Simple Ways You Can Serve Others in College

When I first stepped into college in Jamaica, my mind was solely focused on one thing, getting through school and doing well. Of course, I thought about my family, and that motivated me to push harder, to succeed so I could help take care of them when I graduated. But when it came to others? I didn’t think much about giving back. In fact, it was the opposite. I was always looking for ways to get something for myself. I’d attend seminars just for the free lunch, sign up for student financing to snag free meal tickets, or enter raffles hoping to win something. I was on a mission to make my college life more comfortable, always seeking ways to improve my situation.

But something changed over time. Slowly, I found myself helping others. It wasn’t a grand plan, it just started happening naturally. And soon, I wasn’t just helping when the opportunity arose; I started thinking about ways I could give back intentionally. I began to take the extra step to help those around me, and it became a part of who I was.

I know how tough college can be. Between jobs, schoolwork, deadlines, and everything else, it feels like there’s barely enough time for yourself, let alone anyone else. But today, I want to share a few ways you can serve others while juggling a busy college schedule. I’m not saying you need to do everything, but if you can find the time to do one or two things through your college years, it can make a world of difference.

As the Bible says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), a reminder that even in our busiest moments, there’s always a way to serve others and grow in our faith.

1. Helping with Meals

One of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to give back is by sharing your dinner with someone. Now, I’m not sure how things work on college campuses in the U.S. or other parts of the world, but let me tell you, in Jamaica, cooking is a big part of college life. It’s not as easy or affordable to grab fast food like it is in places like America, so many of us learned to cook to save money. During my college days, I would often cook up a big pot of food, and there was always enough for me to share with my peers. It felt so fulfilling to watch someone eat and genuinely appreciate the meal.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to overdo it. Not everyone will appreciate your kindness, and some people might try to take advantage of you. You need to find that balance. You don’t owe anyone anything, and you don’t have to do it every day, but if you can take a moment to share, even just once in a while, that’s a beautiful start. It’s not about how much you give, but about making a difference in someone’s day.

2. Helping with Assignments

I majored in pharmacology, and my first year felt like being thrown into the deep end. I had to complete a year of med school, and sitting in a lecture theater surrounded by brainiacs made me feel completely out of place. I constantly questioned whether I belonged, and my lack of confidence held me back more than anything else.

Desperate for help, I finally gathered the courage to ask a second-year student for guidance. I expected quick answers, but instead, he kept challenging me to think, forcing me to work through the problem myself. I was overwhelmed and frustrated because, at the time, all I cared about was getting a good grade.

Over time, I learned to put in the effort first before seeking help, reaching out only when I truly needed it. Throughout college, I received guidance from peers and older students, and it made all the difference. So if you see someone struggling, don’t hesitate to lend a hand, you never know how much they might need it.

3. Joining an Outreach Program

During my final year of college, I found myself scrambling to join a club, anything that would look good on my resume for job applications. That’s how my friend and I ended up in an outreach program. At first, it was just a strategic move, something to check off my list. But that changed the moment we stepped onto the streets of Kingston.

One afternoon, we made sandwiches in the cafeteria, packed them up, and headed downtown. As I handed out food to people lying on cardboard and sitting along the sidewalk with empty eyes, something inside me shifted. I had been so caught up in my own world, worrying about exams, grades, and my future, while these people had no certainty about their next meal, let alone tomorrow.

Then came the visit to the children’s home. That one wrecked me. We walked into a place filled with laughter and life, but behind every child’s smile was a story of loss, abandonment, or hardship. I listened, I played, I laughed with them, but deep down, I felt the weight of their reality. My own struggles suddenly felt so small. Life hadn’t always been easy for me, but I had a home. A family. A safety net. These kids had none of that.

After that, I wanted more. I brainstormed ideas, came up with ways we could expand our outreach, do bigger things. But time was against me, it was my final year, and before I could do much, it was over.

That’s why I’m telling you this: don’t wait. Don’t wait until your last year, your last opportunity, your final moment to make a difference. If you have the chance to give back, take it now. You won’t just change someone else’s life, you’ll change your own.

4. Helping Someone With Groceries

My nephew had also moved to the city to attend vocational college. I’m only two years older than him, but I’ve always been protective of him and his brother. Taking care of them, even in small ways, felt natural to me.

Whenever I bought groceries, I made sure to get him something too. On campus, I would cook a big meal, call him over, and not only hand him groceries and food but also give him taxi fare to get home. I didn’t have much, but I had learned how to manage and stretch my money. Maybe it came from growing up always needing more, more food, more money, more security. As an adult, I naturally lived within, or even below, my means just to make sure I always had enough to survive.

I know different parts of the world have different expectations when it comes to helping others. You don’t have to do exactly what I did. It could be something as simple as paying for a stranger’s meal at a fast food restaurant or donating to a charity. Just let it be personal to you, something that comes from the heart.

5. Donating Old Textbooks, Notes, or Materials

I’ll never forget that one course in college. It was notorious for its high failure rate, and I was one of the many who struggled. After several attempts, I finally scraped enough money together to buy the textbook recommended for the course. I remember telling God, “If you help me pass this class, I’ll donate these books.” It wasn’t a big deal at the time, but in that moment, I made a promise.

I even told my professor about it. I studied harder than ever before, determined to keep my end of the bargain. And you know what? By God’s grace, I passed the course. But then, something happened. A few days later, my professor called me into her office. She reminded me of my promise and told me about a student who was struggling to afford the same textbook. Suddenly, the reality of giving up that book hit me. I’d worked so hard to get to this point, and that book had cost me a lot.

For a second, I hesitated. I thought about the money I spent on it. But then, in that quiet moment, I remembered the deal I made with God. I had no use for the book anymore. So, after some thought, I gave it up, knowing it was the right thing to do.

I get it. Letting go of things, especially things you worked hard for, is tough. But I want to encourage you to consider donating things you’re no longer using. Whether it’s textbooks, notes, old test papers, or anything you can afford to give up, it makes a difference. You never know who might need it more than you do.

6. Mentoring Someone

College years can be a rebellious time for many. Help mentor someone and guide them on the right path. I’m not saying to let anyone stress you out or act like their mom or dad, but you can be a voice of reason when they need it most. Sometimes, a simple conversation, a word of encouragement, or sharing your own experiences can make a world of difference.

7. Volunteering to Clean Up the Environment

One of our college outings was a beach cleanup. Living in Jamaica, a small Caribbean island, meant we were always surrounded by water, and beach trips were a normal part of life. But this time, it wasn’t about relaxation; it was about giving back.

What started as a volunteer effort quickly turned into an eye-opening experience. Walking along the shore, picking up plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other discarded waste, I couldn’t ignore the impact of human carelessness. This was supposed to be a paradise, yet here it was, littered with trash.

That day changed the way I saw the environment. I became more mindful of my own habits, now, I never just toss garbage aside. I always wait until I find a proper bin, no matter how small the piece of trash.

I realized that taking care of the earth isn’t just about big cleanups or organized efforts, it’s about the small, everyday choices we make.

8. Be a Listening Ear and Share Your Faith

If you truly believe in the Word, share it every chance you get. Don’t deny the Lord. When people see you, they should know what you stand for. Be proud to let your faith guide you.

Be a listening ear and offer advice rooted in scripture and God’s miracles. You may not realize it, but this small gesture can plant a seed of faith in someone’s heart, encourage them in their struggles, or even bring them closer to God in ways you never expected.