Peer Power: How students can support each other

In the dynamic and sometimes overwhelming environment of college and university life, one of the most valuable resources students can have is each other. Peer mentorship, where experienced students guide and support their juniors or classmates, is emerging as a powerful tool that enhances learning, builds confidence, and fosters a sense of community. At its core, peer mentorship is about students helping students succeed—academically, personally, and professionally.

Why Peer Mentorship Matters

Peer mentorship fills a unique gap that formal classroom learning often cannot. While professors and advisors provide essential academic guidance, peer mentors offer relatable advice and emotional support based on lived experience. A senior student who has navigated the challenges of balancing coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities is often well-placed to provide practical tips and reassurance to a newcomer who feels daunted by it all.

Moreover, peer mentorship promotes inclusivity. For students who might feel hesitant to approach faculty with questions or struggles, a friendly and approachable peer mentor can make all the difference. It helps reduce feelings of isolation, particularly for those adjusting to a new city, culture, or learning environment.

Benefits for the Mentee and the Mentor

For the mentee, having a peer mentor means having someone to turn to for advice on everything from time management and study techniques to preparing for exams and finding internships. Mentees can learn how to set realistic goals, develop new skills, and build confidence in their abilities.

But the benefits extend equally to the mentor. Being a mentor helps develop leadership, communication, and empathy—qualities that are highly valued in any career. Mentors often report that guiding others helps reinforce their own knowledge, refine their problem-solving skills, and give them a sense of fulfilment.

Creating a Culture of Peer Support

Many universities and colleges now run formal peer mentorship programmes where students are paired based on interests, fields of study, or specific challenges. However, peer mentorship doesn’t always need a formal structure to be effective. Informal networks of study groups, club seniors guiding juniors, or alumni returning to share insights also create impactful peer learning opportunities.

Sharing her thoughts, Kumud Kalra, a student with Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram, expressed, “Peer mentorship helps the students to succeed by fostering a supportive learning environment or a full-fledged natural settings like a classroom, wherein, the students guide and motivate each other. It also builds confidence, improves academic performances, and enhances leadership qualities and communication skills amongst the students individually and within their groups. By sharing experiences and challenges, mentors and mentees both grow together on same paces. This collaborative approach not only strengthens understanding, but also creates a sense of belongingness and mutual success within the student community.”

Thus, the power of peer mentorship lies in its simplicity and sincerity—students helping students, not out of obligation, but out of a shared desire for collective success. By embracing and encouraging peer mentorship, educational institutions can cultivate a supportive, collaborative culture where everyone has the chance to thrive. For students, both giving and receiving guidance can transform their college experience and lay the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and learning.