Peer mentoring
Peer Mentoring is a student-led initiative designed to ensure that first year students can get information and support from another student, find a friendly face to have a chat, talk things through or just ask a few questions when you’re not sure who to approach.
Peer mentors are students who have already completed their first or second year of study in a similar course and understand what it is like to be a new student in DCU. They have undergone a short training programme to help you make the transition to DCU as smooth and as enjoyable as possible.
They use their own experiences and insights to help create an environment which is welcoming and which helps your social and academic development. They are supported by staff in the OSL and academic staff.
You will meet your Peer Mentor during orientation week. Each student will be placed in a group of 10-15 other first year students and each Peer Mentors will organise 3-4 social activities and meetings during the year to get together. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity to get to know your classmates and/or discuss any issues or concerns.
What can my Peer Mentor do for me?
- Support you in solving early problems which may arise.
- Share their experiences and challenges with you.
- Encourage you to make connections with your classmates
- Assist you to learn about DCU and help you to foster a sense of belonging.
- Encourage you to get involved in the social side of DCU, joining Clubs and Societies etc.
Peer Mentors are there to help you with these queries. Remember, no issue is too small and they know what it was like to be in first year and have doubts, questions and anxieties.
Some typical questions Peer Mentors can answer
I’m feeling overwhelmed, what do I do?
- Where are my lectures, timetables, tutorials?
- Where’s the library?
- What’s a module?
- I’m not sure that I picked the right course, what do I do?
- How do I get more involved in student life?
