Peer Mentoring is an opportunity for first year LCC students to seek support and advice from more experienced students. Mentors are students in the second or final year of their course. They offer guidance to those who just started their academic journey at LCC.
Mentoring aims to empower students to become confident, independent learners. It provides a space to discuss personal development, share success stories and set goals for the year ahead, as well as get advice on how to navigate student life.
We caught up with Kseniia and Neto – who took part in Peer Mentoring first as mentees and then as mentors – to talk about their experience.
What inspired you to take part in LCC’s Peer Mentoring scheme?
Neto: I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to get extra support and guidance to understand better how things work in different areas of the university.
Kseniia: During my first year of studies, I found out about the scheme and wanted to use the opportunity to meet a more experienced student. I found our meetings extremely helpful to adjust to life on campus. Later, in my second year, I noticed the vacancy to apply to become a mentor on Arts Temps. At the time I was my year's course representative so had already gained experience communicating with students, plus it was exciting to help more students with adjusting to LCC.
What have you learnt from being a mentee?
Kseniia: I gained knowledge about the available resources such as Academic Support and got some general advice on the structure of the studies at LCC – which made me less anxious to progress further.
How did you find the experience of being a mentor?
Neto: It is an enriching experience. It gives us the opportunity to have extra training to improve several life skills, such as attentive listening and how to help our peers navigate throughout their first year at LCC.
Kseniia: I have enjoyed being a mentor a lot. Apart from assisting mentees and passing all the knowledge I have to them, there were lots of activities designed for the mentors too. I have met a team of amazing like-minded people from various courses and expanded my soft skills by participating in trainings and workshops.
What are the challenges you faced while taking part in the Peer Mentoring programme?
Kseniia: Promoting the scheme was challenging at first, especially getting the attention of students while working at the stall or giving a short presentation in a Lecture Theatre in front of a big crowd. This was a valuable experience that helped me to build my confidence.
Neto: For me, the most challenging was the fact that we are learning at the same time as our peers, juggling our own questions and deadlines. But I must highlight that we are supported all along the way by a wonderful team of Academic Support staff.
Peer Mentoring was a fantastic opportunity to get extra support and guidance to understand better how things work in different areas of the university. – Neto
What were the top 3 things you gained from taking part in Peer Mentoring?
Neto: I increased my confidence and sense of belonging within the UAL community and acquired lifetime skills and networks.
Kseniia: I learnt how to be open-minded to the unique experiences of both students and other mentors. How to remain flexible while adapting to different working conditions and joining all the new workshops. And I built my confidence by doing public talks, actively participating in group conversations, and asking questions.
How has being a part of this programme changed your experience as an LCC student?
Neto: It totally changed how I experienced my time during my BA and still does now that I am taking an MA in Publishing. I feel a part of something that really matters and adds to the student's journey.
Kseniia: This programme has helped me as a student to apply all the learned skills into my personal practice. I find it easier to present my projects in front of others and I enjoy helping my peers. I have also gained a better understanding of the available resources and started using them more actively.
What advice would you give to students thinking about taking part in Peer Mentoring?
Neto: Go for it. You can start as a mentee, and you will certainly become a mentor at some point. The role is very flexible and extremely rewarding.
Kseniia: Whether you want to become a mentor or a mentee, it is a brilliant opportunity to explore while you are still a student. You will learn a lot about the life at LCC and about yourself!
For more information about Peer Mentoring at LCC, visit the LCC Peer Mentoring webpage. To register for a mentor email lcc-peermentoring@arts.ac.uk.