UCD's peer mentoring programme started as a pilot in 2006 with 25 mentors and 250 mentees. Over the next few years it grew steadily and since 2011 every incoming first year student is assigned to a peer mentor from their course. We were the first Irish university to have a peer mentoring programme.
7,400+ UCD students have been mentors
65,000+ first year undergraduate students have been mentored
With 650+ peer mentors every year it is the largest volunteer programme in the university.
The UCD Peer Mentoring Programme aims to:
- Help incoming students make friends and settle into their course
- Encourage new students to get involved in social events and activities
- Provide a supportive environment for new students to address their concerns and ask questions about starting college
- Signpost new students to the various academic and personal support services available in UCD
- Enhance the overall quality of the first year experience