The Buddy Scheme
Starting university can be an exciting experience but it also brings with it new challenges. Many students, especially those from backgrounds typically less likely to attend university (also known as Widening Participation students) take a bit of time to find their feet.
Being a Buddy Mentor
As a Buddy Mentor you will be paired with a first year Widening Participation student to offer them guidance and support. You will provide this support by regularly meeting your Mentee in a virtual or socially distanced format and by attending social events together within the scheme. Apply for the role here!
Eligibility for Buddy Mentors
To be eligible to be a Mentor you must be a second, third or fourth-year undergraduate student at King’s College London and attend the virtual training provided.
As a Buddy Mentor you will get access to...
- The opportunity to have your say in designing and delivering events for all on the scheme individually and/or in partnership with student societies.
- Recognition of your volunteering hours on the volunteering platform contributing to a volunteering certificate.
- LinkedIn endorsements for skills such as active listening, mentoring and event management if you are a part of the social committee, on request.
- A celebration event at the end of the scheme.
- 1-1 support throughout your time as Buddy Mentor with the Widening Participation Coordinator.
- Opportunities to promote the scheme on social media and on the KCLSU and King’s College London’s websites.
How to apply to be a Buddy Mentor
Fill this form out to apply for the role by 1st September 2023.
Being a Buddy Mentee
The Buddy Scheme exists to help Widening Participation students settle in. As a Buddy Mentee on the scheme, you will be paired with a King’s student in an older year with whom you share common interests, experiences, and courses where possible. This student (your Buddy Mentor) will be there to give you advice, answer any questions you have, and signpost you to services when needed. There will also be plenty of varied virtual social events for Mentees and Mentors to get stuck into and opportunities to meet others on the scheme.
Eligibility for Buddy Mentees
To be eligible to be a Mentee on the scheme you must be a first-year student and be care experienced, estranged from your family, a Sanctuary Scholar, and/or have attended a King’s College London Widening Participation programme before coming to university.