Are you an incoming first-year student?
Peer Programs for New Students
| NAME | OPEN TO | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| New Student Mentorship Program | Incoming domestic students | The New Student Mentorship Program facilitates on-going and meaningful connections between new and returning McGill students. Incoming students are matched with a trained, upper-year mentor. To join the program please visit our New Student Mentorship page. |
| International Student Buddy Program | Incoming international students |
As a new international student, the International Student Buddy Program assists you in adjusting to your new surroundings and facilitates your integration into the McGill and Montreal communities. To learn more please visit the Buddy Program webpage. |
| First Friend | Incoming international students |
To help ease your transition to McGill, International Student Services (ISS), offers the First Friend Program! First Friend is a peer-to-peer program where you’ll be matched with a fellow new McGill student in the same region of the world as you (not to be confused with a mentorship program). To join the program please visit the First Friend webpage. |
Peer Programs by Community/Specific Population
| NAME | OPEN TO | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Up: First Generation Peer Support Group | Open to First Generation students | 1st Up is McGill's peer support group for students who self-identify as First Generation (typically, the first in their family or care giving team to attend a post-secondary institution). Follow 1st Up on Instagram and join their 1st Up Facebook group to stay up to date on events and posts from students! |
| Black Students' Network ∆ | Open to anyone interested in the affairs of Black students and those of the larger African Diaspora |
The Black Students’ Network (BSN) is a service provided through the Student Society of McGill University (SSMU), and is available to all McGill students who are interested in the affairs of Black students and those of the larger African Diaspora. We host a range of social and political events by and for Black Students, in addition to hosting discussions and providing mentoring and resources. This includes Soul Food Fridays, Blacktivities, Book Club, Youth Day, Skillshares, workshops, Hair Day, Movie Nights, Parties, Mentorship Programs, alumni events, panels, and more! Visit the Black Students' Network website to learn more. The Black Students’ Network (BSN) host a range of social and political events by and for Black Students, in addition to hosting discussions and providing mentoring and resources. To learn more please visit the Black Students’ Network’s website. |
| McGill Chinese Students and Scholars Association ∆ | Open to Chinese students | This Buddy Program is one activity that the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) offers to help newly admitted Chinese students adapt to university life, through partnering you up with a senior McGill student. To join the program please mcgillcssa [at] ssmu.ca (email Chinese Students and Scholars Association). |
| McGill Christian Fellowship Buddy Program ∆ | Open to students who identify as Christian | This program matches incoming McGill students to upper year students to help you navigate the transition to McGill. You will receive support in classes, faith, adjusting to school online and tips for a successful first year, and more. To join the program please intervarsitymcf [at] ssmu.ca (subject: McGill%20Christian%20Fellowship%20Buddy%20Program) (email McGill Christian Fellowship). |
| Muslim Students' Association (MSA) Mentorship Program ∆ | Open to Muslim students | The Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) Mentorship Program provides virtual peer support for lower year undergraduate students at McGill. You will be paired up with students from upper years who will help support you with the transition to university. To join the program please social [at] msamcgill.com (subject: MSA%20Mentorship) (email the Muslim Student Association) or connect with them on the Muslim Student Association Facebook page. |
| Queer McGill ∆ | Open to 2SLGBTQIA+ McGill students | Queer McGill is a social, political, and informational support service for queer students, by queer students. Learn more at the Queer McGill Facebook Group. |
Peer Programs for Students in Specific Departments/Faculties
| Name | Open to Students in | Description |
|---|---|---|
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Anatomy and Cell Biology |
The McGill Anatomy and Cell Biology Student Society (MACSS) has a buddy system that will match incoming U1s with upper year Anatomy students in the department, regardless of their location. To be matched, you can fill in a Google Form, which will be made available on all our social media platforms and sent out to all incoming students via email. The U2/U3 mentors can provide you with course selection advice, assistance in courses, or support in general as needed. To join the program please macss.mcgill [at] gmail.com (email the McGill Anatomy and Cell Biology Student Society). |
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Littératures de langue françaises, de traduction, et de création, Département des (DLTC) |
Une nouveauté de cette année, ce programme informel vise à aider les étudiant.e.s à se familiariser avec les diverses plateformes, associations et particularités McGilloises. Quelques étudiantes du DLTC se sont portées volontaires pour vous servir de personne-ressource. N'hésitez pas à contacter agelf.dltc [at] mcgill.ca, elles sont là pour vous! |
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Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Society of Undergraduates at McGill Peer Mentor Buddy Program ∆ |
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences |
In the fall, the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Society of Undergraduates at McGill (AOSSUM) organizes a peer mentorship program within the department. This program pairs undergraduate students (mentees) with U3+ or graduate students (mentors) who share similar research and life interests. To join the program please aossum [at] susmcgill.ca (email the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Society). |
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Arts, Faculty of |
The Arts Student Advising Program (ASAP) currently offers peer support with a team of trained Arts students. The ASAPs are led by an adviser intern (a graduate student) and the team is supervised by a Faculty adviser from Arts OASIS. The role of the ASAP team is to advise students about the academic, campus, and faculty resources of university life. To learn more please visit the Arts Student Advising Program website. |
