In2science Mentee

Are you starting university in Autumn 2024?

Starting university can be an exciting time, but it can also be a nerve wracking experience, particularly if you’re not sure what to expect. 

Maybe you’re thinking about how you’ll manage your finances or what it will be like moving away from home. Or perhaps you’re wondering how to talk to your lecturers, what to wear on your first day and how to make new friends!

Having a mentor can be really reassuring, and help with that uncertain transition to university life.

This year-long programme is open to all alumni and any other young people who meet our In2science criteria, starting undergraduate STEM degrees at London universities in Autumn 2023, and will provide you with support from a fellow In2science Peer Mentor a few years ahead of you in their STEM journey.

Read on to find out how to join the programme and how you could benefit from an In2science Peer Mentor supporting you as you transition into university life.

If you are interested in getting involved as a mentee or mentor but would like an informal chat with us to find out more about the programme, then please email us at [email protected].

What does the programme involve?

As a mentee, you’ll be matched with an In2scienceUK Mentor a few years ahead of you in their STEM journey.

Over the course of your first year at university, you’ll have six meetings with your mentor to chat about anything from making new friends to preparing for exams. 

Plus, you’ll be invited to an in-person networking event in London where you can practice your networking skills and build those all-important connections.

During this programme, you will receive…

Mentoring

A flexible schedule of at least 6 mentoring sessions over the course of the 2023/24 academic year

Welcome session

A welcome session to meet the other mentees and find out how to make the most of the programme

Support

Resources and support from the In2careers Team throughout the year to help you transition to university life

Networking events

An in-person networking event in London in March 2024 to practise those all-important networking skills. As well as friendly coffee catch-ups to meet other mentors and mentees.

Employability skills

Priority sign up to In2careers workshops. Plus all the skills you gain from completing the programme, including teamwork, problem-solving, communication skills, and more.

Eligibility Criteria

  • You must be 18 or over by 1 September 2023
  • You must be entering your first year of an undergraduate STEM university degree in Autumn 2023
  • You must be due to attend a university based in London

If you are new to In2scienceUK and haven’t taken part in one of our programmes before, you must also meet at least one of the additional criteria:

  1. Are you or have you been a recipient of Free School Meals in Year 11, or at sixth form?
  2. Are you a current recipient of an EMA, Pupil Premium, or the 16-19 Bursary?
  3. Do you have parents or guardians who do not have a higher education degree?
  4. Do you or have you had experience with care, been in care, or caring responsibilities?
  5. Do you live in a POLAR Q1 or Q2 area?
First Year of University Peer Mentoring Programme is generously supported by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington.