Volunteers’ Week: Everything That Students Need to Know

For many students, university life is a busy mix of lectures, deadlines, part-time work, friendships, budgeting and planning for the future.

Yet, alongside all of this, volunteering can be one of the most rewarding ways to make university life feel more meaningful. Volunteers’ Week, which takes place every year from 1 to 7 June, is a national moment to celebrate the contribution of volunteers and encourage more people to get involved.

For students, it is also a timely reminder that volunteering is not just about helping others, although that is at the heart of it. It can also help build confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing, expand social circles and strengthen future career prospects.

What Is Volunteers’ Week?

Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide celebration of the people who give their time, energy and skills to support charities, community groups, local causes and national campaigns.

It recognises the millions of volunteers who help keep communities moving, from food banks and youth clubs to environmental projects, care initiatives, university societies and fundraising events.

For students, the week is a chance to learn more about volunteering opportunities both on and off campus.

Many universities, student unions and local organisations use the week to spotlight projects that need support, thank existing volunteers and host events that encourage students to try something new.

Whether studying at the University of Leicester, Nottingham Trent University, Cardiff University, the University of Birmingham, Leeds Beckett University, Newcastle University or elsewhere in the United Kingdom, students are often surrounded by opportunities to make a difference.

The challenge is not always finding a cause, but knowing where to start.

Why Volunteering Matters for Students

Volunteering can be especially valuable during university years because it offers experience beyond the classroom.

For some students, it provides a welcome break from academic pressure. For others, it is a way to feel more connected to the local community, especially if they have moved away from home.

It can also be useful for employability. Employers often value real-world experience, teamwork, communication, reliability and initiative. Volunteering can help students demonstrate these qualities with genuine examples.

A student who has helped run a charity event, supported a community project or mentored younger pupils can often speak more confidently in job interviews than someone who only has academic achievements to discuss.

However, volunteering does not need to be treated purely as a career move. The best experiences often come from choosing something personally meaningful. This might include working with children, supporting older people, helping animals, contributing to sustainability projects, assisting refugees, joining mental health campaigns or helping with cultural events.

How Students Can Get Involved

A good first step is to check what is available through the university or students’ union. Many universities have volunteering teams, societies or dedicated online portals listing local opportunities.

Students at larger city universities, such as the University of Manchester, University of Bristol or University College London, may find a wide range of charity partnerships and community-led projects close to campus.

Students can also look beyond university. Local councils, libraries, community centres, food banks, hospices, environmental groups and sports clubs often welcome volunteers.

Some roles may be regular, such as volunteering every Wednesday afternoon, while others may be one-off opportunities, such as helping at a charity fun run, festival, clean-up day or awareness campaign.

There are also remote volunteering options. These may include social media support, writing, research, mentoring, translation, admin tasks or digital fundraising. This can be useful for students with busy timetables, mobility needs or caring responsibilities.

What Type of Volunteering Should Students Choose?

The right opportunity depends on the student’s interests, schedule and goals. A medical student might be interested in hospital volunteering or mental health support charities. A law student might explore community advice projects.

A marketing student might help a charity with social media or campaign planning. A student studying education could volunteer with literacy schemes, youth groups or tutoring programmes.

That said, volunteering does not need to match a degree subject. Sometimes, the most refreshing experiences come from doing something completely different. A student spending most of their week in lectures and libraries may enjoy outdoor conservation work. Someone studying a technical subject may find confidence and communication skills through community events or mentoring.

Students should also be realistic about time. During exam season, it may be better to choose a short-term or flexible role. Over summer, some students may have more capacity to take on regular volunteering, especially if they are staying in their university city.

How Students Can Spread Awareness During Volunteers’ Week

Not every student needs to volunteer immediately to support Volunteers’ Week.

Spreading awareness can also make a difference. Students can share posts from charities, promote university volunteering events, attend talks, invite friends to join a project or use social media to highlight causes they care about.

Student societies can also play a role. A sports club, cultural society or academic society could organise a fundraising challenge, community clean-up, donation drive or volunteering day.

Even small actions can help bring more attention to local causes.

For students living in shared accommodation, Volunteers’ Week could also be a good time to think about community responsibility. This might mean donating unwanted clothes before moving out, supporting a local food bank, taking part in a litter pick or helping neighbours with a local initiative.

Things to Know Before You Start

Before signing up, students should check what the role involves, how much time is expected and whether any training is needed. Some roles, especially those involving children, vulnerable adults or healthcare settings, may require a DBS check.

This is normal and helps keep people safe.

Students should also ask about expenses. Many charities reimburse travel costs, but not all do. It is worth checking in advance, especially for students managing tight budgets.

Most importantly, students should choose reputable organisations and avoid roles that feel unclear, exploitative or poorly organised. Good volunteering should be purposeful, respectful and properly supported.

A Chance to Give Back and Grow

Volunteers’ Week is a celebration, but it is also an invitation.

For students, it offers a chance to step outside the usual rhythm of university life and contribute to something bigger. Whether that means giving one hour, joining a long-term project or simply helping raise awareness, every contribution has value.

From Leicester to Leeds, Cardiff to Newcastle, and Birmingham to Bristol, student communities have the energy, creativity and compassion to make a real difference.

Volunteers’ Week is the perfect reminder that helping others can also help students grow, connect and feel more at home in the places where they study.