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Arts, Faculty of |
The Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) Essay Centre provides free essay writing assistance from qualified tutors during the Fall and Winter academic semesters. Tutors will help you with everything from structure and style to grammar and citation assistance. Submit your essay to the Arts Undergraduate Society website. |
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Bioengineering Undergraduate Student Society Mentorship Program ∆ |
Bioengineering |
The Bioengineering Undergraduate Student Society (BUSS) Mentorship Program matches incoming students in the Department of Bioengineering with upper year mentors as they enter McGill! You will be able to go to your mentor for any questions and advice about their time in university. To join the program buss.vpae [at] mcgilleus.ca (email the Bioengineering Undergraduate Student Society). |
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Biochemistry |
The Biochemistry Undergraduate Mentoring Program (BUMP) pairs students in U1 and U2 with a U3 student who serves as a mentor throughout the year. Keen U2s also have the option to mentor a U1. The BUMP program encourages both 1-on-1 contact and hosts several low-key group events all year round to promote mentor-mentee communication and bonding. To join the program please bugs.daa [at] gmail.com (email the Biochemistry Undergraduate Society). |
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Biology |
The McGill Biology Student Union (MBSU) mentorship program matches U0 and U1 students with U2, U3 or U4 students for advice and guidance on study strategies, social advice and extra-curricular involvement in the department. To learn more please thembsu [at] gmail.com (email the McGill Biology Student Union). |
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Management (BCom) |
Current Desautels U0 and U1 students (completing a BCom degree) meet with a Peer Advisor to receive personalized guidance and insights, build connections with upper-year students who share your interests and can connect you with resources you need to thrive as a BCom student and strengthen your resume content, improve your interview skills, or enhance your networking skills! See your Career Management Newsletter sent to your McGill email on Fridays to sign up. For more information on the program, please email the julia.riscaldino [at] mcgill.ca (Peer Program Manager Julia Riscaldino). |
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Computer Science |
The Computer Science Undergraduate Society (CSUS) Help Desk runs a free, peer-to-peer tutoring service comprised of undergraduate students in the faculty of Computer Science at McGill University. To learn more visit the Computer Science Undergraduate Society website |
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Computer Science Undergraduate Society (CSUS) Industry Mentorship Program |
Computer Science |
CSUS brings you the updated and upgraded Industry Mentorship Program — an intensive, hands-on opportunity for students who wish to learn new skills to be better equipped for working in the tech industry. The program will connect students via a series of lectures and workshops, while also providing support to work on a semester-long project. The program will also cover several topics that are often out-of-scope or overlooked in the usual university courses. For more information, please visit the CSUS Industry Mentorship Program website. |
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Education |
EduBuddies is an initiative organized by the Education Undergraduate Society (EdUS), which aims to facilitate the transition to McGill University and higher education for the Faculty of Education's incoming first-year students, such as you. This program will connect you to a one-on-one mentor who can provide guidance if you are seeking resources within the faculty and answer any questions or concerns that you may have. For any questions related to the program please contact the academic.edus [at] mail.mcgill.ca (Education Undergraduate Society). Mentors (U2+): EduBuddies Mentor sign-up form. Mentees (entering U0 or U1): EduBuddies Mentee sign-up form. |
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Engineering |
The Engineering Peer Tutoring Service (EPTS) is a free tutoring service for U0 and U1 engineering students sponsored by the Faculty of Engineering. Tutorial office hours are held on a weekly basis in the McGill Engineering Student Centre on the ground floor of the Frank Dawson Adams Building, Room 6B. EPTS also offers direct contact with an upper-year student who has already been through the program! To make an appointment please visit the Engineering Peer Tutoring Service website. |
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Geography Mentorship Program ∆
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Geography |
The McGill Geography Mentorship Program offers support and mentorship to undergraduate students planning your next steps in the work force or in graduate school by pairing you with a diverse group of graduate students with previous work or academic experiences. The program helps bridge the gap between the two groups, making graduate students more approachable and available to undergraduates. To join the program please geogmentorprogram [at] gmail.com (email the Geography Mentorship Program). |
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McGill Association of Mechanical Engineers (MAME) Mentorship Program ∆ |
Mechanical Engineering |
The McGill Association of Mechanical Engineers (MAME) Mentorship pairs an upper-year mechanical engineering student with an incoming mechanical engineering student. The program also holds events in which mentors and mentees are encouraged to participate together to strengthen MAME's community on a social level. To join the program, please fill out the MAME Mentorship program form or visit the McGill Association of Mechanical Engineers website. |
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Physics |
The McGill Graduate Association of Physics Students (MGAPS) mentorship program, which happens every fall semester, pairs new physics graduate students or undergraduate students (mentees) with more senior physics graduate students or post-docs (mentors) who share similar research and/or life interests. In addition to sharing experience/knowledge, the program can also help foster more interaction between grads and undergrads, giving the physics department a more welcoming culture. . If you have any questions, please mgaps.exec [at] physics.mcgill.ca (email the McGill Graduate Association of Physics Students). |
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Microbiology and Immunology |
