With 10th to 14th February being Student Volunteering Week, there’s no better time to get involved in volunteering.

Amidst the whirlwind of lectures, assignments, sports, societies, and socialising, an aspect of life at university which is often overlooked is the immense value of volunteering. Remember volunteering isn’t just about giving back to the community, there’s some much more to be gained too. 

Finding opportunities 

The first step to getting involved in volunteering is finding where to volunteer. 

A good place to start is the University’s Volunteer Hub. All of these activities help support the University community or local charities and not-for-profit organisations. 

The Students’ Union also has Student Action and Access All Areas: two volunteering arms which are both student-led. 

If you’re interested in volunteering in a local charity shop, especially those by the University Campus or in Withington and Didsbury, many advertise vacancies in their shop windows – just pop in and ask for an application form.

If there’s a particular sector you want to volunteer in or a charity that you think would suit you well, lots advertise directly on their websites, and if not, there’s no harm in reaching out. 

Benefits of volunteering 

In today’s job market, we all know that a strong CV is essential for securing employment during your studies as well as post-graduation. Volunteering offers the perfect opportunity to develop and hone a wide range of transferable skills, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Whether you’re leading a volunteer project, coordinating with team members, or strategizing fundraising initiatives, these experiences enhance your employability and set you apart.

Volunteering helps to bolster your experience and showcase a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement: two traits which are incredibly desirable by employers. 

By engaging in different volunteer opportunities, you can gain insights into various industries, professions, and causes. Whether it’s volunteering at a hospital, mentoring children, or managing a social media account, each experience provides valuable exposure and helps you clarify what career path you’d want to take. Gaining experience through volunteering allows you to do so in a real ‘hands-on’ approach. Additionally, volunteering often leads to networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with professionals in your field of interest and gain insights and advice.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Whether it’s fellow students, community members, or organisation leaders, volunteering brings together people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, united by a common goal. 

Time commitment of volunteering 

One common misconception about volunteering is that it takes up a lot of time and is an unsustainable commitment to have as a university student. Whilst this can be the case, and it’s important to recognise what you would be able to realistically commit to a volunteering activity, it does not have to be a fixed or long-term commitment. 

For example, at the moment, I’m volunteering virtually for a museum in London creating summaries of previously unheard oral testimonies. This opportunity has not only allowed me to gain experience in the arts, culture, and heritage sector, but also fits into my weekly schedule well. I have no fixed hours and instead am given the independence to complete my assigned work when I see best fit. 

The Volunteering Team at the University run Volunteering Days which are a perfect way to gain skills and hours whilst not committing to a project long-term. As part of Student Volunteering Week, you can get involved in Community Mapping (mapping remote settlements in Uganda to make it easier for healthcare and prosthetic limbs to be delivered) and cleaning and greening in Fallowfield. These opportunities are regularly advertised in the Volunteering Team’s monthly emails. 

Other roles on the Volunteering Hub usually have a minimum time commitment per week attached to them, so take a look and maybe test blocking out time in your calendar or timetable to see if this would work as part of your weekly schedule.

Stellify

Volunteering doesn’t just have to do good for the community, it is also recognised as a valuable part of your university experience, especially as the University views social responsibility as a core goal.

The Stellify Award gives you the chance to be recognised for making a difference in a way that feels authentic to you, your passions, and interests.

As part of Stellify, you must undertake 25 hours of community-facing volunteering to complete the ‘Making a Difference’ component of the undergraduate Stellify Award, and 10 hours if you are completing the Stellify Award for Masters students. 

There’s so much to be learnt and gained from volunteering – it’s well worth the time commitment, and this Student Volunteering week is a great chance to explore options and have a go. Take a look at the full schedule of events.