Xiaohongshu
Some problems don't need more volunteers. Others don't need more research.
They need fresh perspectives.
Through our solution-focused experiences, you'll work alongside charities, community organisations, and other students to understand challenges, explore different perspectives, and develop ideas that could make a real difference.
You don't need to be an expert. You just need curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to contribute.
Why take part?
Be an agent of change
Help shape ideas, recommendations, and solutions that organisations can take forward to take action and make positive social change.
Learn from people with lived experience
Work alongside people who understand the issue from a different perspective and bring your own knowledge and insights to the conversation.
Develop your thinking
Build confidence in problem-solving, teamwork, communication and idea generation. Learn to speak up in a low-stakes environment.
Work on problems that matter
Explore real issues facing communities, organisations, or society as a whole.
How does it work?
The Social Impact team work closely with local, national, and sometimes international non-profit organisations to develop a range of events for you to have true agency over the outcomes.
Together, we have provided you with the problem. It's up to you to contribute to the solution!
Every event is different of course but most involve:
- Hearing directly from organisations, communities, or beneficiaries
- Working in a group of students from all across UCL, at different levels of study
- Different perspectives and working out how to acknowledge and value these
- Working against the clock - you only have a defined amount of time
- Making suggestions and pitching to key stakeholders
- Regrouping and refining
It is not about having the right answer.
It's about combining different forms of knowledge to better understand a problem.
Is this right for me?
You might enjoying these opportunities if you:
- Like problem solving or puzzles
- Enjoy working with other people
- Are motivated by something with tangible benefits to others
- Have a competitive streak - you want your solution to be picked, right?!
- Want practical experience
What will you flex during these events?
By taking part, you could use and develop:
- Communication skills
- Epistemological humilty
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Confidence
- Professional experience