IntoUniversity Buddy Programme

About IntoUniversity 

IntoUniversity is an educational charity providing local learning centres where young people are inspired to achieve. At these local learning centres IntoUniversity supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve a place at university or another chosen aspiration.  

IntoUniversity has two programs: Buddy Days (for Year 8+ students) and FOCUS group days (for Year 6 students). Both of these days include a campus tour and an activity.   

Buddy days and FOCUS Graduations  

• IntoUniversity’s Buddy/FOCUS program is comprised of a half-day workshop in school led by IntoUniversity staff introducing the students to university, which is then followed by a full day trip to a university.
• The day at university is led by university volunteers who lead a planned campus tour and an engaging workshop designed in collaboration with IntoUniversity staff. This will take place from 10:30AM - 2:30PM.
• Buddy days are usually done with 25-30 year 8 students from one of IntoUniversity’s partner schools. These days will be focused on Law and will include an interactive activity. In the past, students have set up a mock courtroom and debated issues affecting young people.
• FOCUS days are usually done with 25-30 year 6 students from one of IntoUniversity's partner schools. After the tour, school students will interview university students to hear a first-hand account of life at university. After that, they will have a graduation ceremony and presentation on what they've learnt throughout the week.
• University students (buddies) are fully supported by IntoUniversity staff to create their interactive workshop and are never left alone with the school students.
• University students (buddies) are fully supported by IntoUniversity staff to create their interactive workshop and are never left alone with the school students.

Requirements for this role:

This role is open to all LLB and LLM students.  

The UCL Centre for Access to Justice will be helping to facilitate these tours. The tentative dates for 2025-2026 are listed below:  

• Wednesday 19th November 2025 Year 8 Buddy Workshop
• Friday, December 5th 2025 (TBC)
• Friday 30th January 2026 Year 6 Primary FOCUS Week Graduation

• Friday 13th February 2026

   

In order to apply, you must be available for at least one of the above dates. Depending on numbers, you may be asked to participate in multiple buddy days. You will be asked to complete your availability on the application form.  

You will also be required to attend an online meeting with a member of IntoUniversity staff a week before each session. During this session, you will also plan the content of the buddy day with a representative from IntoUniversity.   

Pro Bono Skills Development Framework  

The Centre for Access to Justice now offers all students engaged in voluntary pro bono the opportunity to participate in the Pro Bono Skills Development Framework. This framework allows you to reflect on the skills gained during your placement, aligned with the Aurora Competence Framework. Completing it earns you a Certificate of Commitment to Pro Bono, acknowledging your dedication and skill development. Your participation will help you document and showcase the valuable competencies you've developed, however, please note that participation in the PBSDF scheme is entirely voluntary and will not affect your placement in any way.

How to apply

Applications close on November 7th 11:59pm. Please apply via the online application form.  

When applying, please make sure you have completed the CAJ Equality and Diversity Monitoring Questionnaire. You only need to complete this once per academic year.   

Please note the Centre for Access to Justice strongly discourages use of artificial intelligence in applications. Use of content generated by artificial intelligence in your application may affect your chance of success.  

Should you have any questions, please contact Annika Melwani at annika.melwani@ucl.ac.uk.