Pourriez-vous expliquer la terme "copains d'avante de l'universite' "?

Could you please explain the term "copains d'avante de l'universite' " Though I speak some French, and can translate the term literally, I don't understand the term (some words cannot be translated literally-- the meaning is important. Example: "carte de sejour" can be translated as visiting card. OTOH, the carte de sejour is an identity doent for foreign students and visitors. It is not a business card.