We know uni life is a whirlwind of assignments, late-night study sessions, and the eternal quest for free food. But if you feel like you might be missing something and you're keen to make a positive impact, squeezing in some volunteering might just be one of the best decisions you make while you’re at uni.
Here’s five reasons why you should dive into volunteering, as shared by Bhavya Khemlani, a second-year student and a current crew member with The Big Lift (one of our volunteering clubs!).
The Big Lift's executive team before leaving UTS for their annual Winter Trip
1. It’s incredibly rewarding
From boosting your sense of belonging to reducing stress levels, people who actively engage in volunteering know just how much of a difference it can make to their lives.
Bhavya began his volunteering journey at UTS in his first year and since then, has visited and volunteered at 12 different regional towns with The Big Lift.
At UTS, we’re so fortunate that The Big Lift exists, because it's rare to get the opportunity to travel to regional towns and make an impact. Witnessing the happiness and genuine gratitude the locals have for the work that you do – that's easily the most rewarding part.
2. You get to give back and genuinely make a difference
During this year's July uni break, The Big Lift embarked on their annual 9-day volunteering journey. Joined by 75 UTS students, they ventured to nine different regional towns across New South Wales and Victoria.
Bhavya expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to make a genuine impact on communities in need.
“The main reason I got involved was to uplift communities without the same privileges that I’ve been fortunate to have. I’m lucky to have my needs met and if I was ever in a position where that wasn’t the case, I would hope others could do the same for me. To me, it’s a way of paying forward that privilege and opportunity".
3. You’ll create lasting friendships built on a shared purpose
There isn’t one right path to making friends at uni, especially with the diverse range of clubs and societies there are to get involved in.
When chatting about the experience of forming friendships, Bhavya highlights the unparalleled experience of doing it through volunteering.
There are a lot of social things you can do at uni, but volunteering is such a unique one. Very rarely in social experiences at uni are you working towards a common goal or purpose. When you find that common purpose and your relationships are rooted in it – it's so genuine, pure and incredibly unique. And it creates a great foundation for life-long friendships.
4. It sparks personal growth
Volunteering can open doors to growth and personal development, even when you’re not looking for it. When asked about any unexpected positives that came from volunteering, Bhavya recounted how it pushed him out of his shell and facilitated self-discovery:
“Entering an unfamiliar environment in my first year, I was somewhat cocooned, a feeling that I think is echoed by a lot of students. But volunteering, whether by yourself or with others, will really bring out a new side of you because you’re engaging in work that’s meaningful. It allows you to communicate and collaborate with new people and have experiences that you don’t otherwise really get the opportunity to have.”
5. The fulfilment and enjoyment it brings
Honestly, nothing beats doing good for others and the community, and having fun while doing it.
While balancing full-time work alongside his studies, Bhavya emphasises how finding the time to volunteer is a no-brainer because of how passionate he is about the community, impact, relationships and experiences that have unfolded from it. When asked for his advice to those considering volunteering (or those yet to give it a go), he shares:
I would encourage anyone to give volunteering one shot. I think one shot is enough to make you unlock its value. You have very little to lose and a whole lot to gain. At worst, you’ve done something that's genuinely helped someone, and at best you’ve changed the way you live your life (as it’s done for me). So, take a leap and jump right into it.
Keen to start your own volunteering journey?
Here’s a list of all the clubs and societies you can get involved in:
The Big Lift
Engineers Without Borders UTS
EcoSoc
Red Cross Society
Students for Humanity
Vinnies Society