Volunteering offers essential help to worthwhile causes, people in need and the wider community. Many organisations and charities rely on the generosity of volunteers, as often they are only part-funded through government or local councils and cannot afford the costs of their services. They depend almost solely upon teams of volunteers to help them thrive and do their work.
Not only does offering your time to a good cause help people who need it most, but volunteering will also allow you to:
- acquire new skills
- boost your CV and,
- even get some extra qualifications.
Volunteering:
- makes a positive difference to people’s lives
- improves your self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing
- gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience
- can provide you with high quality training and the opportunity to develop new skills
- allows you to use existing skills and knowledge to benefit the local community
- provides the opportunity to meet new people from a range of backgrounds
- enables you to feel valued and part of a team, and
- changes the way things work for the better.
What kind of volunteering can you get involved in?
There are many types of volunteering opportunities, from the length and duration to the type of work you can do and the kind of charity you support.
Below, we outline the typical commitments that people make to charities. It is important that you find or negotiate something that fits into your studies, or part-time work you may have alongside other personal responsibilities.
Some charities may require specific support, such as shop assistants, fundraisers or befriending, which may occur at specific times. However, other organisations may also be willing to listen to what skills and experiences you have to offer - such as marketing, social media of specific skill-based activities.
Part-time
If you are looking to fit volunteering around university studies or other commitments, you can always take on a part-time role, from as little as a few hours a month. These may be more structured in their times and tasks, such as supporting regular evening or weekend activities or working within a shop.
Casual and micro volunteering
If you do not have the time to commit to regular hours, but do want to volunteer for a particular organisation when you can, you could always ask to keep it casual or request that they contact you at any time that they need assistance. It may be that you are able to be a representative of the charity at events, offer fundraising support or create small digital resources and campaign materials.
Online volunteering and charity ambassadors
You can even volunteer from the comfort of your own home. Some charities will have opportunities where you can offer support online or over the phone. These may also be as an ambassador where you actively promote and raise awareness of the work of the charity, their campaigns and causes.
One-offs
If you do not feel able to commit to a set number of hours each week, that is ok! You will still find lots of one-off volunteering activities where you can help out. These are sometimes known as 'speed volunteering' opportunities. A lot of these opportunities may be supporting events (such as marathons).
University societies
You may not even realise it, but running a university society (including a YSJ society!) or sitting on the committee of one, counts as volunteering, as does mentoring new students.
Types of volunteering roles
There are many roles you can get involved in, each with their own unique impact within the charity and the work they do. Here is a range of the common roles you may find here in York:
- Fundraising
- Being a trustee
- Giving tours and historical information
- Supporting or running events
- Befriending
- Giving advice, guidance or information
- Monitoring and conserving wildlife
- Giving first aid
- Providing legal help
- Marketing
- Creative support
- Caring for animals
- Campaigning and raising awareness
- Supporting community allotments
- Working with children
- Supporting local clubs and workshops
- Collecting, sorting and organising donations
- Retail
- In-person support.
But do not be afraid to think beyond these. You might have an idea about a project that could benefit a Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisation, so contact them and make a speculative application. Sometimes, smaller more “creative” or time-consuming projects end up further down the list of an organisations’ priorities – do not be afraid to offer behind-the-scenes support such as web content or data analytics.
Skills that volunteering can provide you with
The lack of meaningful work experience opportunities often leaves students feeling as though they do not have the right skills to enter the graduate market. Often, volunteering opportunities enable you to work with a wide variety of people with their own experiences and skills, while getting involved in new situations that enable you to grow and learn. Here are some examples of the transferable (soft) skills that you can develop while volunteering:
Effective communication
Communication is the cornerstone of any successful organisation and the work they do. Working with diverse groups of people within the VCSE sector, you have the opportunity to observe a variety of ways in which ideas are clearly conveyed, whether it is to other volunteers, trustees or the service users. As a volunteer, you will be able to develop a variety of communication and active listening skills to use in various situations appropriately. Effective communication builds trust and fosters collaboration, a skill which is needed within all future roles you find yourself in.
Time management
As a volunteer, time is a valuable resource, and the organisation will support you to ensure that you can dedicate enough time and utilise this efficiently to make a meaningful impact. Balancing your personal commitments with your volunteer work requires excellent time management skills. Working with other volunteers in new environments allows you to experience ways to plan and prioritise your tasks, while maintaining a balance that is effective for yourself. Remember - being punctual and reliable shows respect for both your fellow volunteers and the community you are serving.
Adaptability and flexibility
Volunteering often involves working in dynamic and unpredictable environments. Experiencing these environments develops your ability to be adaptable and flexible, tackling challenges and adjusting to changes in circumstances in a calm and considered manner. Volunteering will allow you to observe how others embrace the unexpected. View it as an opportunity to learn and grow personally, providing you with a solid foundation when you find yourself in similar situations.
