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Mentoring partnerships provide many benefits
Welcome to the Activate Mentoring Programme Mentee webpage. Here you will find useful information about the programme which will support your mentoring partnership.
Find out what previous mentees have gained from being mentored through Activate:
- enhance your experience at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ – “I could share all my worries about my PhD life and I got a lot of advise for time management, communication with my supervisor and how to overcome frustration.”
- support you to clarify your purpose and productivity – “The mentor has helped me achieve my goals that I set during my year at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and also helped me on how to organise my outlook for the future.”
- build your motivation and confidence – “I met people with shared experience and background as me, allowing me to realise that the difficulties I am facing are not single to me, but reflective of a wider issue experienced by many others.”
- develop a peer community for you to engage with - “I had regular meetings with my mentor during the programme. She is very nice and caring. Our regular meetings made me feel supported and valued at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I appreciate the opportunity Activate has offered to help students develop connections at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and feel the support from community”
- develop your focus and preparation during your study and for future career/academic aspirations – “My mentor encouraged me to apply explore career options and apply for internships to gain experience and confidence in the application processes, specifically interviews. It also helped me learn how to navigate my disabilities”
- create a deeper sense of belonging - "Having a mentor from a minority group felt more relatable. He also was ideal for the advice I was seeking. The speakers at the events were also very good and some of their words have stuck with me. Also nice to meet other mentees and mentors, it was a comfortable space to talk and felt like a community."
Applications for 2026 will reopen in September 2026.
Mentee accordions
- Eligibility
- Activities and Events for Mentees in 2025-26
- Who will be your mentors?
- FAQs
- Resources for you!
Eligibility
Activate is open to individuals within the following groups:
- Recipients of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Scholarships for Black Heritage and Minority Ethnic PhD Students
- Recipients of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Scholarships for Disabled Master’s and Disabled PhD Students
- Minority Ethnic PhD students at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
- Disabled PhD students at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
- Prospective Black Heritage PhD students
Individuals who identify as Black heritage and are considering applying for a PhD at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
As an Activate Mentee you will be required to complete mandatory online training which previous mentees highly recommend will support your mentoring partnership. There are also optional workshops and events for you to attend. Please make a note of these dates in your diary:
- Mandatory: In November, and prior to meeting with your mentor for the first time, you will be expected to complete "Introduction to Mentoring" (online self-paced course).
- Optional for all: 19 November 2025 | 12.00 - 14.00 | In-person South Kensington Campus| Activate mentee welcome lunch and networking
- Optional training for All: 28 January 2025 | 18.30 - 19:30 | Online through MS Teams | Topic tbc
- Optional support for all: 5 March 2025 | 12.00 - 13.00 | Online through MS Teams | Mentee "check-in"
- Optional support for all: 17 March 2025 | 13.00 - 14.00 | Online through MS Teams | Mentee "check-in"
- Optional training for all mentees: tbc May 2025
- Optional for all: 24 June 2025 | 17.00 - 20.00 | In person South Kensington Campus | Activate End of Programme Celebration.
Activate mentors are staff, alumni and PhD students who have particular insight and understanding of the educational experience of students of Minority Ethnic backgrounds and students with disabilities, and the challenges they face within education and navigating University life.
How often will I meet my mentor?
You will typically meet your mentor once a month and up to 6 sessions, although you can agree together on a rhythm that works for both of you.
Is mentoring in person or online?
Mentoring can take place either in person or online, depending on what works best for you and your mentor.
Do I need to prepare for mentoring sessions?
You are encouraged to bring your thoughts, questions, or reflections – sessions are shaped around your needs.
Do I need to complete any training as a mentee?
Yes, you are required to complete the Introduction to Mentoring for Mentees before your first meeting.
Can prospective students really benefit before applying?
Yes — the programme provides insight into the PhD journey, application process, and ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ experience, helping you feel more confident and informed.
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has a wealth of resources to support you throughout your time here. The following may also support your mentoring journey:
- The Student Support Zone is your ultimate guide to wellbeing at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
- You Are Not Alone ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has several avenues of support for students who have experienced bullying, harassment, discrimination or sexual violence.
- Activate Mentee Handbook 2025-26 — your go-to guide packed with resources to support you throughout your mentoring journey