Emma, Buddy Scheme Mentor

When I first heard about the Queen Mary Buddy Scheme, I knew I wanted to get involved. Having experienced first-hand how overwhelming university life can be in your first year, especially in such a diverse and vibrant city like London, I wanted to help ease that transition for someone else.

Being a mentor this year has been incredibly rewarding. I was paired with a student from a completely different background to mine, which made the experience all the more enriching. We connected both online and in person—sharing coffee chats, talking about coursework, exploring hidden corners of East London, and exchanging tips on everything from how to find the best library spots to navigating the city’s transport system. Just being a consistent, friendly presence made a real difference to my mentee’s confidence and comfort. It reminded me that support doesn’t always have to be grand—it’s often the small things that mean the most.

Through this role, I’ve grown too. The scheme helped me develop my communication, leadership, and mentoring skills, and taught me how to adapt to someone else’s needs. I also gained a deeper appreciation for inclusivity and the power of empathy—two things I now carry with me into all areas of my academic and professional life.

I would genuinely encourage any student—especially those who remember what that first-year uncertainty felt like—to become a mentor. It’s a chance to give back, make new friends, grow personally, and even enhance your CV with practical, people-focused experience. The Buddy Scheme is more than a mentoring programme—it’s a way to build community at Queen Mary, one conversation at a time.

Emma, Buddy Scheme Mentor & Volunteer 2024