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Bibi

BA (Hons) Modern Languages

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The role of a Peer Mentor is to provide a friendly face for new students who are in a new city to help them settle in, provide advice and support, and answer any questions about university life and studies.

Being a Peer Mentor

I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I had a positive experience with my Peer Mentor in my first year and wanted to have the same impact on others. I know how daunting moving to university can be and advice from older students is so useful because they have been through first year, which is what new students are about to experience. I also wanted to improve my own skills and make new friends through the scheme.

The role of a Peer Mentor is to provide a friendly face for new students who are in a new city to help them settle in, provide advice and support, and answer any questions about university life and studies. A Peer Mentor regularly meets with their mentees to chat about how they are finding university, and signposts them to support and further information should they need it.            

A mentee should expect a Peer Mentor who is organised and friendly and willing to put in the effort into making sure they are settling in well. A Peer Mentor should be approachable and able to give useful advice and be someone who genuinely cares about others and their experience at university.

Benefits of being a Peer Mentor

My confidence and leadership skills have definitely improved as a result of being a Peer Mentor, I now feel much more relaxed in group settings and feel able to give advice on my own experiences. I also think that my organizational skills and initiative have developed through being a Peer Mentor, as mentors must organise meetings with mentees and be proactive.

I would say to anyone thinking about being a Peer Mentor, do it! It is not a massive commitment, it makes you stand out, and you will make friends along the way too. It is also a brilliant feeling when you help others knowing you were in their position not too long ago. It is a simple way to develop skills and help others.