Peer Wellbeing Mentors

Campus: Cambridge
Course: MSc Foundations in Clinical Psychology
Nationality: British

Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means a lot to me, knowing I can support people just like me. The benefits of students being aware of peer wellbeing mentors and what we do is, is for them to know they are not alone and always have someone there to support them.

Tips: 1 in 4 of us will experience mental health problems every year, the biggest step is reaching out for help.

Campus:  Cambridge
Course: PhD in School of Life Sciences
Nationality: British

I think it can be easy to become isolated and swamped with work as a PhD student – as a Peer Wellbeing Mentor I want to create opportunities for us to connect, relax and support each other, and just feel less alone. We’re to support you with whatever wellbeing needs you have. If you just need to vent, we’re here. If you need mental health support or resources, we can help you to access it. If you want to have a nice time with other students in the same boat as you, come along to some of our events; and if you have any ideas about wellbeing activities you’d like to see, we’ll try and make it happen!

Tips:

Make sure you’re doing something other than uni – your work is important, but you are more than your uni work! Plan to allow yourself some down time (time spent procrastinating doesn’t count).

Be big headed – imposter syndrome is the worst and it’s so easy to spiral into low self-esteem. If you do something impressive, tell somebody about it. Try to make jokes about how smart you are instead of self-deprecating ones. These are small things that can start to change your internal monologue into one that is kinder to yourself.

Campus: Cambridge
Course: BA (Hons) Music Performance
Nationality: British

To me, being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means knowing enough to be able to be there for others, to help others feel at ease and safe in the environment we create for them. ARU students knowing we are there can be a great weight off of someone’s shoulders.

Tips: Enjoy yourself. Find your safe space and express yourself, you’ll find the right people to fill your safe space with.

“Don’t die wondering man” from my favourite movie ‘the way way back’ stick in my head daily. Go for those hard goals to reach. Get out of bed. Tell someone they look cool. Take a breath. Limit yourself to a handful of negatively thought “what ifs” and you’ll notice a healthier mind.

Campus: Cambridge
Course: PhD
Nationality: British

As a PhD researcher you appear to be alone. Your research project is your own, requires you to drive it forward and give direction. It can be very easy to retreat into your niche and remain there throughout, isolated. The critical fact to remember is that this isolation is an illusion. You are bound together with many others via your school, faculty, and the shared experience of doing a PhD. Breaking this illusion is difficult but can be achieved by engaging with the various communities present at ARU. Getting involved then becomes the barrier, which as a wellbeing mentor I hope to help overcome.

Tips: Your PhD is not your life, don’t let it take over. Factor in time for sports, hobbies, or other activities important to you. If you don’t currently do any, look out for free taster sessions or university sponsored events where you can sample a wide range of options.

Campus: Cambridge
Course: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical Psychology
Nationality: British

Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means I can provide support to those who, like myself, struggle with their mental health and found transitioning to university challenging and overwhelming. Knowing I can provide hope to others, not only brings a sense of satisfaction, but also fuels my passion of helping others. Being aware of peer mentor activities gives students many opportunities to make new friends and try new activities / hobbies – all of which helps boost confidence and well-being.

Tips: To improve well-being is to openly communicate with others – although it may be uncomfortable and difficult to do so, having an open and honest conversation with family or friends, is important as it ultimately allows us to heal and recover from negativity.

Campus: Cambridge
Course: PhD at the Global Sustainability Institute
Nationality: German

As a Peer Wellbeing Mentor, I would like to create a community of PHDs that support each other throughout their journey. Being the new student at university is never easy, and especially when starting your post-graduate studies or PhD. It’s important to not become isolated but to integrated yourself in the community. As a Peer Wellbeing Mentor, we’re here to help you through your journey, not matter how smooth or rocky it may be. We are a community where you can find friends, share experiences and learn from each other in a safe space, and receive advice on any issues you may face at any time. Lastly, we are also here to have fun! So we look forward to seeing you at our events.

Tips: Make sure you keep a healthy balance of work, social activities, the great outdoors: Because when you achieve this your PhD journey will be more fun.

