Peer power: transforming the first-year student experience

Stepping into university life

When Charlotte Davidson began preparing for university, she was most concerned about how it would feel to live on her own for the very first time. Having grown up in North Vancouver, UVic felt like the right fit that wasn’t far from home. Yet, Charlotte knew the transition to university would be a significant change.

“I’m leaving my family and friends. I’m moving cities. And I’m learning how to function as an adult,” she says. “The experience is kind of indescribable.”

Charlotte was also worried about other challenges she would face as a first-year engineering student, like forming good study habits, managing mental health and staying motivated. The First Year Interconnect program gave Charlotte a way to address all her concerns through connecting her with a peer mentor—someone who remembers what it’s like to be new, understands her questions and shares the same academic interests.

Empowering students through peer mentorship

UVic launched its new peer mentorship program, First Year Interconnect (FYI), in fall 2025. This donor-funded program enriches the first-year student experience beyond orientation events and campus tours. While these activities offer important first introductions to campus, the volume of information shared can leave many students unsure of where to turn as they navigate a new learning environment.

In these moments, students often turn to their peers, people who feel relatable, approachable and safe. That’s where FYI comes in. Peer mentorship can fill an information gap and add a meaningful layer to existing student services. The best part? FYI provides peer support to new students well into the school year.

Through the program, first-year students begin building meaningful connections, a network of support and, most importantly, a sense of belonging. For the upper-year students who play the mentor role, the program offers leadership skill development, experiential learning and a volunteer opportunity. Thanks to donors like the Y.P. Heung Foundation, new students have access to the support they’ve been missing through FYI and the kind of peer-to-peer connection that makes a profound difference.

Run by the Office of Student Life, the program pairs new students with professionally supervised and trained upper-year mentors. In the first two months of FYI’s launch, program staff made more than 450 matches.

The program ensures students are guided by mentors who share their background, identity or academic interests. Mentors regularly connect with students to provide guidance, share resources and facilitate connections to services on campus.

Kirsten McMenamie, director of student life, describes FYI as a holistic program that considers a new student’s full experience, both academic and personal.

“Research tells us that peer-based mentorship can have a direct correlation with student satisfaction and student commitment. First Year Interconnect helps students to feel part of a community and eases the loneliness and isolation that can come with starting university,” she explains. “Our hope is that students feel connected from the moment they arrive on campus. None of this would be possible without the support of donors. Their generosity has helped to bring this program to life.”

Finding supportive mentorship

Charlotte’s mentor is Fawzan Hussain, a fifth-year software engineering student. Charlotte and Fawzan meet in person every other week to talk through academic challenges, coursework demands and mental health. Charlotte finds the most helpful conversations focus on motivation. “I’m taking six courses this semester. I want to do well in school and continue to put in effort,” she says.

Most importantly, Charlotte values the genuine connection she and her mentor have developed. “Friends at this age can come and go, but it’s reassuring to have someone who's got your back. It’s like having an older sibling.”

Charlotte reflects further on how the program shows the university’s commitment to supporting new students. 

Building community through events

In addition to 1:1 peer mentorship, the Office of Student Life hosts another first-year experience program called First Year Fridays for all new undergraduate students. First Year Fridays are informal drop-in events for students to meet one another, engage in activities and find resources. Other student service providers often join these sessions to share tips and information about important student resources, such as career services, the library and student wellness.

Honing leadership skills

As a peer mentor, Fawzan gets to strengthen his leadership skills through learning how to listen deeply, build trust and support others. “Both the mentee and mentor learn from one another in a space that’s judgment-free. It’s an opportunity to grow and become stronger people,” he says.

On a deeper level, Fawzan describes his role as a way to reflect upon his own experience as a first-year student.

Fawzan finds meaning through giving back to the UVic community. “Programs like First Year Interconnect make UVic a better place, where first-year students enjoy attending classes, are excited to grow as people and can reflect on conversations that aren't surface-level,” he shares. 

The program also offers a chance for students to deepen their engagement at UVic beyond their first year. Participants may be inspired to become mentors themselves or pursue other leadership opportunities on campus, bringing the program full circle and ensuring the program’s impact continues to grow.

Supporting student success

First Year Interconnect helps students to feel at home away from home and build meaningful connections from day one. Donate online to the FYI program and support students on their education journey.