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Join us at YHA Central to help our guests in the heart of London!

5.0
(16 reviews)16

The experience

During your placement, you’ll assist mostly with breakfast service and cleanup, and occasionally with housekeeping, painting or basic maintenance. Accommodation is in our on-site volunteer dorm (best to bring a small suitcase and/or backpack), with access to an en-suite bathroom and self-catering kitchen. Free breakfast is served daily.

Located just a 7-minute walk from Oxford Circus, you’ll have plenty to explore in your free time!

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

Bartending: Make and serve drinks and help maintain the beverages inventory.

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner English

Over 18 years old

Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Hostel placements are ideal for people looking to gain hands-on experience in hospitality, meet new people from around the world, or simply experience London. Most placements last between 4–6 weeks, with a maximum of 12 weeks, depending on visa type and availability. Please note that a tourist visa allows you to volunteer with us for a total of 30 working days.

All hostel placements are entirely voluntary, and we do not enter into any contractual agreement with individuals or placement organisations. We recommend securing your visa before applying for the role, as well as purchasing travel and medical insurance prior to the trip.

As part of our safeguarding measures, all candidates are required to submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC) from their home country, issued within the past 6 months. You cannot begin volunteering with YHA or stay in our staff accommodation until this check has been received. Please note that it is your responsibility to cover any costs associated with obtaining this document.

Travel expenses to and from London can be reimbursed.

Activities & Shift

Breakfast Shift
You’ll assist with breakfast setup, restocking food items, clearing tables, washing dishes, and keeping the dining area clean and welcoming. While there’s no cooking involved, you’ll follow Food Hygiene standards in handling and storing food, helping us maintain excellent service. You’ll also promote the sale of food and beverages where possible to support the hostel’s F&B.

Housekeeping Shift
You’ll take an active role in maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the hostel. Tasks include making beds, hoovering, and general room and bathroom cleaning. You’ll also take a proactive approach to checking and maintaining cleanliness in shared areas, reporting any faults or damage to the management team. Your efforts will help keep the hostel comfortable, tidy, and welcoming for every guest.

Volunteer Parties
Occasionally, at YHA Central or other London hostels, we may need extra help with seasonal decoration (e.g., Halloween, Christmas), maintenance or painting. In that case, we may selectively send volunteers to other sites for a couple hours or so to work with local staff.

Rules

Important: Please note that criminal record check is required to be eligible for the role.