Skip to main content University of Leeds homepage
Students home page

Volunteering opportunities

Volunteering

Volunteering allows you to try new things, meet new people, build skills and make a difference by giving your time.

Whether you want to volunteer with different communities in the city or alongside other students on campus, there are plenty of options.

5 reasons to volunteer

There are so many benefits to volunteering. Here are our top reasons why it can benefit you.

Ways you can volunteer at the University

  • LUU volunteering societies

    LUU has over 350 clubs and societies you can join, including 17 dedicated volunteering societies. These are all run by student volunteers so there's plenty of different ways to get involved.

    Student action for refugees volunteers sat talking on the Parkinson Building steps

  • Sustainability volunteering

    Help with arts and gardening projects in the local community, share your skills at the Bike Hub and Repair Café, or support biodiversity monitoring.

    Staff member and student in LUU's rooftop garden planting plants.

  • Sport and wellbeing volunteering

    Leeds Sport offers a range of sport volunteering opportunities on campus, in the community and even internationally.

    A student volunteer in an orange t-shirt teaching volleyball

  • Get involved with your Halls of Residence

    Run events for fellow students in your University accommodation by joining the Residence Life Social Committees.

    A group of students playing cards in their accommodation

  • Peer support

    Serving as a peer supporter to other students will build your confidence, skills and experience, and give you valuable opportunities to reflect on your time at university.

    A group of students chatting sitting at a table in LUU

Volunteer in local communities

  • Volunteer with a local charity

    Find volunteering opportunities at charities and not-for-profit organisations in Leeds to give back to the city and get to know the local community.

    A student volunteering in a garden in Hyde Park

  • Volunteer in schools

    Inspire and support young people by volunteering in local primary or secondary schools.

    Three children supervised by an adult doing an activity with paper and pipe cleaners at Be Curious

Worldwide volunteering opportunities

Explore volunteering opportunities around the globe, help teach languages and connect with culture.

  • Volunteer abroad

    Gain new skills and immerse yourself in other cultures with our summer volunteering programmes abroad. It offers you a chance to support a cause you feel passionate about and can be a highly rewarding experience.

  • Share your language skills

    Help others learn a language you are fluent in by leading a weekly conversation group. Meet new people who share your passion for learning, and discover new things about a language or culture.

  • Intercultural Ambassadors programme

    Connect with other students and members of the local community by running projects designed to bring people of different backgrounds together. The programme runs each year from November to early May.

Get support to start volunteering

Our team is ready to help you find a role that fits you, and make the most of your volunteering experience.

The Careers Centre surrounded by trees

Volunteer stories

  • Tanvi Manikoth, Advertising and Design MA

    Discover how Tanvi applied her art skills to foster community engagement and representation through a mural project in the Junior Sport Hub.

    Tanvi Manikoth stood in a workshop.

  • Heathcliff Howard, Law LLB

    By volunteering with IntoUniversity, Heathcliff connected with diverse individuals – expanding his perspective and empathy while supporting a new generation of students.

    Heathcliff stood smiling in front of a starfield effect.
Experiences and opportunities