Benefits of volunteering
Giving up your time to do some volunteer work not only helps those on the receiving end of your good work, it can also benefit you too!
Do good, feel good
Volunteering helps you connect with other like-minded people, it’s a positive boost for your personal wellbeing, and it brings fun and fulfilment into your life.
Connection
Spending time volunteering allows you to connect with members of your community, while making a real difference to people, animals or organisations who need support.
It also allows you to connect with other volunteers who may share the same interests as you. Volunteering offers a great opportunity to practice your networking and social skills!
Personal wellbeing
Volunteering is good for the mind and the body. It can help counteract the effects of stress and anxiety, increase your self confidence and reduce depression. Helping others often makes people feel happier, as giving is a basic human need and behaviour – the more you do it, the better you feel!
Having fun
Volunteering is a great way to explore your interests and follow your passions. If you’re interested in the environment or animal welfare, pick a charity or organisation dedicated to improving the lives of animals, or cleaning up waterways or shorelines.
If you want to strengthen your ties to the community and help people, consider helping out at foodbanks, op-shops, or retirement villages.
It’s important to identify your areas of interest before you embark on a volunteering journey, as you’re much more likely to stick at it, if you find something you enjoy.
How to get started
If you want to give volunteering a crack, try these first steps:
- Make a list of your areas of interest
- Identify possible volunteering roles that tie in with your interests and goal
- Consider if there is any voluntary work that might help shape your career path while you are studying
- See if you like any of the positions listed on the University’s Volunteer Hub