Student Networks & Mentoring

Connecting and Belonging

There are lots of opportunities to explore clubs and societies at University. These will allow you to meet students from all corners of our university and from across the world.

Clubs, networks and societies are important for building friendships and connections with like-minded people. New to the School of Life Sciences in 2024 are our student networks. Being part of these networks will help you build a support network of people with shared values and interests; they are also a great opportunity to work with the school on building and maintaining our inclusive community.

You’ll also be offered the opportunity to have a student mentor through our Life Sciences student society “BioSoc”. This might be particularly useful for those who are first in their families to attend university, but it is open to everyone.

Centrally we have a network for those who meet criteria for “Widening participation”. This is a term that describes particular criteria that the university are mindful of when ensuring we are recruiting students from diverse backgrounds. The current criteria are:

• You are a Home Student (UK)

• You were eligible or ever in receipt of Free School Meals while at secondary school

• You come from a low socio-economic background where your household income is below £35,001

• You come from an area with low progression rates to higher education

• You are in receipt of a Warwick Bursary or other means tested financial support

• You are a student with disabilities - including seen and unseen disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder or any other disabling condition

• You are a mature student who entered higher education over the age of 21

• You have spent time in local authority care, either in a foster home, group home or kinship care

• You are an estranged student who is not supported by their parents

• You have caring responsibilities - this could include, physical, practical or emotional care

• Neither of your parents attended university and gained a degree (e.g. BA/BSc or equivalent) - excluding if they were/are a mature student

• You have been granted refugee status, are under humanitarian protection or are currently seeking asylum in the UK

You can read more here (Widening Participation Student Network (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window) 

If some of these criteria represent part of your journey, then you will be contacted directly about joining this network.

SLS Student Networks

The SLS Student Networks are student-led communities that help promote a more inclusive and equitable campus culture. The four networks: Ethnicity, Disability, Gender Equality & Identity, and Community & Culture, are each coordinated by student leads who are passionate about building a sense of belonging within the School. These networks aim to ensure that students of all identities feel represented, supported, and empowered throughout their time at university. They are especially valuable for those from underrepresented or minoritised backgrounds, providing a platform where lived experiences help shape a more welcoming and understanding academic environment.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in the running of these networks; keep an eye out for opportunities to join or apply for student lead roles once you arrive.