Make the most of UNSW Peer Support   

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STUDENT INTERVIEWS

By Coco Wang, Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours), 4th year  

What is Peer Support and why should I connect with a peer mentor? 

Peer Support involves experienced students helping newly commencing students with various aspects of their university life. Student Mentors endeavour to create inclusive environments that encourage incoming students to express their concerns, ask thoughtful questions, and develop lasting connections with their peers.  

If you’re new to UNSW and would like some support from a friendly student Mentor, I would highly encourage you to participate in a Peer Support program that interests you! There are various benefits in joining an inclusive community during your first term or year at UNSW, including: 

  • Developing meaningful connections and lasting friendships with other like-minded students. 

  • Learning tips and getting advice from your Mentor on effective ways to navigate university life. 

  • Attending fun social events with your fellow Mentors and Mentees, either in-person or online! 

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Why did you join a Peer Support program? How did it influence your personal growth or journey at UNSW? 

I joined the Women in Engineering Protégé Program as a mentee during my first term at UNSW to meet like-minded people and build my confidence in transitioning from high school to university.  

The program fostered a warm and supportive community that propelled me to feel comfortable with navigating university life independently. I felt less overwhelmed by the vastness of the university and learnt the value of connecting with other like-minded students and Mentors. It also encouraged me to seek further Peer Support opportunities throughout my degree. 

How did you become a Mentor and what is it like? 

I became a Mentor in the Cultural Mentor Program during my 3rd year at UNSW to assist incoming international students with their transition into university. My role involved hosting casual meetings with my Mentees throughout the term to answer their questions about university life and enhance their connection to the UNSW community. I've met numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds and continually enjoy learning from their personal experiences. Being able to contribute to a supportive environment as a Cultural Mentor has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone who is seeking to connect with other international students!  

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Are there different types of Peer Support programs? 

Yes! Peer Support programs at UNSW are either community-based or faculty-based. They are tailored to diverse student demographics and offered during different terms throughout the year, depending on the objective of the program.  

One community Peer Support program is Let’s CommUNIcate, which offers weekly conversation workshops to international students who are seeking to improve their English communication skills. Another community-based program is ActivateUNSW, which involves weekly catch-up meetings for incoming students with a disability, long-term health condition, or mental health condition. 

There are also various Peer Support programs in each of UNSW’s faculties, offering specific guidance on students’ studies, enrolments, and overall university life. 

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How do I know which Peer Support program is for me?

If you’re new to UNSW and would like general guidance on navigating university life, I would recommend joining a community Peer Support program that you identify with. An example is the Mature Age Peer Support Program, which is suitable for students who have either taken a break after high school or worked professionally before studying UNSW.

If you’re seeking advice on your degree and studies, it would be most beneficial for you to join a relevant faculty Peer Support program. You’ll be able to learn from the experiences of a senior Mentor while also connecting with other students from your faculty or degree.

Where do I sign up? 

You can explore the range of Peer Support programs offered at UNSW and sign up via the Peer Support website: www.student.unsw.edu.au/peersupport.  

If you find that certain registrations are not active for the upcoming term, be sure to express your interest by sending an email to the Program Coordinator or Organising Team. You’ll typically find the relevant email address at the bottom of each program’s information page.  

Thank you so much for your interest in the First Years Content Series! I wish you the very best in your studies and future endeavours.  

 

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