As part of our Community Fair this year, we're organising a Big Help Out event to get students involved in local social causes. Have a look below to check out how to get involved and the different micro-volunteering activities available!
How to Get Involved
Come to the check-in desk in the UCL Main Quad at 10:00 on Friday 27 September with a smile and a willingness to help. You'll see us right by the main gates, beside the big white marquee. Look out for Molly with her Meeting Point banners - that's how you'll find us.
We’ll provide any necessary equipment e.g. tools for litter picking. Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Given the temperamental British weather - come on, it's not a surprise, right!! - we advise wearing a waterproof jacket or bringing an umbrella.
Come as a group, come on your own. It really doesn't matter. You will be part of something bigger and you definitely essential to making our inaugural Big Help Out one to remember!
| 10:00 | Start checking in with our friendly helpful team. Get your wrist band and find your group | Main quad, near main gates |
| 10:30 | Big Help Out Big Cheer. Get ready to leave in your groups, update Insta and take your selfies | Main quad, near main gates |
| 13:30 | Your reward! Come back to see us on campus to return your wristband and get your £10 voucher | Main quad, near marquee |
Cooking for a Cause with ZAD Cafe
Come together with fellow students to cook a delicious community meal for the residents of the nearby estate. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, share culinary skills, and make a meaningful impact right from the start of your university journey.
This event is about connecting with the local community, giving back, and fostering a sense of togetherness. By volunteering your time and energy, you’ll not only create a nourishing meal but also build bridges between students and residents, making the neighbourhood a warmer, more connected place for everyone.
Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger.
Centre 404
Roll up your sleeves and join us for a day of hands-on volunteering with Centre 404! Help them to prepare for their September Jumble Sale - you'll be baking biscuits and doing crafts with service users to contribute to their sale.
By volunteering, you'll not only help create a welcoming environment for everyone who uses the centre but also connect with fellow students and locals who share your passion for community service. It’s a fun, fulfilling way to get involved and make a real difference—plus, you’ll leave knowing you’ve helped set the stage for a great year ahead at the centre!
Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10, Reduced Inequalities.
GreenWalkers
As part of our commitment to creating a cleaner and greener campus, we’re excited to invite you to our GreenWalkers Litter-Picking Event. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, make a positive impact, and have fun while keeping our community beautiful!
Our Litter-Picking Event is all about fostering community spirit and environmental responsibility. This event aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment and to encourage sustainable practices amongst our UCL community. Together, we can make a tangible difference!
Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action.
What can I expect from these events?
- Meet Like-Minded People: Connect with fellow members of our UCL community who care about social action and are eager to make a positive impact.
- Get Active: Enjoy getting out and about, and take the time to explore what's available just outside UCL's doorstep.
- Feel-Good Vibes: Experience the satisfaction of giving back to your community and knowing you’re playing a part in making a difference.
After you've finished volunteering, you'll make your way back to main campus for 13:30 with your group, so you can catch the Community Fair, grab some lunch at one of our socially-conscious food vans, and be part of our Community Ceilidh!
We think volunteering should be rewarded. Therefore, as a thank you from your Student Social Impact team, you'll receive a £10 Shopping voucher when you meet us back at the Main Quad.
Have questions about the event or feeling a bit nervous? We've got you covered with our Q&A below to ensure you're well-informed and ready to make the most of the day.
- Can I just show up or do I need to book a ticket?
We ask that you book a ticket through this website so that we can anticipate numbers. Good news is, the tickets are free! All you have to do is sign-in or make an account through our Students' Union website and book a ticket here. But you can also show up on the day and if we have space, we'll get you in a group.
- What if I don't have anyone to come to the event with?
We get that it can be intimidating to come to an event alone. Our events are great spaces to meet new people and make friends! If you're nervous about coming alone, we will have our friendly members of staff at every event to welcome you and help you feel comfortable.
- Is the event free?
Yes! The event is free to attend. Just reserve a spot through our event page.
- Will my travel during the activity be reimbursed?
Yes! This is good volunteering practice. We'll send over details on how to get reimbursed after the event, you'll need to make sure you have a travel/oyster receipt as proof of travel.
UCL Main Quad is the same level as Gower Street entrance (main gate) and is fully wheelchair accessible. We are working with our community organisations and each has a different access profile: (i) Centre 404 is fully wheelchair accessible; (ii) GreenWalkers will be using accessible London transport e.g. buses or tube stops that have lifts and lowered platforms and will be using local parks and paths, and (iii) ZAD Cafe is partially accessible. While we aim to randomly assign people to the opportunities, we will absolutely ensure the most appropriate one is selected for you and your needs.