Starting university can be super exciting but also a bit challenging, especially for Widening Participation students. That’s where the Buddy Scheme comes in!

Become 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 a higher 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 social events for Mentees and Mentors to get stuck into and opportunities to meet others on the scheme.

Eligibility

To be eligible to be a Mentee on the scheme you must be a first year undergraduate Widening Participation student. The Widening Participation definition can be quite broad, but generally refers to students who are care experienced, estranged from their family, a Sanctuary Scholar, and/or have attended a King’s College London Widening Participation programme before coming to university. It may also include disabled students, students from low-income households and students from specific ethnic backgrounds, but this list is not exhaustive. What unites all these different groups together under the Widening Participation umbrella is the fact that they tend to be underrepresented at university level.

In 2024/25, students who fulfil one or more of the following criteria are eligible to join the Buddy Scheme as a Mentee, and will be asked to select the relevant option(s) upon application:

• In receipt of the King's Living Bursary
• Care experienced, young carer, estranged or forced migrant
• None of your parents/carers attended university
• Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic student (BAME)
• Disabled student
• From a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller heritage
• Mature learner (21+) doing a first degree
• Taken part in Realising Opportunities, K+, or a Sutton Trust Summer School
• Holder of the Sanctuary Scholarship/ Jesus the Light Sanctuary Scholarship
• On the Extended Medical Degree Programme or the Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme
• In receipt of a means-tested NHS bursary
• Other (please indicate)

How to Apply

Applications are open until 5pm on 21st October 2024. Please complete the application form linked below before the deadline! Questions can be emailed to [email protected]

Complete the 2024/24 Application Form

Become a Buddy Mentor

As a Buddy Mentor, you’ll be paired with a first year Widening Participation student to offer them guidance and support. You’ll meet regularly (in person or virtually) and attend social events together.

Eligibility

You need to be a returning student at King’s College London and fulfil the training requirements. Depending on the number of Mentee applications we receive, you may not be guaranteed to receive a Mentee. If this happens, we will put you on our reserve Mentor list in case anyone drops out and give you priority for the following academic year.

Benefits

• Find community, enjoy regular social events and attend a celebration at the end of the scheme.
• Log your volunteering hours on the KCLSU volunteering platform to attend award ceremonies and receive certificates.
• Complete the King’s Mentoring award and have your mentoring achievement recognised on your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) in addition to obtaining digital certification and an invitation to a summer celebration.
• Receive LinkedIn endorsements for skills like active listening, mentoring, and communication.
• Get 1-1 support from the Peer Support Coordinator throughout your time as a Mentor.

How to Apply

Applications will re-open in July 2025 for the 2025/26 academic year. In the meantime, please send any expressions of interest to [email protected]