Making a Difference: Opportunities for Volunteering

We're now in April which can be a busy time for students. It the not-too-distant future though is the summer. This may seem like a ridiculously long way away at the moment, but it could be something to aim for as it is an opportunity for a lengthy, well-earned rest. It could however be an opportunity to do other things as well, especially as the summer break is so long. One of the things you may consider doing during this summer break is travelling, or maybe even volunteering.

Travelling is something with obvious appeal for many. Volunteering on the other hand has a lot to offer in terms of acquiring skills and experiences, and, in a way incorporates some of the adventure that travelling offers. What you stand to gain from volunteering has the potential to be really beneficial to your forthcoming academic year as well as life after your university course comes to an end.

What Do You Want To Get Out of It?

A good place to start with this is, unsurprisingly on the web, as there is quite a lot of information available on this subject.

For students at the University of Birmingham and therefore members of the Guild of Students, there are a good number of opportunities to volunteer. Some of these volunteering groups work in aid of various charities such as Oxfam and Cancer Research UK, while others are based around work that takes place within specific communities. There are also 'one-off opportunities' that require less of your time which may be something to consider if you are unsure about volunteering or are new to it. They also have opportunities to volunteer within the Guild itself, enabling you to give help to other students who need it.

Going International

In addition, there are a multitude of opportunities to work as a volunteer overseas. These opportunities can encompass environmental conservation, assisting those with disabilities, public health work and more. Offering your help to countries overseas, especially where the help may seem most needed, is probably what comes to mind when you think about volunteering. It is certainly a terrific chance to combine memorable learning experiences with the possibility of making hugely beneficial changes to the lives of people in the communities that you are lending a hand to.

There will usually be costs involved in venturing-out on an international opportunity for volunteering. Some preparation will also be required. In addition, it is a good idea to double-check the kind of opportunities that appeal to you most when doing your resarch into volunteering. Doing this helps you to avoid being tricked by any possible scams.

Staying Put

Volunteering doesn't have to mean making journeys of vast distances across continents. There are some other great volunteering options here in the UK for you to take into consideration. You could find yourself providing assistance to a scheme like LinkAges which brings student volunteers into contact with elderly people in local communities, or even taking part in fundraising efforts. There are some excellent options that allow you to make a definite difference to people's lives.

Unihousing Student Accommodation

At this time of the year, as a student, something you may also be giving some thought to is your accommodation. For students in the city of Birmingham, high-standard student accommodation with superb locations can be discovered with Selly Oak based registered lettings agents Unihousing.

Unihousing ensure that each of their student homes is equipped with the kind of essentials that are vital to daily student living. All of their properties are available at reasonable prices to suit most budgets, and the cost of bills and internet is often included within the price of rent. Providing accommodation that is tastefully laid-out and adequately spacious, Unihousing also boast their own team of qualified tradesmen, meaning that any issues with properties can be responded to quickly and effectively. And with their Selly Oak student homes placing tenants within a short distance from shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants as well as public transport that can take you to other Birmingham towns and the City Centre, you will be close to the things you need and not too far from the places you want to get to for fun, day or night.

 The Future Ahead

Volunteering is a brilliant way to get the kind of experiences you probably wouldn't by simply sticking to the pattern of studying and socialising that tend to dominate the university lifestyle. And it also acts a great way to take a break from the repetition of doing the kind of things you would expect from week-to-week. While there's numerous aspects to be considered as you progress through uni', volunteering is something that can give you an immediate boost on both an educational and personal level, whilst benefiting you massively when you leave university as well.