4 Great Volunteering Ideas for Students

Discover impactful volunteer opportunities and enrich your university experience.

Student Volunteering Week has shone a spotlight on the myriad ways students can contribute to their communities, debunking the stereotype of the inactive student. Across the country, thousands of inspirational student volunteers are making a difference, from cleaning green spaces to engaging with Youth Theatre.

Here are four excellent examples of how students can get involved in volunteering:

1. Teaching

Volunteering in education provides a profound opportunity to make a difference. Organizations like Jacari connect university students with local children who do not speak English as their first language. By tutoring, students like Sarah from the University of Oxford can directly impact a child’s educational journey, enhancing their prospects and making learning fun.

2. Youth Parliament

Engaging with civic initiatives such as the UK Youth Parliament empowers students to participate in meaningful discussions about youth engagement and democracy. For instance, Poppie from the University of Birmingham shared her experiences of running workshops in Libya, highlighting the incredible cultural exchange and learning opportunities.

3. Supporting Older People

Volunteering with organizations like North London Cares offers students the chance to combat loneliness among the elderly. Activities such as film clubs and the ‘Love Your Neighbour’ scheme allow students like Jen from University College London to provide companionship and support to isolated individuals in their community.

4. Outdoor Pursuits

Engaging in outdoor volunteer activities, such as those at Drum Hill Scout Camp, can be incredibly rewarding. Students like Matthew from the University of Oxford spend their holidays helping to create enjoyable camping experiences for young people, while also learning valuable skills in teamwork and public interaction.

Explore more volunteer opportunities for students and see how you can make a difference in your community.

Discover More

• 4 great volunteering ideas for students
• 6 perfect opportunities to do good during Student Volunteering Week
• Let’s continue to champion student volunteering during tough economic times
• Student Volunteering Week: volunteering provides some of the most valuable university experiences
• We are supporting Student Volunteering Week 2012
• Volunteers’ Week 2016 - Is volunteering the answer?