How Peer Mentoring can help you
A mentor is a trained and experienced student who provides guidance and support to new students at Bloomsbury Institute. The mentoring relationship is informal and structured, allowing the mentor to help the mentee with any academic, social, financial, or personal concerns.
Mentors meet with their mentees approximately every two weeks during the first two terms to discuss any questions or issues they may have. The mentor is there to support the mentee throughout their university journey and help make the most of their university experience.
What students say
"I have gained a sense of confidence and independence, and I feel more responsible. I have also found it easier to connect with people. My mentor has been instrumental in helping me take chances and succeed in my university journey."
"I aim to be a supportive mentor and help my mentee navigate the challenges that come with starting university. I share my own experiences and lessons learned, hoping to provide helpful insights and guidance for a smoother and more successful university experience."
Get in touch
If you would like to take part in our Peer Mentoring programme, as either a mentor or mentee, please get in touch with the peer support team.
[email protected]Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is a student-to-student support scheme where higher-year students facilitate study sessions for lower-year students. Students who can attend PAL sessions have them scheduled on their academic timetables.
During sessions, students work as a group on activities relevant to their academic work. Students can set the agenda for the session before or at the start.
PAL IS
Higher-year students providing advice on study strategies
Signposting to other services available at the Institute
Enhancing understanding through collaborative discussion
PAL IS NOT
Compulsory — everyone can get something from PAL!
Re-teaching content or introducing new material
Answering specific questions on upcoming assignments
Benefits of becoming a PAL Leader
Teamwork
PAL Leaders work in pairs to run sessions and as part of the wider team to ensure the scheme is visible and catering to the needs of students.
Rewarding experience
Our leaders have described the role as rewarding — helping other students on an individual level and making a real difference to their lives.
Academic reinforcement
By creating and running PAL sessions, leaders revisit content with the aim of supporting attending students, which also benefits the leader's own coursework.
Training & development
Leaders attend a two-day training covering facilitation skills, creating materials, and dealing with tricky situations. A refresher session is held before each academic year.
Networking
The PAL Leader role includes interaction with a range of staff members from around the university, which can prove valuable for networking and career development.
Exclusive workshops
Custom-designed Student Leader workshops only available to students in a leadership role — targeted to enhance employability and boost transferable skills.
Interested in becoming a PAL Leader? Get in touch with the peer support team.
Become a PAL LeaderWant to talk to someone?
Got questions about student life or your studies? The SEWS team is your first point of contact for academic support, wellbeing, and anything else you need.
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (except bank holidays)