Campus: Cambridge
Course: MA Children’s Book Illustration
Nationality: British

For me being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means helping to create a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all students, especially if anyone is struggling or feeling isolated.

The benefit of students knowing about the Peer Wellbeing Team means that students know there are always people to talk to and that they’re not alone. There’s a kind and welcoming community of people to connect with and relaxing activities to take part in if you want to.

Tips: Do things that light you up. It can be easy to get bogged down in uni work and deadlines but try and do at least one small thing a day that excites you and makes you feel good.

Campus: Cambridge
Course: PhD in School of Life Sciences
Nationality: British

I understand and appreciate the stresses that postgraduates can face, so I want to ensure that everyone feels a sense of community, connectedness and safety in their study and time at ARU. Postgraduate study can be lonely and insular at times, it is therefore important to be aware that there is always someone to talk to in the Wellbeing Team. The activities that we run are not only good for the mind, but a great way to meet new friends too.

Tips: If it’s out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too.

Campus: Cambridge
Course: Computer Games Technology
Nationality: British

Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor is rewarding as I can help students navigate student life and hopefully make their time at ARU enjoyable and I can pass on what helped me through my first year at ARU. The benefits for students getting involved with us include; socialising with people outside your course and meeting students who are in different years who can give advice and signpost to things that you maybe didn’t know existed.

Tips: Reach out to someone, a friend, a lecturer or a people from the Counselling and Wellbeing team at ARU. Don’t study until very late at night; you may think this will mean less work the next day but it is important to sleep. Try to set a routine and take breaks while studying. My final tip is to enjoy ARU life and if things get too much speak to your lecturer, there is help and support for you.

Campus: Chelmsford
Course: MSc Engineering Management
Nationality: Mexican

Being a Peer Wellbeing mentor is my opportunity to help students who are experiencing personal and professional challenges. I have experienced success and failure, so I can provide my perspectives, and listen to yours.

Tips: Practice the Pomodoro technique. Getting an assignment done 2 weeks before the deadline, several hours per day and not sleeping is possible but not good for your physical and mental wellbeing. Doing it little by little, in 30 minutes sessions, since you get the task so you can also relax and have fun, that’s the best stress-free way. And the quality of your work will make you feel proud of yourself.

Campus: Chelmsford
Course: PhD
Nationality: Chinese

Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor involves taking on a role of support, guidance, and empathy for others in a learning or community environment. I will facilitate connections among peers, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. In the group activities, workshops, or discussions that help peers bond and share experiences. Engaging with Peer Wellbeing Mentors provides students with valuable resources, insights, and connections that can positively impact their educational journey and beyond.

Tips: Do not be shy to ask and share your weakness and happiness!!

Campus: Peterborough
Course: Biomedical Sciences
Nationality: Pakistani

Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor entails offering peers sympathetic support, direction, and a safe environment to my peers to help improve their mental and emotional well-being. It includes active listening, resource sharing, and cultivating a good and positive community. ARU has been my safe space and now I want to be that for others.

Tips: Prioritize self-care: Maintain a balanced routine of study, exercise, social connections, and relaxation to support your mental and physical wellbeing. Check out ARU's student support services for guidance: ARU Student Wellbeing.

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore. Stay connected, seek help when needed, and remember that your university journey is a chapter in a much larger story.

Campus: Peterborough
Course: Biomedical Science
Nationality: British

Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It's about supporting and helping my peers through their challenges and being there for them. As someone aspiring to pursue medicine in the future, this role aligns perfectly with my passion for helping and supporting others. By knowing about the activities of the Peer Wellbeing Mentors, students can take advantage of the resources and programs they offer, enhancing their well-being and academic success. It also creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and sharing their experiences.

Tips: Surround yourself with things and people that bring you joy and happiness, and do the things you love to do. Prioritise self care and remember to take breaks now and then to relax and reboot the system. Stay connected with loved ones and take care of yourself. Remember that difficult times will pass by and you will get through it all. Everything happens for a reason, don’t stress out, take a deep breath and know that everything will be okay. You are strong and you got this! Never give up! Keep working hard! We’re all proud of you for coming this far!