Information for New Students

What is the Student Connect Mentoring Programme?

The Student Connect Mentoring Programme provides a friendly introduction to NUI Galway for first year students by introducing them to a volunteer mentor who is an existing older student.

How does Student Connect work?

As NUIG continues to grow and offer a wider variety of courses , your time with us should be full of opportunity, learning, fun and friends.  Sometimes, particularly in the first few weeks, life can seem a bit daunting for those who come from small secondary schools, rural areas, or those who are first in their family to go to University. In fact, although it’s fun and exciting, coming to college poses challenges to all new students.

This is why the Peer Mentoring Programme has been set up. The transition from school to college life can be made easier and more fun with the help of the Student Connect team of students, who are always at hand (by phone, WhatsApp or email) whenever you need them.

Who are our Peer Mentors?

Peer Mentors are students who have already completed their first or second year of study in a similar area and know and understand what it is like to be a new student at NUI Galway.

Meeting your mentor

First contact with your assigned mentor will consist of an introductory email in late August which will include details of the first meeting which will take place on Monday, 2nd September.  You will also get to meet the other First Years in your assigned group and get the opportunity to have any questions/queries that you may have answered.  You can email your mentor before you even get to NUI Galway to ask questions which are worrying you about your first few weeks in College.  Your mentor has been in your position and knows most of the answers.   If they don't know then they will tell you who to contact to find the answers youre looking for.

Benefits of having a mentor

• First hand knowledge of university life from a current student who knows and has experienced the concerns of incoming First Years
• An experienced confidante with whom you can rely on and go to without any hesitation
• Mentoring is aimed to foster and encourage friendship within your mentor group and aid in the stress-free integration into university life

For more information check out our dedicated Student Connect Facebook Page

What previous First Years had to say

"The Student Connect Mentoring Programme gave me the opportunity to meet new people and were a friendly face if I had any problems or questions"

"My mentor provided me with much useful information which was reassuring in my transition into NUIG"

"My mentor was a vital helping hand to me in my first few weeks of First Year and it would most definitely encourage me to join the Student Connect Mentoring Programme to help the next batch of First Years!"