A great way of socialising, bulking up your CV and giving back to your local community, volunteering is incredibly rewarding. Here’s how you can get in on some of that action while at uni, without disrupting your studies!
St John’s Ambulance
Particularly if you’re a medical student, volunteering for St John’s Ambulance can teach you life-saving skills while helping you flourish in a new network of people.
Based in University First Aid Societies, St John’s Student Volunteers are everywhere! If your uni doesn’t have a First Aid Society, don’t worry, get in touch with St John’s and they can help you set one up. As this programme is specifically made with students in mind, it means that it is incredibly flexible around your deadlines.
Theatre Ushering
Volunteering as a theatre usher can be a fab way of meeting new people and experiencing local artists for free. Once you’re in the theatre, you will also be able to switch off from uni work for a few hours. Check with your local theatre to see if this is an option for you.
Languages Café/Group
Many universities offer languages cafés for international students or refugees, to give them the opportunity to practice natural English in a safe space. Check to see if your university is a University of Sanctuary, as these often go hand in hand.
To volunteer in a languages café you won’t necessarily have to travel as they are often held on-site. This is a great position to consider if you are going into teaching!
University-specific
If you’re struggling to find opportunities, universities will sometimes have their own volunteer portal that provides volunteers to local organisations. For example, this is Swansea University’s.
This would be advertised at your university’s Freshers’ Fair, or if you ask at your student union/library, they should be able to give you more information.
Happy volunteering!
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