Science

Peer mentoring

Peer mentoring helps new students build social and academic networks, so they settle in quickly to student life and experience a successful, productive and positive journey.

Man looking out of window

If you’re new to UNSW, you can ease your transition to university life and settle in sooner with help from our peer mentors. They’ll help you find your way around, giving you their tips and insider’s knowledge to make the most of your time at university. If you’re in second-year or beyond, you can get involved and become a peer mentor.

The Science Peer Mentoring Program supports new science students as they transition into university life and help them to succeed. Open to first-year Science students, here’s a great way to meet other students and mentors in Term 1.

For new students looking for a mentoring program more specific to their specialist science degree, see the options below.

School of Psychology

Discover our mentoring program designed to support first-year students transitioning into study with the School of Psychology.
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Aviation Society

Develop connections with your first-year peers while getting to know senior students with our aviation peer mentoring program.
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School of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE PGSOC)

We’ve developed a program of peer mentorship, welcome events and an orientation pack to help our postgraduate students settle in.
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School of Materials Science & Engineering

Our mentors share their tips about university life with a structured program of regular social meetups and activities.
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Data science

First-year Data Science & Decisions students can meet new people and get involved with the data science community.
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What our students are saying 

“It was great to be able to ask a lot of questions and get honest responses from someone who has experience at uni.” 
“Having someone that I could ask for advice about university life, ways to build better study habits, tips on dealing with certain situations…was incredibly helpful and made me feel more confident in completing my first term of university.” 

Benefits of having a peer mentor

  • help with finding your way around campus & facilities
  • peer mentoring social events
  • form lasting friendships & building networks
  • get tips from someone who’s been in a similar situation to you.

FAQs

Find answers to some of the most common questions about our Peer Mentoring Program.

  • A peer mentor is an experienced student passing on their knowledge, tips, ideas and skills to less experienced students.

    Mentoring is different to friendship. It has a specific purpose, and the relationship is entirely focused on you - the mentee.

    Mentoring is not tutoring. It provides you with an important support structure to help you make the transition to university life while you 'find your feet'. Mentoring is an informal process.

  • Being part of a mentor program you’ll:

    • meet other new science students
    • benefit from hearing how other new students are managing their transition to university
    • get the chance to consult with a more experienced student (the mentor)
    • find resources and other areas of support quickly and easily
    • get an insider’s view of the campus and tips on how to make the most of campus services and facilities
    • ask questions about university life - no question is too small, big or silly.

  • Our mentors are trained and experienced science students who want to help. They'll listen to the challenges of being a new student at UNSW and guide you with practical advice.