Find out more about our Peer Mentoring Scheme

"We started a peer mentoring programme in the Department of Education Studies as research has shown that it can be a really positive way of supporting first years during their transition from school/college in to university. All Y1 students in our department are allocated a mentor from the second or third year, which means that they all have somebody that they can reach out to for advice, guidance, support or just a chat. We want new students to feel like they belong and that they are valued members of our department community; the mentoring programme has been great for helping students to get to know each other better. We have found that the peer mentoring programme has been really important over the last academic year due to the challenging circumstances of the pandemic. Our mentors and mentees have used technology to stay in touch, although we are all hoping that we can meet safely ‘in real life’ next year.

As well as benefiting the new first years, we have also found that our mentors have really enjoyed participating too. The scheme has allowed them to share their knowledge and expertise with new students, has supported the development of a range of skills, and has been a useful addition to their CVs. Next year we have a new group of students who will join the mentoring team and a new group of first years joining our department too. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to DES in the Autumn term!"

- Dr Rebecca Morris on the peer mentoring scheme

Shenghao

Shenghao on his experience taking part in the peer mentor scheme as a mentee.