Flipping and selling clothes becomes a secondary source of income for non-youth allowance UOW students, as the continual battle with the cost of living leaves them struggling to “live their life normally.”

Markets and online websites such as Depop allow students to make quick cash when selling these items of clothing as it is described as “simple and easy.”

Porta Zinenko-Donelley is a first-year Arts student at the University of Wollongong and is a New Zealand resident leaving her unable to receive Youth Allowance from Centrelink. She has to cover her allowances with zero assistance from the government. 

“It is really difficult because I have to work for all my money,” she said.

“Clothes flipping is easier than getting another job.

“I like fashion and it is pretty therapeutic.

“I can see what will sell and I now have a keen eye for a brand.”

Zinenko-Donelley is among the countless students with a current status of permanent residency rather than citizenship. 

She is seen as a novice at the game compared to some, but her routine is already well-established. Zinenko-Donelley is able to turn over $500 profit a week selling clothes alone, not including her scheduled part-time job. 

20-year-old Arts and Communications and Media student Nell Fairclough runs market stalls every second weekend and either Glebe, Avoca or Narrabeen Markets, selling both personal and purchased pieces of clothing. 

“I am able to turn over $250 of profit a day,” she said.

“It is super fun and easy.

“I would highly recommend it.”

The pair are able to contribute to each other’s businesses as they now run a combined Depop account under the name of funk1finds.

This account allows for the girl’s knowledge and experience within the field to flourish as they now have numerous clients across the country asking for their pieces they find in the Wollongong op shops.