Student Mentor Scheme
Starting at university can be a little daunting and you might have lots of questions you'd prefer to ask a current student rather than a staff member. This is where having a student mentor can really help you settle in.
Award-winning
Award-winning, student-led mentor scheme. Around 800 trained undergraduates support new students through the transition into university life.
Endorsed by academic staff
“...encouraging advice from a friendly face that has recently gone through the same experience is invaluable..." Dr Siôn Coulman, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
10 years
2022/2023 marks the 10th year of the Student Mentor Scheme; a decade of support, connections and sense of community.
If you’re new to the university, you might have to adapt to new ways of learning and teaching, living away from home or commuting to university. As a first-year undergraduate student, you will have access to a mentor from your academic school who will offer first-hand advice and be there to support you.
I found everything even more challenging this year given the current circumstances and without the guidance of my mentor I would not have known where to begin.
What can your student mentor do for you?
- introducing you to other students on your course
- answering the questions you really want to ask
- telling you about the IT platforms and Apps the university uses
- sharing their insights on what to expect from your course, and how to approach coursework and exams
- offering you tips on note taking, referencing and using the library
- providing you with ideas on where to shop, eat and relax
- telling you all you need to know about the Centre for Student Life and Students’ Union
- giving you practical advice, from registering with a GP, to accessing wellbeing and support services, to getting involved in student life.
How to get a student mentor
Keep an eye on your Cardiff University email inbox when you arrive and we'll tell you more about connecting with your mentor.
There were so many things that I didn't know, but my student mentor was a saviour! She helped me understand so many things and gave us plenty of golden tips that made my life as a first-year student easier.
Become a mentor
Once you've benefited from having a mentor in your first year, you can apply to be a mentor yourself. It's a great opportunity to gain employability skills, develop your self-confidence, and support others as they settle into university life.
