Discover the amazing benefits of volunteering

Volunteering is more than just giving your time, it's an opportunity to grow personally and professionally, connect with others and make a positive impact.

Did you know that volunteering can help you to:

Boost your employability prospects by:

• Gaining practical experience and transferable skills such as teamwork, time management and communication
• Enhancing your CV and applications to stand out to future employers
• Road testing career paths 

Enrich your university experience by:

• Making new friends and meeting like-minded people
• Having fun
• Making the most of your spare time 

Make a difference by:

• Contributing to causes you're passionate about 
• Helping to create a positive impact through one-off, short term or regular volunteering

Boost mental wellbeing:

• Studies show that volunteering can reduce stress and improve mood
• Gain a sense of purpose and fulfilment by helping others

Discover new perspectives:

• Learn about different cultures, communities, and gain rewarding life experiences.
• Broaden your worldview and expand your personal and professional network

Don’t just take our word for it, see what University of Leicester student volunteers have to say about their volunteering experiences:

“I’ve really enjoyed being in the classroom environment hearing the children laugh, supporting their learning, and simply being part of their day-to-day experiences. It’s been a rewarding opportunity, and I’ve especially appreciated the flexibility of the programme, which has allowed me to balance volunteering alongside my studies.”
- Brianna, School Reading Buddy

“It was a lot of fun and enjoyable to be so involved with young people. I've always wanted to do outreach and this was a great place to start.”
- Hannah, World Book Day Volunteer

“Speaking of the experience, it was wonderful as my first visit to an international school and it's been a while since I visited a school. It was great to interact with the kids and see how they do with their peers and staffs. Thank you for this opportunity! Looking forward to more!
- Harish, Reading Volunteer

“Learning new skills and showcasing my own self-development, even starting from nothing to something, is a way to proudly show I am capable of learning something new. I want my story to inspire others to seek new opportunities without fear, knowing that volunteering not only helps you to develop but also produces a positive impact on others!”. 
- Vlad, Appropriate Adult and British Psychological Society Volunteer

“I think it's been an amazing experience. Not only do I get to listen to majority of the class read and ask questions ensuring they understand the text, but I also have the opportunity to take smaller groups for intervention sessions and help around the class with the activity they're doing that day like English, maths, arts and crafts.”
- Zainab, School Reading Buddy

Voluntary organisations, charities and schools are also grateful for the support that University of Leicester student volunteers offer.  Check out some of the heart-warming feedback that we’ve recently received: 

“I wanted to start by saying a massive thank you to you, as a team, for supporting our school this year with the volunteer programme. Many of the volunteers have continued with the programme all year and we are forever in your debt for the time and effort they have put in.” 
- Mr Deacon, Uplands Junior L.E.A.D Academy

“Once again, we would like to say a huge thank you to you for your support, kindness, and generosity. Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and Campus Security at the University of Leicester for making this event possible.”
- Kate, The Bridge Homelessness to Hope

Become a Citizen of Change and sign up to volunteer today!

If you have any questions or need help with starting your volunteering journey, email volunteer@le.ac.uk