Spencer

Being a Peer Mentor

Transitioning to university life can be a daunting experience for many reasons. It’s exciting. You’re moving away from home, family and friends to a new city to study something you’re (hopefully) very passionate about. However, on arrival it can suddenly become very daunting. All those exciting things can be very scary when they actually come to pass and although many find comfort in new friends, they’re in the same boat as you! A Peer Mentor is a great source of impartial, friendly information on things you often don’t even realise you need to know.

Peer Mentors facilitate in a variety of ways, depending on what is best for their mentee. It’s important to be flexible! Often, you will organise regular meetings which benefit from being structured. Sometimes, it’s good to have unstructured meetings where everyone can sound their concerns. It’s always necessary to have an open mind, have open channels of communication and know where and how to signpost mentees to further support. Mentees can expect impartial, non-judgemental support and guidance to the best university resource be that a tutor, module leader or student services.