Laksha
MEng (Hons) Electronics & Computer Engineering with Industrial Project
Becoming a Peer Mentor is one of the most rewarding things you can do at university. It is mostly about helping others, but it’s also an opportunity for personal growth, skills development, and making a real impact on someone’s journey.
Being a Peer Mentor
I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I remember how overwhelming it was when I first started university. As an international student, adjusting to a new academic environment, settling into a different country, and figuring things out on my own was scary. Having someone to guide me during that phase made a huge difference. My Peer Mentor was of great help whenever I needed any guidance, and I wanted to provide the same guidance for the upcoming freshers. Being a Peer Mentor gave me the opportunity to share my experiences, offer advice, and help new students feel more confident and connected. It’s really fulfilling to be a part of someone’s journey and watch them grow more comfortable and capable over time.
As a Peer Mentor, I support new students on my course. I help them settle in during their transition to university life. I stay in regular contact with my mentees, especially during the first few weeks of term, to check in on how they're doing. I answer questions about academics, timetables, university systems, and even things like accommodation or where to find good study or visiting spots. I also share tips that helped me when I was in first year. It’s all about being approachable, supportive, and making sure they know they’re not alone in the transition.
A mentee can expect their Peer Mentor to be a friendly, approachable, and supportive guide throughout their early university experience. They would be a safe space to ask questions and no question is too small or silly. You can expect honest advice and tips based on the mentor’s own experiences. Most importantly, mentees can expect someone who genuinely cares and wants to help them feel more confident and connected in their new environment.
Benefits of being a Peer Mentor
Being a Peer Mentor has helped me develop a range of transferable skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings. Some of the main skills I have developed are communication skills, empathy and active listening, problem-solving and time management.
Becoming a Peer Mentor is one of the most rewarding things you can do at university. It is mostly about helping others, but it’s also an opportunity for personal growth, skills development, and making a real impact on someone’s journey.
You don’t need to have all the answers, just being approachable, empathetic, and willing to share your experiences can make a lot of difference to someone who's new and unsure. You’ll gain valuable transferable skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving that will help you in any career path. If you enjoy supporting others and want to give back to the university community, this role is worth it.