FAQs

Volunteering is an activity which:

• *Has a charitable aim - seeking to benefit individuals or groups, including the university community
• *Is extracurricular (i.e. not a direct requirement of an academic course)
• *Is unpaid (although reasonable expenses may be reimbursed)
• *Is a 'formal' arrangement organised through a society, club, student project, King’s department or external charity

Don’t forget that roles like society committee members, course reps and sustainability champions also benefit the King’s community and consequently count as volunteering activities.

If you are interested in volunteering, then are a few places that you can look for opportunities to get involved:

• *Volunteer with other students through KCLSU. Sport clubs and societies run their own project in the local community and recruit new volunteers throughout the year.
• *Plan your own charity fundraiser, find all of the information you need in our fundraising guidance.
• *If you are interested in volunteering with a charity or a local community organisation, you can find a wide range of opportunities to get involved on the King’s Volunteering Platform .

There are a whole host of volunteering and widening participation projects run by students at KCL. Some examples of previous projects include personal statement sessions for groups who are statistically less likely to progress to University, volunteering with young people in hospitals, and a variety of sports and activities delivered in the local community.

That depends on the project and the role requirements (like having a DBS check or completing Safeguarding training). Some projects may have rolling recruitment with immediate start dates, whilst others may have a longer recruitment process. If it isn’t clear on the role description you can email the provider for more details.

Most projects simply ask for enthusiasm and commitment, however some opportunities may have more specific requirements. These will be detailed in the role description.

Yes! We have volunteering projects available all year round.

All of the volunteering projects we advertise through KCLSU are based in London. Some student led volunteering projects may even take place on King’s campuses.

If you’re volunteering role isn’t working out please email the Volunteering and Fundraising Coordinator to let them know. We can support you with any problems you’re having or help you to find another role.

Please remember that many organisations rely heavily on volunteers, so it’s best to be honest with them if you are having difficulties or are thinking of leaving your role prematurely.

Most organisations recruiting King’s students will have factored in your need to take breaks during holidays/exam periods. It’s important to tell them in advance so that they can plan around you.

Volunteering is free to take part in. You may need to pay for travel and lunch expenses, although some organisations will reimburse you for these costs.

Yes! Check out our guidance on setting up a project.

Volunteering can help you develop skills for your career and looks great on your CV, but you will not be paid. You can find part time jobs via the KCL Careers Service.