Your Questions,
Answered
What does a Beacon actually do?
You are the face of Bellowmere on your campus: hosting two small meetups a term, gathering feedback from students who use the app, and helping the product team understand what your city actually needs.
How many hours a week does it take?
Plan on four to six hours most weeks, with a busier stretch around each meetup. Term-time deadlines come first — tell your lead and we shuffle the calendar.
Which projects would I be assigned?
Every Beacon runs one live campus project and joins one shared workstream — usually creative, research, or events. You pick both in week two.
Is the role paid?
Yes. Beacons receive a termly stipend paid monthly, a budget for every event you host, and reimbursement for travel to the two regional gatherings.
Can I apply from an exchange programme?
Absolutely — as long as you will be on the same campus for the whole term. Exchange students often make the strongest Beacons because they build a network from nothing.
Do I need to live in a specific country?
The programme runs in 41 cities across nine countries this term. If your campus is not on the list yet, apply anyway and note it — that is how new cities get opened.
What if I already represent another programme?
That is fine, provided it is not a directly competing product and you can keep the two calendars apart. Mention it on the form so we can talk it through.
Does my relationship status matter?
Not in the slightest. Beacons run community and friendship events; who you go home to has nothing to do with the role.
Am I eligible if I compete on a varsity team?
Yes, though student-athletes should check their own eligibility rules before accepting a paid stipend. We will happily send your compliance office the contract in advance.
Are postgraduate students eligible?
They are. Roughly a fifth of each cohort is postgraduate, and taught masters students tend to slot in most easily around their timetable.
Is there a minimum age for the role?
You must be 18 or over on the day the term starts, since Beacons sign their own contract and handle an event budget.
What if my campus is fully online?
Remote cohorts run a different brief — two online sessions and one meetup in whichever city you are actually living in. Flag it on the form and you will be routed there.
When will I hear back about my application?
Everyone hears either way within 18 days of the deadline. Shortlisted applicants get a 20-minute video chat first, usually in the week that follows.
How long does a Beacon term last?
One academic term, with the option to renew twice. Around a third of Beacons stay a full year and a handful move into the regional lead roles after that.
What health and safety measures does Bellowmere put in place?
Every venue is vetted before booking, all events run with two named organisers, and each Beacon gets a 24-hour support line plus a written code of conduct for attendees.