Moving to a new city, embarking on a degree, meeting new people left, right and centre - the start of term is full of changes, and you might not have thought about volunteerng yet. However, it's worth keeping in mind all the benefits volunteering can bring. Want to be better connected with other people? Looking to improve your wellbeing, or get some new insights to enrich your degree? Perhaps develop some new skills or boost that CV of yours? Or just get to know London better and make a difference to others? Volunteering will provide you with all this and more.
Here at the Students' Union we have our very own Volunteering Service, and we'd love for you to get involved!
How to get started
Why not have a browse of our online Opportunities Finder? It’s got around 300 different volunteering roles around London and online, with plenty of flexible roles that you can fit around your studies.
You can look for volunteering related to your degree, search for particular skills you'd like to build, see what’s within walking distance of UCL’s Halls of residence or find virtual volunteering,
The Volunteering Service is here to help you every step of the way. If you’re unsure about volunteering or have any questions, you can book in a chat with one of the team or get in touch by email.
There’s even an option to set up and run your own community project – with support, training and funding from our Student-led Volunteering team.
What do other UCL students say?
Kirsty Goodman, a volunteer with Age UK Camden, told us, “I am particularly grateful for the training I have received and regular weekly check ins with my volunteer coordinator, who has been so welcoming and conscious of the volunteers' wellbeing too, so I feel reassured knowing whenever I have any queries I can go straight to her for guidance.”
Sebastian Rudden, who volunteers with Action Tutoring, said, “It feels very rewarding, it enhances your skills, allows you to meet new people, see new places and contribute to something important to you.
Kleoniki Theodoridou volunteers online with British Red Cross’s Missing Maps project. She told us “Volunteering made me truly understand that you can make a difference to the lives of others, it makes you feel that you are a valued part of a team, and it can boost your skills in your academic and professional life.”
Find out more
Visit the Volunteering Service webpages to discover what's on offer or sign up for our weekly bulletin for the latest vacancies.