- Posted on 4 Aug 2025
Are you interested in volunteering, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered!
As a UTS student, they are many ways that you can get involved with volunteering both on and off campus.
Volunteering opportunities at UTS
UTS SOUL Award
The UTS SOUL Award is a co-curricular social justice action and leadership program for all students at UTS, at any stage of their degree.
Through SOUL you will develop skills like critical self-reflection and working across difference, meet other like-minded students, and engage in hands-on social impact activities e.g., working with a community organisation.
Time commitment/expectations
The SOUL Award program is separated into 2 stages:
- Stage 1: UTS SOUL Badge
- Complete 35 social impact action hours (this could include volunteering, campaigning for a social justice cause, sharing your skills through mentoring and more).
- Complete the Social and Cultural Agility module.
- Stage 2: UTS SOUL Award
- Complete an additional 55 social impact action hours.
- Take part in The Critical You workshop.
- Gain access to the SOUL Starter Grants to see your social change ideas come to life.
By completing the SOUL Badge, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, a LinkedIn recommendation, and experience you can include on your CV.
At the end of the SOUL Award, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, a letter or LinkedIn recommendation that details your volunteering and skills achievements, recognition on your Australian Higher Education Graduate Statement (AHEGS) and a recognition award from the Centre for Volunteering.
BUILD Program
The BUILD (Beyond UTS International Leadership Development) Program is an extra-curricular leadership program preparing students to become global leaders and active citizens. It is open to all students at UTS, at any stage of their degree.
Time commitment/expectations
To complete the BUILD Program, you must collect 100 endorsed activity points. You can collect these points by:
- joining interactive workshops
- learning from inspiring speakers about global issues and ideas
- undertaking online courses that support your understanding of important global issues, i.e., the UN SDGs.
You can also add one or more global immersive experiences to your BUILD Program, including a six-month global exchange, or 2-to-6-week global excursion.
Your BUILD Program achievements will be mentioned on your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) when you graduate from UTS.
UTS Brennan Justice and Leadership Program
The Brennan Justice and Leadership Program supports UTS Law students to strengthen their justice consciousness, idealism and sense of service so that they can bring these qualities to their studies and later professional work.
Time commitment/expectations
The 2 main components of the program are:
- Reflections on justice in which students engage with the themes of justice and its social contexts through lectures and discussion groups.
- Leadership through service where students contribute voluntary service (both legal and non-legal in nature) over the course of their studies.
To complete the program and qualify for the Brennan Justice and Leadership Award, students must earn 100 Reflections on justice points, and Leadership through service hours.
Other volunteer opportunities at UTS
Below is a list of other volunteer initiatives you can get involved with at UTS.
Fun fact: Some of the below activities can also count towards you obtaining SOUL Award hours of BUILD activity points.
- Welcome incoming refugee students at UTS and support the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway.
- Become a UTS Peer Networker to help new students adjust to uni life.
- Become a Respect. Now. Always. Champion to help create a respectful campus that is free from gender-based violence.
- Become a UTS HELPS Buddy to support international students improve their speaking skills and confidence.
- Become a UTS Activate Wellbeing Rep to support your friends and fellow UTS student with their mental health and general wellbeing.
- Join the UTS Red Cross Society, the UTS Vinnies Society, or The BIG Lift.
- Volunteer with the UTS Bluebird Pantry to help reduce food waste and assist students experiencing food insecurity.
Volunteering opportunities in the local community
Support local food banks and soup kitchens
Food insecurity is a real issue in Sydney, and local food banks are always looking for extra hands. You can volunteer with organisations like OzHarvest, Foodbank NSW & ACT, or Glebe Youth Service Food Circle helping to sort food donations, pack hampers, or even serve meals at community kitchens.
It’s a great way to meet people from all walks of life and see the direct impact of your help. Plus, many of these roles are flexible, so you can fit them around your uni schedule.
Tutor or mentor school students
If you’re good at a particular subject or just enjoy helping others learn, consider becoming a tutor or mentor. Initiatives like The Smith Family Learning for Life Program, Foster the Future, or Story Factory connect uni students with school kids who need a bit of extra support.
You might help with homework, offer study tips, or just be someone they can talk to – anyone with patience and a positive attitude can make a difference.
Join environmental and sustainability projects
Love the outdoors or care about the planet? Sydney has loads of environmental volunteering options. You can join Clean Up Australia events, help with bush regeneration through Pyrmont Ultimo Landcare, or volunteer with local councils on sustainability projects.
Activities like tree planting, beach cleanups, and wildlife monitoring are not only good for the environment, they’re also a great way to get outside, stay active, and meet like-minded people.
Help out at community events and festivals
Sydney is known for its vibrant events scene, and many of these rely on volunteers to run smoothly. Whether it’s Vivid Sydney, NAIDOC Week, or a local cultural festival, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
You might help with setting up, guiding visitors, managing social media, or working behind the scenes. It’s a fun way to gain experience in event management, communications, or hospitality – and you often get to enjoy the event too!
Volunteer with aged care or disability services
If you enjoy one-on-one connection and want to make a real impact, consider volunteering with aged care or disability support organisations. Groups like Meals on Wheels, Australian Red Cross, or Achieve Australia offer roles where you can provide companionship, help with activities, or assist with tech support.
These roles are especially meaningful and can be a great fit for students studying health, nursing, or allied health – but anyone with empathy and a bit of time can make someone’s day brighter.
So, what are you waiting for?
Volunteering isn’t just about giving – it’s also about growing. You’ll build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with your community in ways you might not expect. Whether you’re passionate about education, the environment, or just want to lend a hand, there’s a place for you to get involved.
Written by Amy Grady
Communications and Advocacy Officer
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