Student volunteering: frequently asked questions

Most of our volunteering opportunities are advertised on Handshake, with new roles being added throughout the year. Most of these roles are in-person, but take a look at our guidance on where to find remote volunteering opportunities for roles outside of York. Why not sign up to our mailing list to be kept up to date with the latest volunteering opportunities?

Volunteering is a great way to try something new, meet people outside your usual circles, and give back to the community. You could develop skills like teamwork, leadership and problem-solving, which look fantastic on your CV. Take a look at our advice on reflecting on your experience to help you show it off to future employers.

Every role is a little different, but in general you’ll be expected to attend on time, let the organisation know if your plans change, and take part in tasks to the best of your ability. You don’t need to be an expert - enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to get involved are the most important things.

Volunteering can fit around your studies, and it’s up to you how much time you give. Some opportunities are one-off activities that only take a couple of hours, while others involve a regular weekly commitment or a minimum length of time to volunteer for. Many organisations are happy to be flexible if you can’t make the same time every week or need to take a break during the holidays. As a guide, we recommend volunteering for no more than about 5 hours a week alongside your studies.

Not usually! The majority of roles are open to anyone who wants to get involved, and training is often provided. Some opportunities might ask for a particular skill, or have safeguarding requirements such as a DBS check, but this will be clearly indicated in the role description before you apply.

No! Volunteering should always be free. Many organisations will even cover expenses like travel, so you’re not out of pocket.

If you’re unsure about anything, just send us a message at volunteering@york.ac.uk. We’re happy to help with any questions, including discussing any reasonable adjustments to help you take part.

Most organisations will provide you with an induction and any relevant training before you start so you feel prepared, and you’ll usually have a named contact or supervisor to support you along the way. In some roles, you might also get extra supervision or mentoring to help you build confidence and develop your skills.

Life happens! If you need to reduce your hours, take a break, or stop volunteering completely, just let the organisation know as soon as you can. They’ll usually be very understanding.

It depends on the role. For some opportunities you may be able to start straight away, while others may take a few weeks if there is any training to complete or safeguarding checks needed before you can start.

There are lots of opportunities advertised on Handshake that are based outside of York or can be done remotely - take a look at our guidance on where to find remote volunteering opportunities. Many organisations are happy to be flexible if you only have specific days you’re in York or are only able to volunteer during teaching weeks.

Yes, of course! Many charities we work with will have a variety of roles to choose from, and we’re happy to support you in contacting them if you’d like to ask specific questions about accessibility. Community Projects are another great way to get involved, as they’re designed to be flexible and accessible.

As an international student, it is important that you understand the difference between unpaid work (which counts as part of your permitted 20 hours) and genuine volunteering (which doesn't).

The University of York uses this definition of volunteering:

Volunteering is any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims primarily to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than close relatives.

As a student visa holder, your role is classed as volunteering rather than voluntary work if you:

• do not have a contract of employment
• do not take the place of an employee
• do not receive payment in kind (reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence expenses is allowed)
• usually help a charity, voluntary or public sector organisation

For further information, please see the guidance on working in the UK during your studies.

Definitely! Volunteering is open to students across all levels of study and is a great way to connect with the local community.

Of course - all YSIS volunteers receive training to support them in their role before their placement begins. A typical placement will include pre-placement training which covers your role as a YSIS volunteer, safeguarding and guidance on how to make the most of your placement.

No! We will arrange this for you - you do not need to pay for your own DBS check. Further information will be sent to you in your placement offer email.

YSIS volunteers need to provide contact details for two references before starting their placement in line with Safer Recruitment Guidelines. A referee is someone who knows you that is not a friend or family member. We will send you a document with more details on who you can use as a reference in your placement offer email. 

They will be sent a short survey to complete (this takes around two-three minutes) to confirm if you have the skills needed for the role (time-keeping, communication and working with others), as well as indicating if they feel that you are suitable for the role.

If you have lived outside the UK more than three months in the last five years, you will need to produce a translated police check/certificate of good conduct from the relevant country, in addition to a UK DBS check. It is your responsibility to obtain this check and show it to the YSIS Team. 

We will need to see your translated police check by Week 1 of the semester in which you are due to volunteer. If you are returning home for the vacation period this will provide you with the opportunity to obtain your home country check. You may complete a UK DBS check before you have received your police check from your home country.

• Information about criminal records checks for overseas applicants (GOV.UK website)
• Specific advice for students from Hong Kong (GOV.UK website)

Applications are usually open for around 3 weeks at the start of each semester. Exact dates will vary, but we will share details through the mailing list, and you can see all projects on Handshake once they are advertised. 

Of course! We have a programme of training sessions designed to guide you through the process of completing a project, including training on project management, teamwork, project planning and reflection. Depending on your project, there may also be specialist training to help you develop specific skills that are particularly useful. For more information on training and support throughout your project, take a look at what to expect from a Community Project. 

Generally, not within the same semester. We recommend volunteering for no more than 5 hours per week so you have plenty of time for your studies and other commitments. However, projects change each semester, so you’re very welcome to apply for any that interest you in future semesters.