Juggling a degree and a part-time job can take up a lot of time. So it might be possible that you have pushed any ideas of volunteering to one side. However, volunteering doesn’t have to take up loads of your free time. Even a few hours a week can make the world of difference. Not only will you be contributing to a good cause that you are passionate about; it will also make you stand out to employers. Volunteering is far more than the traditional route of working in your local charity shop. There are lots of different opportunities to be found as a student that you may not have considered.
Look For Opportunities At Job Centres
If you are new to university, you might not be familiar with all the charities and shops in the area that may be on the look out for help. Taking a look online (Indeed.com is usually my go-to) and filtering opportunities down to your local area can open many doors. This method usually works best for discovering volunteering roles within the retail sector. However, other companies that relate to your career prospects may have unpaid internship or volunteering roles for you to apply for. You will never know if you don’t try.
Volunteer At University Events
Chances are that your university will host lots of open days and events that they will need help running. My university puts on a festival in the summer that student volunteers organise. There are also several opportunities throughout the year to work at one-off events or for a couple of hours here and there. While this is unpaid work, it provides you with some valuable skills. It can also make for a satisfying moment of achievement, knowing that you’ve put aside hours of your free time to help others.
Check Your Emails
Students tend to get inundated with lots of emails from their university. Most of these will often be glanced at before never being thought about again. However, I always take time to read carefully through all of them (it’s become quite an exciting part of my day) as my uni usually sends out links to both internal and external volunteering opportunities. It’s a bonus if your own department sends you an opportunity as it is most likely going to be something related to your course. I was sent an email about becoming a National Literacy Trust Champion and, as an English student, jumped at the chance to get involved!
Check Out Student Societies
Student societies also include volunteering organisations. They will usually hold regular meet ups and organise charity events which all help those in your local community. My university has opportunities to walk dogs from the local dog shelter and visit local care homes. All these opportunities can be rewarding and you are never committed to the role. You can dip in and out as you see fit, working around other commitments. This also means that you have nothing to lose. If a certain project or opportunity isn’t for you, then you can always change your mind.
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