RGU student Emma shares all her tips for volunteering at RGU, the opportunities available, and the benefits.
Volunteering is one of the most valuable experiences you can have as a student, helping you graduate with “more than just a degree” and gain employability skills. Whether you are on a society committee or keen to start your own student group, RGU:Union has always been accessible to me as a commuting student and has given me the connections to seek paid work experience.
This guide is for any student who, like I was, is unsure where to start and not confident in their abilities. RGU:Union helped support my journey from anxious student to ‘Volunteer of the Year’. Believe it or not, I first got involved just to help a friend fill a committee vacancy.
I would encourage you to get involved as there are roles for every type of student. Approaching graduation, I do not think I would have scored as well in my degree if I hadn’t grounded myself with these opportunities. Read on to find out more about volunteering opportunities at RGU and why you should get involved!
Societies Committees
RGU:Union has several societies which are grouped into academic, cultural, faith, hobbies, interests and welfare. Getting involved in committees helps societies run and offers more to current students.
You might be interested in the leadership skills of a society President or more specific roles such as Secretary or Fundraiser. Some committee applications will have closed by now, but get in touch in case there are unfilled positions.
After being a member of the Physiotherapy society throughout my degree, I was elected to become Communications & Engagement Lead. I got to implement new ideas such as our society newsletter and have helped the society increase membership. By finding new ways to promote our events we have raised beyond our target fundraising for local charity Charlie House.
Another benefit of getting involved in academic societies is that it motivated me to attend learning events that developed my knowledge out with my degree and confidence in job interviews.
Uniboob is also a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to join an incredible cause. You will also be welcomed by some of the kindest and most empathetic committee members. This society was also runner up for the Union’s Society of the Year. Admittedly, I assumed I knew what this society did when I first started my degree but never realised how impactful their work is in promoting cancer awareness and fundraising for the CoppaFeel charity.
If you are looking for a low-stress volunteering opportunity to meet new people and build your confidence, the UniBoob Team (UBT) is my recommendation! Likewise, if you are on a different sports club or society, Uniboob are always looking to collaborate and offer informative talks.
Student Groups
There are also student groups you can get involved with such as Go Green, Radar and Nightline. However, I would argue that Peer Support is a very flexible way to gain qualifications in mental health first aid and support fellow students with confidential chats about mental health or by designing self-help workshops. Peer Support helped organise events surrounding Mental Health Awareness week and are a very diverse and compassionate group of student volunteers.
Part of what makes the societies and student groups perfect ways to volunteer is the support offered through the RGU:Union team, including student presidents and staff. For example, Ainsley (last year’s Vice President of Societies) worked hard to help societies achieve their goals and is a good example of how you would be supported with new ideas you are bringing to the table.
If this is something you would be interested in, RGU holds annual elections for vice presidents at the end of the second semester. I’d say the takeaway message is that new ideas are always welcomed and if you don’t have the previous experience to carry out these plans there is always someone on deck to help!
Freshers Team
The Freshers team helps new students settle into accommodation as well as supports various events throughout the freshers timetable. These shifts can be during the day and the night, you could help out in events at AURA nightclub, quiz nights and other freshers events. You may even get free entry to venues during these freshers events.
Admittedly, the two years I have spent on the freshers team has been as a paid freshers leader, but I have gained the same skills as the volunteers. The volunteers I helped lead were incredible and gained a lot of experience during their time that I would suggest this to every student. These roles teach you communication skills, being able to balance answering questions during busy events, with promoting union activities.
I know I developed my problem-solving skills by learning how to officiate games of pool or organise volunteering rotas. But most of all, the volunteer team this year has been incredible. You are never left alone and are given plenty of opportunity to meet new friends. I have made long-term friends through the freshers volunteer teams.
Most importantly, freshers volunteering gave me the opportunity to help students. When I started at RGU as a fresher in 2019 (time flies), I felt overwhelmed by all the crowded events and as a result kept to myself. I am proud to say that through my work I managed to convince freshers to go to events knowing I would be there to support them if needed.
Reasons to volunteer with RGU:Union
- Work on projects you wish had existed when you started university.
- Meet new people and staff.
- Gain experience for job applications.
- Improve confidence in learning new skills.
- Gain a better understanding of RGU.
- Learn more through academic societies.
- Keep up with your hobbies.
- Find people that share your interests.
- Be more than just your degree and graduate with extra experience for job applications.
If volunteering in societies or student groups committees is not for you, I would still encourage you to join a society next year. Attending Freshers Fayre can be the best way to find out. There is always the option of booking a “quieter” session at the fayre if the environment is too crowded for you.
If you don’t see a society or group you are interested in, why not make one by getting in touch with RGU:Union. You can also have a look at the union website if you are looking for any current vacancies.
And remember to record your volunteering hours with the Union from before February 2025 and put yourself forward for recognition at the student achievement awards. You may be like me and unexpectantly win an award!
Emma
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