How to Volunteer In Your Community as a Student

Feeling the drag of boredom and craving some meaningful action in your life? The answer is volunteering! It's a way to make a positive impact on your community while boosting your mental well-being, and of course, kicking the boredom out of your system.

Not only has volunteering been linked to better mental health, but a whopping 69% of 18-24 year olds say that it's made them more employable. 

So, if you're looking for a way to give back and develop your own skills, here's our guide to getting started with volunteering in your community as a student. 

Before heading into the world of volunteering, it’s best to take a moment to figure out what suits you best. Consider your strengths – whether it's your ability to teach, interpersonal skills, retail experience, or maybe you’re growing your medical knowledge. 

By making a list of what matters to you and where your skills shine will help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity. After all, the best volunteering experiences are the ones that resonate with your values and as a result, you’ll be able to give the best output. 

Looking to channel your passion for education? Here are some fantastic ways to help in your local area:

You can become a mentor with ReachOut!, a national mentoring and education charity. Working in under-resourced areas, ReachOut! aims to build character and confidence in young people, creating positive change in individuals and society.

As a volunteer, you'll be committing two hours a week during term time to a ReachOut! project in your local area. You'll pair up with a young person who you'll work with weekly throughout the school year. You'll spend quality time with them, helping them with basic maths and English and taking part in fun, confidence-building group activities. As well as being a chance to make a lasting impact on a young person's life, it's a great way for students to volunteer in their community.

If online tutoring aligns better with your schedule and skills, check out volunteering with Access Project. 

All you have to do is sign up and you can help young people improve their grades and increase their chances of social mobility by dedicating just one hour a week to a subject you're good at. Your time can have a significant and lasting impact on a young person's future, providing them with valuable support and guidance.

Fancy being the hero Glasgow’s wildlife deserves? Explore Scottish Wildlife Trust for their Glasgow volunteer nature opportunities. There’s a whole host of opportunities for you to take part in. Thanks to their Young Leaders program, you can get a sneak peek into the art of protecting Glasgow’s natural wonders. Not only will you get major insight into what it takes to help the wildlife, but you’ll also be actively helping the local area. 

Of course, the fun doesn't stop at knowledge, you can roll up your sleeves and lead outdoor sessions for little kids, turning learning into a wild adventure. 

Ready to get into the exciting world of animal volunteering in Glasgow with the Scottish SPCA? This is the perfect opportunity for all animal-loving students looking for a rewarding experience. You won't just be working with the usual cats and dogs but with a wide range of animals. Whether you want to help out with the reception desk or work directly with the animals, there are loads of roles to suit your interests. Once accepted, you will be assigned a dedicated supervisor and trained to make sure you're ready to help out your new furry friends.

If you're a student nurse or a medical student and you're really passionate about making a difference in the industry – there are a number of routes you can explore.

The Royal Volunteering Service is a great hub for volunteering opportunities within the NHS. While we've only listed three ways below, there are a whole host of other types of volunteering you can do within the organisation.

You can become an on-ward volunteer. This involves sitting and talking with patients, giving them a little company during their stay in hospital. For someone going through a difficult time, your friendly presence can make all the difference.

 If you enjoy helping people and creating a positive atmosphere, consider becoming a meet-and-greet volunteer. This role involves offering a warm welcome to people coming to the hospital, giving them directions, and helping them find their way. By being the first friendly face they see, you can help turn what’s often a stressful situation into a better one. 

If you’re looking for volunteering jobs in Scotland as a medical student, we highly recommend heading over to the NHS Scotland website. 
 

Much like, the Royal Volunteering Service, NHS Scotland has a wealth of opportunities weathering you’re looking to be volunteering in Glasgow or wherever you study. 

If you’ve got a keen interest in mental health services, we suggest volunteering with AnxietyUK. You’ll be able to join their helpline as a volunteer, offering much-needed support to people dealing with anxiety. They’ll require you to work with them for a minimum of 4 hours per week, and you have the flexibility to volunteer from the comfort of your home. If it doesn't fit in with your term time schedule, it's still a great way to get involved during a break in your uni studies.

Passionate about the housing crisis? Here are some charities with volunteering opportunities to help you play a part in decreasing the housing crisis. 

You can help tackle the pressing issue of homelessness by joining Shelter UK's volunteering programme. Whether you work in Shelter shops, fundraise on the streets or work directly with rough sleepers, your efforts can have a significant impact on fighting the homelessness crisis in local community.

Shelter also has branches in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland—ideal for uni students volunteering in Glasgow. This means you can get stuck in and help the people in your community while making a meaningful impact on housing-related issues.

Simply apply through Shelter’s website, to get your volunteering on!

Consider volunteering with Healthwatch, an organisation with branches across the UK. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in making a positive difference to health and social care services across the country which include homelessness. You can attend community events, and hear directly from people about their needs plus gain valuable office experience.

There’s nothing better than helping your peers. You can head over to your university’s union website for some student volunteer opportunities, but here’s our top pick for those who wish to volunteer in Glasgow: 

If you're studying in Glasgow, consider making a meaningful impact on your fellow students' lives by volunteering with Glasgow Students NightLine. Designed for and by students, this charity provides a crucial support system for students and means that as a student Glasgow volunteer,  you’ll be helping peers. Whether they need someone to talk to about university life, personal challenges, or anything in between, as a volunteer you’ll be offering a much-needed non-judgmental space.

While their current intake is closed, keep an eye out for the reopening in spring 2024. 

The impact you make in your community can last far beyond your student years. Volunteering is a lifelong journey, a continuous source of personal growth and a way to leave a lasting mark on your community. Whether you're tutoring, supporting healthcare, conserving nature or tackling social challenges, the power of your contribution is immeasurable.

Ready for university life in Glasgow? Let Novel's Glasgow student accommodation and warm community help you get ready. Book your place today for a university experience filled with memories.