I have been a peer mentor at York University for the past two years, and it has been one of my favourite student experiences. In this role, I support and mentor first-year students, whether that be answering any questions they have, helping them adjust to their first year, or just being there as mental and emotional support.
Are you interested in being a peer mentor?
What is a Peer Mentor?
A peer mentor is usually an upper-year student who helps first-year students transition into university. If you are a first-year student, a peer mentor will often lend a hand in guiding you through your first year at university. From study sessions to campus tours to fun social events, they are an accessible connection that can help you become more adjusted to student life.
Even if you are no longer a first-year student, it can still be helpful to reach out and ask questions. As a fourth-year myself, there are still many things that I am still learning about my university and program, so it’s really helpful to have someone to talk to.
What can a Peer Mentor Help me With?
A peer mentor may offer services such as one-on-one counseling, group study sessions, and many more.
One-on-one counseling can include assignment or essay help, such as going over the assignment requirements or giving essay writing tips, or it can be more casual sessions, such as talking about mental health or academic stress. Peer mentors may also host study sessions throughout the year or even hold events that you can attend. Academic events, such as writing or resume workshops, help you develop more professional skills, while social events, such as game nights, provide a space for students to connect and socialize. Your peer mentors are there to make sure your first year is as fun, stress-free, and successful as possible!
My Experience as a Peer Mentor
As mentioned, being a peer mentor has been one of the highlights of my time as a student. There is a great community surrounding peer mentor programs, and it gives you more opportunities to be involved in student life. As a peer mentor, you develop many skills and gain new experiences, and as a mentee, you can find the support you need to succeed academically and professionally.
One of my favourite memories of working as a peer mentor is organizing various events and competitions for students, such as a Gingerbread House Competition for the Holidays and a Drag Race! If you have a chance, I encourage you to reach out to your peer mentor program and volunteer as a mentor or participate as a mentee!
Where can I Find my Peer Mentor Program?
Most universities will have peer mentor programs available. Here is a compiled list of peer mentor programs for most universities in Ontario. If your university is not listed, I encourage you to visit your university’s website to search for your peer mentor program.
Algoma University student? Click here.
Brock University student? Brock University has peer mentors for specific academic programs. I encourage you to find the peer mentor program that applies to you!
Carleton University student? Click here.
University of Guelph student? Click here.
Lakehead University student? Lakehead University has peer mentors for specific academic programs. I encourage you to find the peer mentor program that applies to you!
Laurentian University student? Click here.
McMaster University student? Click here.
Nipissing University student? Click here.
OCAD University student? Click here.
Ontario Tech University student? Click here.
University of Ottawa student? Click here.
The University of Ottawa has peer mentors for specific academic programs. I encourage you to find the peer mentor program that applies to you!
Queen’s University student? Click here.
Ryerson University student? Click here.
University of Toronto student? Click here.
Trent University student? Click here.
University of Waterloo student? Click here.
Western University student? Click here.
Wilfrid Laurier University student? Click here.
University of Windsor student? Click here.
York University student? York University has peer mentors for specific academic programs. I encourage you to find the peer mentor program that applies to you!