Are you a visually impaired student starting university this autumn or currently in your first year?
The process of applying to university is stressful for everyone but can be even more difficult when you have a visual impairment. Arriving at university as a VI student can be daunting. With the support of the LOOK University Mentors, LOOK wants to help take some of the stress out of it.
Through our University Mentoring programme, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, you will be paired with a VI young person who has already been through the application process so they can talk to you about any questions you might have.
What is Mentoring?
A mentor is an older person who draws on their lived experience to advise and guide. All of our mentors are over 18, visually impaired and trained by us to provide mentoring. Our mentors have a range of specialties including Law, Biomedical Sciences, English Literature, Human Resources and many more.
University Mentoring follows a six-month mentoring partnership. Mentees who are either in their last year of sixth-form or their first year of university will be paired with a Mentor who is a current student or graduate to offer specific guidance and advice around the pathway into higher education.
What can you talk to your mentor about?
Anything! Although our mentors have experience of university, you can talk to them about anything related to life as a VI person.
Some topics our partnerships have been discussing are:
- How to make friends when you’re in a new environment
- Accessing sports and societies at university
- How to make the most out of open days
- Advocating for yourself during your degree
And much more!
Here are quotes from our previous university mentees:
‘It’s been nice because I didn’t know anyone who is VI who went to university before. The tips Kerry has given and the links to different webinars Look sent have been really helpful.’- Mentee A
‘I have certainly gone beyond my comfort zone during this partnership, such as going away alone with friends, navigating unknown routes and cooking by myself for people, however, it has been for the better and I’ve enjoyed the freedom and experiences!’- Mentee S
If you are interested in getting involved, please email megana@look-uk.org
