Peer Wellbeing Mentors

Course: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Nationality: British-Asian (Sri Lankan)

To me, being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means being a supportive and approachable presence for others, someone they can turn to when things feel overwhelming. I see it as offering a listening ear, understanding from a place of shared experience, and reminding people that they don’t have to go through university challenges alone. It also means encouraging my peers to recognise their strengths and take small, positive steps for their wellbeing, whether that’s through talking things through, signposting them to resources, or simply being someone who understands. I believe the role is about creating a safe and non-judgemental space where others feel heard, while also promoting balance and self-care by leading through example.

The benefits of students being aware of the Peer Wellbeing Mentors and our activities are that it helps to build a stronger sense of community and belonging on campus. Knowing that support is available from a fellow student can make it easier for someone to open up, especially if they might feel hesitant about reaching out to formal services. Our activities give students the chance to connect, share experiences, and learn practical ways of looking after their wellbeing in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. It also helps to normalise conversations around mental health and self-care, which can reduce stigma and make it easier for students to prioritise their wellbeing. Ultimately, awareness of Peer Mentors ensures that students know they’re not alone, and that there are approachable, relatable people who can guide them towards the right support and help them feel more confident in navigating university life.

Tips:

Make time for the small things that bring you joy and balance alongside your studies:

• For me, meditation is a really helpful way to pause and calm my mind, even if it’s just for a few minutes in the day. 
• Reading or painting gives a creative outlet and a break from screens, which helps mind and body to reset when feeling overwhelmed. 
• Movement whether that’s dance or going for a walk, it always lifts my mood and clears my head. 
• Don’t underestimate the power of music or a good movie to relax and recharge! 
• Overall, my advice would be to find the activities that make you feel grounded and make them part of your routine. Even small moments of joy can make a big difference to how you feel.

Having experienced life as a first-year student at university already I can understand and relate to how isolating and unnerving it can be. As a Peer Wellbeing Mentor, I aspire to be someone who students can turn to when they need support or even just a listening ear. I want to help promote a friendly and welcoming space where students feel comfortable talking about what’s on their mind or spending some time doing something they enjoy.

Being able to help my peers enjoy their time at university while maintaining a healthy balance between their studies and their wellbeing is something I value greatly and find very fulfilling.

The transition from college/sixth form to university can be daunting and stressful, and it's normal to face challenges along the way. Knowing there are other people going through the same difficulties can be reassuring and build a sense of community where everyone supports each other. Peer Wellbeing Mentors, and the activities we organise, help to facilitate this welcoming environment while offering students a place to connect and bond.

Ensuring students are aware of the services available to them is key to helping them settle in, feel included and get the most out of the university experience.

Tips:

• You are a priority! Yes, you’re at university to study hard and achieve, but not at the expense of your own wellbeing. Make sure to take out time to do the things that will make you feel good and naturally you will excel in your studies. Finally make sure you attend the activities organised by your wellbeing mentors!

Course: Medicine
Nationality: British

I aim to be a familiar, friendly face and somebody who students can count on for support and understanding. My goal is to create a welcoming and safe space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. I shall provide guidance, offering encouragement, or simply being there when they need someone to talk to.

University life can be overwhelming and isolating at times. Even if students are struggling, it’s easy to feel ‘stuck’ and to be unsure of how to take action and start improving their wellbeing. Awareness of the peer wellbeing mentor team lets students know that they always have somebody to turn to if they need support, guidance, or even just a talk.

Tips: One of the most helpful things I've learned, and am still working on, is the power of slowing down. It's so easy to get caught up in the rush to finish everything on our to-do lists. But taking a moment to pause and be present makes such a difference for both our physical and emotional wellbeing. I've found that even a few minutes of mindfulness each morning helps me to feel more motivated, deepens my sense of gratitude, and allows me to act more intentionally throughout the day.

For me being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor is about creating a space where students feel seen and understood. University can be overwhelming, and it makes a huge difference knowing that someone genuinely understands the struggle.

I see this role as being that approachable person students can turn to for reassurance, encouragement or simply a listening ear. It’s about empowering students to find their own strength while reminding them that it's okay to lean on others when they need to.

By being visible, we can normalise conversations around wellbeing and show that looking after yourself is part of everyday student life, not just something to think about when things are going wrong. Knowing there are peer mentors around also reassures students that ARU values community and cares about more than academic success.

Tips:

• Find your rhythm, not someone else’s. It is completely okay if uni life doesn't look like the movies or how people described it to you. Uni life looks different for everyone – it's perfectly alright if your version doesn't look like the 'perfect student experience'. The only thing that matters is if it's good to you.
• Don’t underestimate the small things. The basics really matter, especially during exam seasons when you are likely to neglect your wellbeing for those long study sessions. Eating well gives your body and brain the fuel to cope with long study days – even simple meals can make a difference to energy and focus. Sleep is just as important: pulling all-nighters might feel productive in the moment, but consistent rest helps you stay sharper, calmer and more resilient. Building a routine around meals and sleep is one of the simplest ways to protect your well-being.
• Don’t leave things to the last minute. Build a routine. Spreading out your works and setting small realistic goals makes life much less stressful. While it's easy to think that I can do that later, replying on last minute pressure can quickly lead to burnout and anxiety. A steady routine gives you structure, helps you stay on top of deadlines, and still leaves room for downtime and socialising.
• Ask for support – early and often. Reaching out is not a weakness, it means you care about yourself enough to look after your needs. Whether it's checking in with friends, talking to a lecturer, or using ARU’s wellbeing services, support is there for you. Sometimes just saying out loud 'I’m finding this tough' is the first step towards things getting lighter