Peer Network and Peer Mentoring

Contents: Peer Network, Peer Mentoring.

The following programmes are either expiring or have already been discontinued. The current Peer Network programme is currently being redesigned and will be offered in a different format from the 2026/2027 winter semester onwards. As soon as new information becomes available, it will be posted here.

Peer Network (expiring)

From the 2026/2027 winter semester onwards, the Peer Network will be offered in a new format.

The Peer Network run by the accessibility services (ZAB) helps students settle in well to everyday life at Bielefeld University. Within the network, students can spend a semester taking part in facilitated sessions to get to know other students in similar circumstances, build a network, share experiences of university life and develop their skills. Experienced students act as mentors, available to answer individual questions.

What is the Peer Network?

As an open and inclusive community, the peer network fosters mutual learning and supportive solidarity amongst students. As mentors, experienced students contribute their experience-based knowledge, share practical tips on organising their studies and provide support with specific questions, without this constituting formal one-to-one supervision. 

The aim is to support one another in campus life, taking individual needs into account, and thereby promote academic success in the long term.

How does the Peer Network work?

The peer network offers a varied programme of information and discussion sessions on topics such as: disadvantage compensation, applying for courses with a disability, coping with exam anxiety, games evenings to get to know other students, and sharing experiences of university life. 

Mentees and mentors can exchange ideas during regular meetings, as well as via email and chat.

Who is the Peer Network aimed at?

The Peer Network welcomes all full-time students who face barriers in their studies due to mental, physical or sensory conditions.

Participation is free of charge and does not require a medical certificate or a disability ID card.

The Peer Network provides a safe space to discuss various topics. All data is, of course, treated confidentially.

If you recognise that students need support or wish to connect with fellow students in similar situations – whether as a mentor or a mentee – please feel free to refer them to the peer network programme ‘Studienstart Barrierefrei’. Always ensure that referrals are made respectfully, whilst maintaining confidentiality and on a voluntary basis. You can find further details under ‘Making consultation hours accessible’.

No counselling is offered within the framework of the Peer Network. Where necessary, students will be referred to the appropriate counselling service.

Study Start Accessibility (expired programme)

From the summer semester of 2026, the previous peer mentoring programme was replaced by the Peer Network.

The ZAB’s Peer Mentoring Programme supports students in settling into everyday university life at Bielefeld University and in getting to know other students in similar circumstances. ‘Barrier-Free Start to University Life’ is a free service designed to foster networking amongst students, facilitate the exchange of experiences and help develop skills. The main focus is on sharing informal advice for everyday student life and practical tips on organising one's studies, as well as supporting one another in campus life whilst taking individual needs into account, thereby promoting academic success in the long term.

Thanks to the programme, I’m more confident in dealing with my disability and have made friends. It’s definitely worth it. (Student T.)

What is peer mentoring?

‘Mentoring’ is an effective form of peer support and a useful tool for building social networks. At its heart is the tandem, consisting of a mentor who guides and supports a mentee. The tandem relationship is based on a ‘peer-to-peer’ basis, i.e. both participants have an impairment, chronic or a mental illness, and interact as equals. They usually remain in regular contact for one semester. In personalised one-to-one meetings, they share their experiences, discuss their life situations and everyday student life, and offer each other advice. In this way, both parties benefit from one another. The mentors work on a voluntary basis and receive support from the project coordinators.

It was informative, lovely and also very relaxed. We were shown many different perspectives and offered helpful options. I felt welcome and immediately included. (Student J.)

Who is the peer mentoring programme aimed at?

The ‘Study Start Accessibility’ peer mentoring programme welcomes all full-time students who face barriers in their studies due to mental, physical or sensory conditions. Participation is free of charge and does not require medical certificates or a disability ID card. All data is, of course, treated confidentially. 

‘Study Start’ is a great project for meeting like-minded people, making contacts and improving key skills – in a relaxed atmosphere and through dialogue with experts. (Student N.)

The Tandem: The ZAB provides support … students take the lead!

Using a registration form and personal interviews, the ZAB brings together a tandem – consisting of a mentee and a mentor. Within the tandem, the students agree together how often and in what format they will meet. The topics and any activities are also decided jointly. A project coordinator is available at all times to assist participants and tandems with any questions or problems that may arise.

In addition, all participants come together at various events. Coordinators organise accompanying workshops packed with useful information, games evenings and open discussion sessions, providing opportunities to get to know one another and share experiences.

It’s great to have space for reflection, talk about barriers and also about how each person deals with them individually. The programme makes me feel seen and understood. (Student L.)