UCL Coffee Connect Toolkit

What is UCL Coffee Connect?

UCL Coffee Connect is our version of the Randomised Coffee Trials developed by Nesta. UCL community members from across the globe are randomly matched with one another and invited to organise a virtual or in-person meeting together.  

Introducing yourself to a Coffee Buddy  

We recommend that you introduce yourself to your Coffee Buddy as soon as possible. Even if you are not available to meet until a later date, it can be helpful to share some suggested dates in advance.  

We recommend that you include the following information in your introductory email:  

• Your name  

• Your current location (do not share your full address) 

• Your course of study and graduation year at UCL  

• Your interests and hobbies  

• Your availability for a Coffee Connect meeting (e.g. evenings, weekends) 

• Your preferred platform for a meeting (e.g. Microsoft Teams/Zoom) 

You are welcome to use the template email below to start your conversation.  

Subject: UCL Coffee Connect Match 

Dear ____, 

I hope you are well. My name is _____ and I am your UCL Coffee Buddy!   

I am based in _______ and studied _____ at UCL 

As a brief introduction - in my spare time, I enjoy ________.  

It would be great to set up our Coffee Connect meeting together soon. I am available ______. I would prefer to connect via ______. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon! 

Conversation starters 

These conversations aren’t prescriptive, you can talk about whatever you want. The most important thing is to be curious and approach these conversations as a chance to learn more. 

If you’re not sure where to start, use our conversation starter topics below:  

Studying at UCL 

• What did you most enjoy about studying at UCL?  

• What was your favourite thing to do as a student?  

• What is your favourite place in London?  

Careers 

• Share your work experience and history  

  • What would you like to do in the future?  

  • What are you most proud of? 

• Hobbies & Interests

  • What do you like to do in your spare time?  

  • What is your favourite book/film/TV show?  

  • What is your favourite country in the world?  

FAQs

How will I find out who my match is?

You will find out who your match is via the email you signed up with. You will then have a month to make contact and arrange a meeting with them.  

How do you decide who my match will be?  

All matches are completely random. This means you could be connected with another student or alumnus from any degree, any age across the world.  

My match hasn’t responded to me, what should I do?  

Unfortunately, on occasion, some sign up to the programme and are not able to continue. If you do not receive a response from your match, try following up with them.  

If you still haven’t heard from them two weeks after your second email, let us know at alumnivolunteers@ucl.ac.uk , we will then add you to a “waiting pool” where we will try to rematch you.   

I am no longer available to take part, what should I do?  

Let us know, so that we can try to find a new contact for your match. Please note that we are not always able to find people a second match, so do try to take part if possible.  

How long should my Coffee Connect meeting be?  

You are welcome to talk to your Coffee Buddy for as long as you’d like. We recommend scheduling at least 30 minutes for your initial conversation, but you may wish to extend this during your conversation. 

Can I stay in contact with my match after our first conversation?  

You are more than welcome to stay in contact after your first chat, but there is no obligation to do so.  

Why are the matches random?  

Coffee Connect gives you the opportunity to meet and build connections with anyone in the UCL community. We hope this gives people the opportunity to connect with someone they may not ordinarily come across in their networking circles. As conversations aren’t prescribed, it’s simply designed as an opportunity to meet someone new, regardless of background.