Student Volunteering

Why students volunteer

University and college life comes with plenty of demands. Between lectures, coursework, part time jobs and social commitments, free time can feel scarce. Yet a significant number of students still choose to add volunteering to their schedules.

The reasons vary. Some want to gain practical experience before entering the job market. Others are drawn to particular causes or communities. Many simply want to do something useful with a few spare hours each week.

Whatever the motivation, volunteering during your studies can offer genuine benefits. It is not about selflessness alone. There are practical advantages that may help you both during your time as a student and after you graduate.

If you have ever wondered whether fitting in voluntary work is worth the effort, this article sets out what you might expect and how to get started.

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What you can gain from volunteering

One of the most straightforward benefits is experience. Many students finish their courses with strong academic results but limited exposure to real working environments. Volunteering can help fill that gap.

You might gain experience in teamwork, communication, problem solving or time management. These are the kinds of skills that employers tend to look for, and having examples to draw on can make a difference when writing applications or preparing for interviews.

Volunteering can also help you test ideas about your future career. If you are considering a particular field, spending time in a related organisation can give you a clearer picture of whether it suits you. This applies across sectors, from health and social care to education, conservation, legal advice, arts and culture, or community support.

Beyond career considerations, volunteering often introduces you to people you would not otherwise meet. You may work alongside people of different ages, backgrounds and experiences. For students who are new to an area or looking to expand their social circle, this can be a welcome change from the usual university environment.

There is also a sense of purpose that can come from contributing to something outside your own studies. This is harder to measure, but many students report that volunteering gives them a feeling of balance or perspective during what can be an intense period of life.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Finding the right opportunity

Most universities and colleges have a volunteering service or student union team that can help you find suitable placements. These services often hold lists of local organisations looking for volunteers and can match you with roles that fit your interests and availability.

Do-it.org is a useful platform for searching volunteering opportunities across the UK. You can filter by location, cause or type of activity. Volunteering Matters also runs programmes that connect volunteers with community projects. Some roles require regular weekly hours, while others are one off events or short term projects. Since the pandemic, virtual volunteering has also become more common, offering flexibility for students who cannot commit to in person roles.

Consider what you can realistically commit to. A few hours a week may be manageable during term time, but you might need to pause during exam periods. Most organisations understand that student volunteers have other priorities and will work with you to find a schedule that fits.

It is worth thinking about what kind of experience you want. Roles vary widely. You might be helping at a local food bank, supporting visitors at a museum, assisting with admin at a charity, mentoring younger students or helping run community events. Some roles involve direct contact with people in need, while others are more behind the scenes.

If you have a particular skill or interest, you may be able to find a role that uses it. Students studying languages, IT, marketing or law sometimes find volunteer positions where they can apply what they are learning.

Some students face additional barriers to volunteering. If you have a disability or caring responsibilities, it is worth asking organisations directly about flexibility and accessibility. Many charities actively work to make their volunteering roles inclusive, and your university's volunteering service may be able to point you towards suitable options.

Practical points to keep in mind

Before you start, make sure you understand what is expected. Ask about the time commitment, any training you will receive and who you will report to. A good organisation will give you a clear outline of your role and provide support as you go.

You should not normally be asked to pay to volunteer. Travel expenses are sometimes reimbursed, though this varies. Volunteering does not affect student finance from Student Finance England, Wales, Northern Ireland or SAAS in Scotland. If you receive means tested benefits, the rules are more complex and depend on the type and hours of activity. GOV.UK provides guidance on volunteering and benefits, and it is sensible to check before committing to regular hours.

Some roles require a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, particularly those involving children or vulnerable adults. The organisation will usually arrange this at no cost to you. The process can take a few weeks, so allow time before you can begin. If you continue volunteering over several years, you may need to update your DBS status, so ask the organisation about their requirements for ongoing checks.

Volunteering experiences can vary. Choosing a placement carefully and being clear about expectations from the start will help ensure it is worthwhile for you. If a role is not working out, it is reasonable to speak up or step back. You are giving your time freely, and it should be spent in a way that feels useful.

Keep a record of what you do. When it comes to job applications or further study, being able to describe your volunteering clearly can strengthen your position. Note down the tasks you carried out, any responsibilities you held and what you learned from the experience. If you want to understand the difference your contribution made, ask the organisation whether they track volunteer impact or can provide feedback on your work.

Finally, think about what you want to take from the experience as well as what you give. Volunteering tends to work well when there is genuine benefit on both sides, but this depends on finding the right fit and being realistic about what you can offer. If you approach it with some thought about your own goals, you are more likely to find it rewarding.

Student volunteering is not about adding pressure to an already busy schedule. It is about finding a manageable way to gain experience, meet people and contribute to something beyond your coursework. For many students, even a few hours a month can make a noticeable difference.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Volunteer Role Finder lets you answer a few questions about your interests, skills, and availability and get matched with the types of volunteering that suit you best. Whether you want to work with people, animals, or the environment, we will find your ideal role. Try it now →