There are four main types of freelancers: independent freelancers, moonlighters, diversified freelancers, and temporary freelancers. Popular freelancing platforms include Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Presto, and Guru.com. Fiverr was founded in 2010 and allows services to start at $5, while Upwork and Freelancer.com connect businesses and freelancers for projects and bids. Being a student freelancer offers professional independence, flexibility, and potential economic advantages in fields like translation, analysis, design, development, and more, though isolation and lack of work-life balance are potential downsides.