Problem-solving
When volunteering, you will likely encounter various problems that require creative solutions, enabling you to:
- develop strong problem-solving skills
- think critically, and
- find innovative ways to address issues effectively.
Volunteering is a sector that widely embraces a solution-orientated mindset and being resourceful in overcoming obstacles.
Teamwork and collaboration
Volunteering is rarely a solitary pursuit. Working effectively within a team is essential for achieving collective goals. There is usually an emphasis on cooperation, respect and open communication with your volunteer group. When individuals with diverse skills come together, the impact of their efforts multiplies as they are able to share these skills.
Empathy and compassion
Empathy and compassion are at the heart of volunteer work. Understanding the struggles and joys of those you are assisting fosters a deeper connection and a more profound sense of purpose. Often, working in the VCSE sector will help you to build meaningful relationships that make a difference and allow you to understand the differences, backgrounds of, and experiences that people have been through to shape their lives, making you a more understanding and considerate member of society.
Organisational skills
Whether you are assisting in an event or helping with administrative tasks, having strong organisational skills is crucial. Working with diverse team members exposes you to a variety of organisational systems that you can adopt and embrace to your own benefit. Staying organised helps ensure that every aspect of your volunteer work runs smoothly and efficiently, maximising the impact of your efforts.
Continuous learning
As a volunteer, you are likely to encounter new challenges and opportunities for growth. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, seeking out new knowledge and skills that can enhance your ability to serve others effectively. There are often the opportunities to attend workshops, webinars or training sessions related to your volunteer work to stay up to date with best practices.
Emotional resilience
Volunteering may evoke strong emotions, both positive and challenging. If the work you engage in is emotionally demanding, you should be supported in developing emotional resilience allowing you to navigate the highs and lows of your volunteer journey while maintaining your commitment to making a difference. Make sure you take care of your emotional well-being to be a pillar of support for those you support.
Positive attitude
A positive attitude is contagious and can inspire those around you. Approaching your volunteer work with enthusiasm and optimism, knowing that your efforts, no matter how small, contribute to a greater cause. Positivity uplifts spirits and encourages others to join the movement of giving back.
Confidence
Stepping outside of your comfort zone is the best way to improve your confidence, and volunteering is a great way to do this! The new opportunities, new environments and new people may be scary at the start, but you will gain confidence over time. Working in a diverse team will allow you to collaborate with others who can share tips and knowledge on how to build your confidence in a supportive environment.
Working with stakeholders
Every time you volunteer, you will be expected to deliver helpful and friendly customer service as a representative of the organisation. This might be as simple as offering a friendly smile or going out of your way to help answer a question for a member of the public. Experience of working with customers and clients is a wonderful skill that is transferable to a multitude of roles.
Perseverance
As rewarding as being a volunteer can be, you may occasionally encounter challenging tasks, situations or days where you may want to quit and head home. Pushing through and finishing the job at hand (by asking for support where and when needed) will be a great lesson in perseverance, and your efforts will not go unnoticed. The more situations that require perseverance, the more patient, understanding and supportive you can be in future situations.
IT skills and digital literacy
Many organisations use different platforms from communication to data collection. Often you will be trained on how to use these effectively against the organisations policies, but basic skills and understanding of how to best utilise these are key to most job roles.
Leadership
Taking initiative is what leadership is all about, and one of the skills learned from volunteering that you will have plenty of chance to develop. Leadership is a skill that is developed, refined and practiced through a variety of experiences and situations. Volunteering brings a variety of people from across the community together, some of whom may be able to share their skills, enabling you to become a more confident and versatile leader.
Creativity
Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. From making children laugh with a simple ball game, to designing posters for a non-profit event, creativity is a volunteer skill that you will always need. Working with a variety of people in different environments and situations will allow you to pick up on ideas and ways to work on tasks and projects.
Things to consider when volunteering
Be realistic with your time and energy. Do not over commit or promise too much to an organisation that you are unable to deliver on. Start small and build from there.
If you have started volunteering and you feel it is not working out, let the organisation know! You do not need to provide them with a reason, nor do you have a notice period to work, but the more advance warning you are able to give them, the better.
Working as a volunteer can be demanding and draining. Ensure that you are looking after yourself both physically and mentally. Do not try to be a hero at the expense of your own health. Speak to the volunteer manager, team leader or our own wellbeing team for support.
What you can expect as a volunteer
Despite not being paid for your volunteering work, you should still expect a basic level of support from the charity or organisation. Before starting, check with them regarding the following:
Who will your supervisor be? Who do you report to?
- Are there regular opportunities to meet with this person?
What will the role entail, and what are the expectations of you in the role?
- Is this covered in a volunteer agreement?
What training or support with be provided for you to ensure you are successful in the role?
- How is this delivered?
Volunteer agreement
Most charities and organisations will have some form of a volunteer agreement. Its purpose is to serve as an overview of the role you are being asked to do. You are going to be working there unpaid, so it is important that you at least have a clear idea of what is ahead of you so that you can help to the best of your ability.
