned from selling burgers was not very large, between about RM600 to RM700 a month, which was enough to support her life on campus.
"The income is used for my daily needs including buying food, renting a vehicle, buying petrol, dorm room needs, buying reference books and saving a little for emergencies.
"Alhamdulillah, throughout my business, I have received good feedback. In fact, my parents know that I am doing business on campus and they also support this effort," she said.
She advised students who are facing the same situation not to be shy about finding a side job or starting a business. - December 3, 2025
