Bob is a first-year student studying filmmaking and volunteers through Sheffield Hallam Students' Union. Bob has become a regular volunteer with the SU's student-led volunteering project, STAR, which is a national charity of 27,000 students welcoming refugees to the UK. Here, we asked him why students should volunteer and how it can help students' mental wellbeing…

What do you do as a volunteer?

I volunteer with STAR which involves volunteering at local refugee projects, campaigning to improve the lives of refugees, raising awareness on refugees and asylum and fundraising to help refugees. The STAR volunteering group at Hallam is relatively new and I've helped to set up the group with other STAR volunteers.

What made you decide to become a volunteer?

Last year when I was a Foundation-year student, the University organised a trip to Lebanon for students on Arts courses. I decided to go on the trip where we visited refugee camps, which really opened my eyes into what was happening. The Students' Union previously didn't have a STAR group and after going on the trip, I wanted to help set one up at Hallam and help refugees by raising awareness of what was going on.

Would you say that volunteering can help students who may feel lonely or homesick?

Yes volunteering can definitely help students who might feel lonely or homesick while at University. There's so much you can get involved in by being a volunteer, for example I'm involved with training and setting up socials with other volunteering groups, as well as campaigning and educating people about refugees. It opens up a new community that you can be part of and it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.

What can students get out of volunteering?

There are lots of social aspects that students can get out of volunteering; I'm actually a committee member of the STAR group which involves setting up events, organising socials and much more. What's also great about volunteering with STAR is that the University gives us funding and we then decide what to do with it. Becoming involved in any way you can with volunteering is a good way to meet people and do something you enjoy.

What would you say to students considering volunteering?

I would say just jump in and do it. I'm quite a naturally shy person, but volunteering is a good way to bring you out of your shell.

Are you feeling lonely or homesick and want to get involved with volunteering?  To find out more about volunteering with STAR visit hallamstudentsunion.com/organisation/star or visit our main volunteering page hallamstudentsunion.com/get_involved/volunteering to find out about other volunteering opportunities we offer. You can also come into The HUBS and have an informal chat with us where we'll be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with more information.