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Evie

MComp (Hons) Computer Science

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Supporting students during their transition to university has enhanced my ability to empathize and understand diverse perspectives.

Being a Peer Mentor

I had an excellent Peer Mentor during my first year who made us feel extremely welcomed to Newcastle. As this was during the covid pandemic, their support was particularly valuable. I became a Peer Mentor to try and make my mentees and other students feel as supported as my mentor made us feel.

A Peer Mentor supports students and ensures their transition to university is as smooth as possible. Peer Mentors are there to answer any questions or provide support and advice before new students move to Newcastle, and during the first semester, helping first-year students transition to university life. As older students, we are often well-placed to answer questions about student life such as about accommodation, university specifics that students might not (yet!) be comfortable asking lecturers or university staff, or even casual inquiries about places to eat and drink. We meet with mentees a few times during the first semester to ensure everything is going well and to check in. 

Benefits of being a Peer Mentor

As a Peer Mentor, I’ve developed my ability to quickly build trust and relationships with my mentees to ensure they feel comfortable engaging and asking questions. Supporting students during their transition has enhanced my ability to empathize and understand diverse perspectives.

I did not expect to be nominated for Peer Mentor of the Year - it was very sweet of my mentees to nominate me! Often a big part of our job is to check in and make sure everything is going ok, and often whilst we can advise our mentees and point them in the correct direction, we can’t directly solve some issues. I’m grateful that I had an awesome group of mentees and that I was able to be there and help where needed.

If you are thinking about being a Peer Mentor, I'd say don’t be afraid to go for it! It’s a really easy way to give back to the university during the first semester, help younger students, and it's extremely rewarding!