Sydney Sides graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in International Business and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She studied abroad twice during her time at UNCW, once in France and once in Switzerland. She is a member of Sigma Iota Rho, the International Studies Honor Society, as well as Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Business Honor Society. She graduated with an overall grade point average of 3.9.
Sydney attended West Rowan High School and interned at the Salisbury Post. Sydney is the daughter of Chris and Sonya Sides of Salisbury.