Volunteering for students is a perfect opportunity for you to develop your skills in a relaxed and flexible environment. All the while you can be hugely beneficial to your community.

We’ll take a look at what volunteering is and the benefits of volunteering. We’ll also mention some ways you can volunteer your time and help your local community.

 

What is Volunteering?

Volunteering is any form of work you do for free. It involves giving your time and labour to organisations or individual people who might need help but can’t afford to hire somebody. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and support the people within it.

Volunteer work is very popular with students as it’s easy to do around your school or university timetable. Students aged between 16 and 24 are one of the most likely age groups to volunteer according to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. It can be as little as a couple of hours a week, and the duration of your volunteering is up to you.

Unlike a permanent job, you have much more flexibility around when you want to start and stop doing it. Therefore, it is an excellent option if you don’t feel you have the time to commit to a job. However, volunteering is open to all kinds of people and can easily fit all sorts of schedules.

In 2020/21, 16.3 million people in the UK volunteered through a group, club or organisation. this proves just how popular it is and how beneficial it can be to the community.

 

Benefits of Volunteering for Students

Volunteering has so many benefits. Not only does it benefit the places where you volunteer, but it’s also beneficial for your own personal growth and development. Some of the main benefits of volunteering include:

Helping

By volunteering, you are helping to make a difference in society and improving the lives of others who need extra care and support. It’s an enriching experience and helps to develop your empathy and understanding toward others.

Experience

Volunteering is a great way to get experience in a job or industry that you might want to work in. You can get a feel for the job and decide if it’s for you without committing to a permanent position. While volunteering, you may even discover your new passion and find a career you want to pursue. Volunteering can also improve your student CV.

Transferable Skills

Timekeeping, teamwork, organisation, and communication are just some of the many skills you will develop while volunteering. These transferable skills will be of great benefit to you as you enter the job market. Transferable skills like these boost your CV and make job applications stand out from the crowd. They show employers that you are committed and already have experience in a working environment.

Sociable

Volunteering for students can be a great way to meet other young people, especially those with similar career goals. It can be a very sociable and fun environment to work. In turn, you can make lifelong friends and practice your networking skills.

 

Ways to Volunteer

There are so many ways your can volunteer your time to help others. Some of the most common types of volunteering include:

Charity Shops

Charity shops across the country are always looking for volunteers. You can work with them for as little as an hour a week. With all proceeds of the shop going to their chosen charity, you play a crucial role in helping that charity complete its mission. Some of the most popular charity shops include Oxfam, Shelter, Mind, and Cancer Research. Information about volunteering can be found on their websites.

Within Your School or University

There can be many convenient and accessible volunteering options in your school and university. These can be a great way to meet other people you are studying with and get more out of your education. Options can include running groups and societies such as art and drama, helping with sports clubs, and student newspapers.

Local Community

Many people opt to volunteer in their local area in the form of groups and services providing vital support for the community. These include food banks, childcare groups, creative groups for young people, and help with the elderly. This is an excellent option for people who want to volunteer locally and help the people in their community. Information can be found on community websites, local government websites, and in community centres.

 

Key Takeaways

Volunteering is a win-win. Not only are you offering much-needed help and support to people and organisations who need it, but you’re also gaining valuable skills and experience for your future career.

There are countless ways you can volunteer your time. From schools to charity shops to homes for the elderly, there will always be a place for anyone who wants to make a difference.

Be sure to keep your CV up-to-date and keep track of all of the new skills you acquire during your time volunteering. This will be hugely beneficial when preparing for interviews with potential employers in the future.