The Peer Mentoring Scheme has been created to support new students during their transitional period to university through peer-to-peer support.
With structured communication and opportunities to meet in-person, the scheme helps build an inclusive and welcoming environment to university by cultivating a supportive relationship between mentor and mentees.
Current University of Leicester students volunteer to become mentors and they often have a unique perspective of the demands of university and the services available at Leicester. Mentors receive training and continuous support from the Peer Mentoring Team throughout the scheme.
Schemes:
The Peer Mentoring Scheme has been running successfully for undergraduate students for over 8 years!
We are in an exciting expansion period in the Peer Mentoring Scheme. We launched a scheme specially for Postgraduate students in January 2026, with plans to expand to Foundation and Distance Learners.
Our scheme for PGRs is called Welcome Buddy Scheme to distinguished us from the University’s Peer Mentoring scheme for PGRs.
All mentors will have access to a handbook with a clear outline of expectations and themes for communication including getting to know Leicester and the University, getting involved as a student and the support services available. Through collaboration with faculties and students, the Peer Mentoring Team are in the process adapting these handbooks to make it suitable for all different types of students.
Mentees
All new postgraduate, undergraduate and foundation students for September 2026 will have the opportunity to join the Peer Mentoring Scheme to receive peer support.
The Peer Mentoring Team have invested in an exciting, new software which will allow improved communication and engagement. Please look out for communication once you have joined University of Leicester.
Your mentor will reach out with information about the University, living in Leicester and study tips, but we encourage mentees to ask their mentors questions too! After all, they have been a new student not long ago!
You will have an opportunity to attend peer mentoring events which will allow you to socialise with your peers and hopefully make new friends from your course.
Mentors
The Peer Mentoring Team are always looking for current students to sign-up to support the next cohort of students.
For Undergraduate students, this will be next September. For Postgraduate students, we have cohorts joining in January, April, July and September.
You will be expected to complete a training module on Blackboard which will outline the expectations of the role, then you will be sent the link to sign-up to our new software where you can create a profile which is seen by new students. Your commitment will be for 4 months.
As a Peer Mentor, you’ll:
📧 Send check-in messages to your mentees.
🤝 Meet your mentee
🎯 Complete training
🎉 Help promote SU events
🌍 Get involved across the wider SU community
You’ll gain:
🏅 Accreditation
🥗 Lunch Awards invite for those achieving Distinction Accreditation
📜 Certificates
✍️ A reference to support your future goals
Skills you’ll build:
💬 Written & verbal communication
💪 Confidence & self-esteem
🤍 Mentorship & supporting others
🌈 Engaging with diverse students
👉 Ready to lead, support, and grow? Apply now and be the mentor you once needed.
Expression of Interest: Become a Peer Mentor - Expression of Interest – Fill out form
You must be a current student to apply. You will be sent information from the Peer Mentoring Team about next steps.
Contact the Peer Mentoring Team:
For any questions or ideas to improve the Peer Mentoring scheme, please contact us at:
Undergraduates and PGTs: peermentoring@leicester.ac.uk
PGR (Welcome Buddy Scheme): pgrbuddy@leicester.ac.uk