Supervisor or volunteer manager
Do not be afraid to ask if there is something you are unsure or unhappy about. You should have a supervisor within the organisation that you can talk to about all aspects of your volunteering experience. If you are in doubt, turn to the Volunteer Manager to ask who is best placed to answer your queries.
Training and support
Training does not have to take the form of an official programme, but you should feel confident that you know what you are doing. It may be that you are asked to complete online units, or you may shadow a more experienced worker for a while. Each organisation and role will require different training and support. You should not be asked to do things that you have not been trained on or you feel you lack the skills and knowledge in. Never do anything you feel uncomfortable with.
Volunteer agreement
As a volunteer, you are not protected by legislation such as the Employment Rights Act 1996 or the Equality Act 2010. As such, you should not be asked to sign a legally binding contract between yourself and the organisation you will be volunteering for. Please note - this is different to a Volunteer Agreement or Code of Conduct.
Finding volunteer opportunities
There are plenty of places you can find volunteering opportunities, but our top 3 for students are as follows:
Handshake
All of the VCSE sector organisations that you find on Handshake have been approved by York St John University. We have ensured that they are appropriate opportunities for you to engage in, and that all due diligence has been done.
York CVS (York students)
York Centre for Voluntary Service (York CVS) is an independent charity; supporting and championing York’s VCSE sector to make positive change, challenge issues and grow new ideas for the future to strengthen communities. They are usually the first point of call for local charities and advertise opportunities all year as well as hosting fair and events.
Information for International Students
As an international student in the UK, volunteering can also help you:
- connect with local communities
- improve your English language skills, and
- build your confidence.
Unlike paid work, volunteering typically has fewer visa restrictions, making it an accessible option for many students.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering can benefit both your personal development and future career. It allows you to:
- gain experience in different roles or sectors
- build transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication
- meet new people and expand your network
- enhance your CV with evidence of commitment and initiative, and
- make a meaningful contribution to causes you care about.
How to find volunteering opportunities
Use York St John University’s Volunteering or Careers Service
The Careers and Student Opportunities team at York St John University London Campus can help you:
- find flexible volunteering opportunities
- build your skills, and
- enhance your CV.
You can access tailored advice, local charity links, events, and roles through Handshake. These are all designed to support international students looking to contribute and connect with their local community.
- Search online volunteering platforms
Use trusted websites such as Do-it.org, and Reach Volunteering to explore roles in your local area or online. You can filter opportunities by interest area, location, and availability.
- Explore local charities and community groups
Many local charities are keen to engage volunteers. Sectors such as health, education, environmental work, and social care often welcome student volunteers. You could also contact local food banks, youth groups, or community centres.
- Enactus
Enactus is a student-led programme where you can volunteer on social impact projects, gaining real-world experience in leadership, teamwork, and innovation. It is a great way to build your CV, grow your confidence, and connect with like-minded students and industry mentors. Look for roles that match your career goals
Volunteering is an excellent way to gain sector-specific experience. If you are studying computing, for example, you might volunteer to support a charity’s IT systems or website. If you are interested in marketing, you could help with social media or content creation for a non-profit.
Making the most of volunteering
To maximise the value of your volunteer experience:
- keep a record of your hours and responsibilities
- reflect on what you have learned and how it relates to your career aspirations
- request references from your volunteer supervisors, and
- include your volunteering on your CV and in job applications.
Visa Considerations
Voluntary work
If you are doing voluntary work then you will usually have a written or oral contractual obligation to perform the work. You can do voluntary work if you are permitted to work on your Student visa, but this work and any paid work must not exceed the total number of hours you are permitted to work during term-time. For example if you are permitted to work 20 hours a week during term-time and have paid work of 15 hours a week, you will be permitted to do more than 5 hours of voluntary work.
If you are volunteering to do any work (for example at a charity), you must not have a written or oral contractual obligation to do the work and the role must not substitute a paid employee (this includes receiving payment in kind) unless you are being reimbursed for reasonable travel and subsistence expenses.
Conclusion
Volunteering is an excellent way for international students to:
- build skills
- meet people, and
- contribute positively during their time in the UK.
Whether you are supporting a cause close to your heart or gaining experience in your chosen field, volunteering can open doors to future opportunities and help you feel more connected to life in the UK.
Resources:
Handshake – York St John University careers platform: https://yorksj.joinhandshake.co.uk
Log in with your University email address to access part-time jobs, internships, volunteering roles, employer events, and book careers appointments.
Do-it.org: https://www.do-it.org
One of the UK’s largest volunteering platforms, with thousands of opportunities across the country.
Reach Volunteering: https://reachvolunteering.org.uk
Connects skilled volunteers with charities and social enterprises in need of professional expertise.
Student Hubs: https://www.studenthubs.org
Works in partnership with universities to provide students with meaningful volunteering opportunities and leadership experiences. Please remember this is a separate organisation to the York St John Student Hub!