The Microbiology and Immunology Student Association (MISA) offers a MIMMtorship program that pairs incoming U1 students with an upper year mentor to support the transition into MIMM. You can discuss course selection, research opportunities, career paths, etc. with your mentor. MISA hosts several small-scale events throughout the year for mentees and mentors to connect and provides prompts for regular check-ins. For more information, please misacouncil [at] gmail.com (email the Microbiology and Immunology Student Association). |
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Psychology -Certain courses |
The McGill Psychology Students’ Association (MPSA) is offering tutoring in select psychology classes. You will be matched up either one-on-one or in small groups with a past student who was successful in the select class to be offered tutoring. All questions can be directed to the mpsa.mcgill [at] gmail.com (McGill Psychology Students’ Association). |
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Music |
The Schulich School of Music has a peer mentoring program that connects music undergraduates with upper-year students for support, community, and friendship. Peer mentors can help you navigate life at Schulich, including by providing a fellow student’s opinion on courses, clubs and important resources. To join the program please visit the Music Peer Mentoring webpage. |
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Nursing |
The Nursing Peer Mentorship Program's (NPMP’s) objective is to pair mentees with mentors in hopes of decreasing anxiety levels related to our Professional program in university. Networking and support amongst Nurses is key for long term purposes. To join their program please visit the Nursing Peer Mentorship Program website. |
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Pharmacology Undergraduate Mentorship Program (PUMP) ∆ |
Pharmacology |
The Pharmacology Undergraduate Mentorship Program (PUMP) is a PILS (Pharmacology Integrative League of Students) initiative directed towards pharmacology undergraduate students to facilitate peer mentoring and advising. The mentors' guidance range from course selection, to study tips, to well-being. For more information, please visit the Pharmacology Integrative League of Students website or send an pilsmcgill [at] gmail.com (email to PILS). Registration for mentors and mentees will open in September. |
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Physics |
The McGill Society of Physics Students (MSPS) runs a Mentorship Program which pairs U1 students (mentees) with upper year students (mentors) who share similar research and life interests. Mentees receive support with classes, research, and general student life. To join the program please msps.physics [at] mcgill.ca (email the McGill Society of Physics Students). |
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Physics |
The McGill Society of Physics Students (MSPS) Mentorship program pairs undergraduate students (mentees) with graduate students or post-docs (mentors) who share similar research and life interests. Mentees can ask questions about grad school, research, and more. To join the program please msps.physics [at] mcgill.ca (email MSPS) |
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Political Science Students' Association Mentorship Program ∆ |
Political Science |
The Political Science Students’ Association (PSSA) Mentorship Program at McGill is a useful way for Political Science undergraduates to acquire valuable advice from upper year and Grad program students. The program matches U0 and U1 students with U2+ mentors, and U2+ students with upper year and Grad mentors. The Mentorship Program is aimed at providing you with the necessary support systems to enhance your experiences in the McGill Political Science program and beyond! To join the program please internal.pssamcgill [at] gmail.com (email the Political Science Students’ Association). |
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Science, Faculty of (First year students) |
SciLearn Peer Collaboration is a drop-in space for collaborative learning supported by teaching assistants (TAs), TEAM students, and course instructors. The “Peer Collab” brings first-year students in Science courses together as an in-person learning community. Find out more by visiting the SciLearn website or ose [at] mcgill.ca (email SciLearn) with your questions. |
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All Students |
Stay on Track is a peer-to-peer program that enhances undergraduate students’ learning and wellness skills. The Teaching and Learning Services program offers three distinct peer support pathways and you have the option to receive the type of peer coaching and support best suited for you through digital reminders, one-on-one coaching, and peer-led groups. To join the program please visit the Stay on Track website. |
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Science, Faculty of |
The Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) Peer Tutoring is a 100% free, volunteer-based tutoring service. This program relies on peer volunteers who achieved at least an A- in the course they are tutoring. In addition to matching tutor and tutee, we also organize help desks and review sessions. Please follow the Science Undergraduate Society Peer tutoring Facebook page to stay tuned to all our activities or suspeertutors [at] gmail.com (email SUS Peer Tutoring). |
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Physiology |
Each year, the Physiology Undergraduate League of Students (PULS) pairs each U1 student with a U3 mentor within the Physiology Department. As a U1 mentee, you can reach out to your mentor to discuss course selection, programs within the Physiology department, research, career opportunities after graduation, etc. PULS also organizes 1-2 Synapse Events per year to allow mentors and mentees to get to know each other in-person. U1 students can pulsmcgill [at] gmail.com (contact the Physiology Undergraduate League of Students) for pairing. |
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Math Courses |
The Math Help Desk, located in BH911, is open from noon to 5pm, Monday to Friday, during the Fall and Winter semesters, as well as in May. This is a drop-in center where you can come to ask questions and get the help you need in essentially any Math course. Those wishing to work at the Math Help Desk should sidney.trudeau [at] mcgill.ca (email Sidney Trudeau). |
This overview is updated on a regular basis; however, some inaccuracies or broken links may exist. Please email cle [at] mcgill.ca to report any issues with the content on this page.
While peer helpers are trained and skilled in helping other students, they do not replace the professional Student Services at McGill.