Virtual Safe Spaces to Socially Connect at UNSW
TOP TIPS
By Isabelle Vertucci, Peer Connections Officer (Equity)
It is such difficult time to meet new people, socialise and feel connected to the UNSW community. But fear not! There are a wide variety of safe spaces to meet new people, where you will feel supported and guided by senior students.
Enter Peer Support! Whether you have a disability, mental health condition, are an international student, a mature age student or just want to chat to an experienced student as a one-off! There are lots of safe spaces for you to connect. These programs are adaptable, which means we’ll run them online while we’re staying at home, with the option to meet in person when restrictions ease.
So, what makes these spaces ‘safe’? And what is a ‘safe’ space?
A safe space is where you feel understood, supported and heard. We create a safe space in Peer Support by selecting Student Mentors who have experience relevant to the program and train them so that they can support you and other new students. They create a space where you may feel comfortable to openly talk about your experience and know that your Mentor and other new students will listen and understand in confidence.
So, how do you choose which program is right for you?
There really is a Peer Support program for everyone!
Do you have a disability, a mental health condition or a long-term illness? Join ActivateUNSW to be guided by Student Mentors with lived experience and meet other students with similar experiences to you.
Are you an international student? Join the Cultural Mentoring program to meet other new international students and be guided by both domestic and international Student Mentors to help you as new student at UNSW.
Are you a mature aged student? Join MAPS to be guided 1:1 be a Student Mentor and regular enjoy social catch-ups with a group of other mature aged students!
Want to meet people who are studying a similar degree to you? Check out the Peer Support website to see all the options! There are programs run by faculties and societies from all over the uni.
Don’t want to join a program but maybe just want to have a chat with a Mentor here and there? Jump onto Live Chat to talk with a Student Mentor online! This is the best way to easily access confidential support, advice or just to have a chat with an experienced student.
No matter who you are, what you’re studying or where you are in the world, there is a safe social space that you can access at UNSW! Email us if you have any questions!