KCLSU Buddy Scheme

The KCLSU Buddy Scheme aims to connect first and second-year students from all levels of study with higher year or higher-level students who share an identity that is important to them. We hope that, by connecting students with shared identities, newer students will feel more settled at King’s, and everyone involved in the scheme will benefit from higher wellbeing and a greater sense of belonging.

Information on Mentor applications for the 2026/27 academic year is available below. Mentee applications will open in August 2026, and this page will be updated accordingly. In the meantime, please send any expressions of interest to peersupport@kclsu.org

What does a Buddy Mentor do?

As a Buddy Mentor, you’ll be paired with a first or second-year student in a lower year or level of study with whom you share an identity that is important to you, or else common interests or academic area. You’ll offer them guidance, support and signposting to services where needed. You’ll meet regularly (in-person or online) and attend Buddy Scheme socials together. By being a friendly point of contact for your Mentee, you will support them to feel settled at King’s.

Who is Eligible to be a Buddy Mentor?

You need to be a returning student (second year and above) at King’s College London. Your level of study can be Undergraduate or Postgraduate. You also need to fulfil the training requirements to be a Mentor on the Buddy Scheme.

In 2026/27, students who have one or more of the following identities are eligible to join the Buddy Scheme as a Mentor, and will be asked to select the relevant option(s) upon application:

• Learners from low socio-economic contexts: if you receive the King's Living Bursary or means-tested NHS bursary
• Learners with experience of care, caring, estrangement, or forced migration: if you have experience of the care system, have been a young carer, are estranged from your family or are a refugee or asylum seeker
• First generation learners: if you are the first in your family to go to university
• Black or ethnic minority heritage learners: if you are from an ethnic or racial minority heritage background, including Gypsy or Roma heritage
• Disabled learners: if you have a visible or invisible disability, including neurodiverse and mental health conditions
• Mature learners: if you were older than 21 when starting your first degree
• Learners who have taken part in widening participation (WP) programmes: if you have taken part in Realising Opportunities, K+, IntoUniversity, a Sutton Trust Summer School or are on the Extended Medical Degree Programme or the Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme
• Learners who are holders of the Sanctuary Scholarship/ Jesus the Light Sanctuary Scholarship
• Learners who identify as LGBTQ+
• Learners who commute to university: you might identify as a commuter if you live in a family home or outside of London
• Other (please indicate)

If you can’t find your identity group(s) listed, but are interested in the scheme, please email us at peersupport@kclsu.org – we’re always looking to expand to more student identities!

Benefits of Being a Buddy Mentor

• 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
• Attend Wellbeing Skills for Student Leaders (WSSL) training accredited by the UK’s student mental health charity Student Minds
• Receive LinkedIn endorsements for skills like active listening, mentoring, and communication
• Get 1:1 support from the Wellbeing Coordinator (Peer Support) throughout your time as a Mentor

How to Apply

Applications for our 2026/27 cohort of Mentors are open until midnight (11:59pm) on Friday 31 July 2026. The application form is available here.