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Hope

BA (Hons) English Literature

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Balancing Peer Mentor responsibilities has really improved my ability to organise my time effectively. I feel this year I have really branched out my comfort zone and enriched my university experience as much as possible.

Being a Peer Mentor

From my own personal experience, I know that the transition from Sixth Form to university can feel really daunting. You have so many burning questions but don’t know who to ask! I wanted to be the person who people felt they could ask their questions to, even if those questions sounded silly. As a Peer Mentor, I like to essentially think of myself as my mentee's “friend in the year above”. I have experience of exactly what they are going through, I offer advice on university life, provide them with details of events at university that they may find useful and set up meetings tailored to their questions and needs.

Mentees can expect someone who is non-judgmental and willing to answer any questions that may be troubling them. A Peer Mentor is someone you can rely on to ease your mind if you are ever feeling stressed about any aspect of university. Communication is key in this role, not only for offering advice and support but also for organising meetings. It is vital to establish a relationship built on excellent communication. Checking in with your mentees is also important in building trust.

Benefits of being a Peer Mentor

Balancing university studies, society committees and Peer Mentor responsibilities has really improved my ability to organise my time effectively. I feel this year I have really branched out my comfort zone and enriched my university experience as much as possible.

I was nominated by my mentees for HASS Peer Mentor of the Year. Just to know I had made life easier for a small group of students was rewarding enough, but also winning the award felt amazing! Reading the feedback from my mentees before receiving the award was also really reassuring and made me proud to be a winner!

To any student thinking about becoming a Peer Mentor, I say do it! It may be daunting at first but like anything that appears challenging, the result is really rewarding. Knowing I have helped a small group of students settle into university is really gratifying.