What is Peer Mentoring?

Starting university is incredibly exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. The nerves of moving away, managing a budget, or figuring out how to make friends. That’s why we’re inviting you to be part of the In2scienceUK First Year of University Peer Mentoring Programme! This year-long initiative connects mentors with new STEM students beginning their journey in Autumn 2024. Whether you’re a mentor looking to give back or a student looking for some guidance, you should join us.

Become a 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 peer to peer mentoring 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 2024, and will provide you with support from a fellow In2scienceUK 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.

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 will have access to training and support, as well as an array of exciting opportunities through In2careers to expand your STEM experiences, skills and connections, including networking events, webinars, conferences and much more…

During this programme, you will receive…

Mentoring
A flexible schedule of meetings with your mentor throughout the course of the 2024/25 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
There is an array of exciting opportunities through In2careers to expand your STEM experiences, skills and connections, including networking events, webinars, conferences and much more…

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 2024
• You must be entering your first year of an undergraduate STEM university degree in Autumn 2024
• 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 or have you been a 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?

Become a Mentor

Could you be an In2science Mentor?

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

You may have remembered worrying about moving away from home for the first time or how you would budget and manage your finances. Or perhaps you wondered how to talk to your lecturers, what to wear on your first day, and how you were going to make new friends!

That’s why we’re inviting you to be a part of the In2scienceUK University Peer Mentoring Programme This year-long programme matches you with In2careers young people, who are about to start their university STEM undergraduate course in Autumn 2024

Read on to find out how you could join us in the role of In2scienceUK Peer Mentor, helping us to make an incredible difference, by supporting a younger version of you!

What does the programme involve

As a mentor, you’ll be matched with an individual In2science mentee, or a small group of mentees, in their first year of university.

Over the course of the 2024/25 academic year, you’ll have six meetings with your mentees to help them navigate questions like “What should I wear on my first day?”, “How do I prepare for my exams?” and “How do I make new friends?”

Plus, you will have access to training and support, as well as an array of exciting opportunities through In2careers to expand your STEM experiences, skills and connections, including networking events, webinars, conferences and much more…

Why should you be a mentor?

Being a mentor to a near peer is a great way to support a younger version of yourself as they navigate new chapters of life that you’ve already experienced. Your skills, talents, and ideas will reassure and benefit your mentees, as they transition to university life.

To join the programme, you don’t need previous experience as a mentor. You’ll receive training and support throughout the year on the skills needed to be a successful mentor, including leadership, organisation and communication skills. All of which will help you in the next phase of your own STEM journey.

Plus, you’ll be invited to a reflection session at the end of the programme, where we’ll cover how to talk about your new skills in your CV and at an interview.

The programme includes…

Mentoring
Provide mentoring to In2scienceUK Mentee(s) over the course of the academic year.

Training
Training on how to be a successful mentor. Plus, a reflection session at the end of the programme

Support
Resources, support and guidance from the In2careers Team throughout the year

Networking events
There are lots of exciting opportunities through In2careers to expand your STEM experiences, skills and connections, including networking events, webinars, conferences and much more…

Employability skills
Priority sign up to In2careers workshops. Plus all the skills you gain from completing the programme, such as problem-solving, team building, leadership and communication skills.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be aged 18 or over by 1 September 2024.
• You must have completed your first year of an undergraduate STEM degree at university. 
• You must be entering your second year of university or beyond in Autumn 2024 (Please note, this opportunity is also open to In2careers participants who have graduated from university)
• You can be based anywhere in the UK, but In2science mentees will be attending London universities.

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 or have you been a 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?