Skip to main content
Black Resource Center Black Resource Center
  1. HOME
  2. Programs
  3. Peer Guidance Program
  4. First-Year Mentees

First-Year Mentees

Peer Guidance Program: First-Year Experience

group photo

Start Strong. Stay Connected. Succeed at UC San Diego.

The Peer Guidance Program (PGP) is designed to support first-year and first-year transfer students as they transition into life at UC San Diego. Adjusting to a new campus, new expectations, and new opportunities can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. PGP connects you with a dedicated peer mentor and a supportive community to help you build confidence, develop key skills, and make the most of your first year.

What to Expect as a First-Year Mentee:

  • One-on-One Mentorship: You’ll be paired with a Peer Guidance Leader (PGL) — an experienced student who will provide direct support, guidance, and encouragement throughout your first year.

  • Community Hangouts & Social Events: Regular gatherings with other mentees and mentors to help you build connections and feel a sense of belonging at UCSD.

  • Workshops for College Success: Learn essential skills for academic success, time management, navigating campus resources, and personal development.

  • Office Hours for Drop-In Support: Easy access to PGLs who can answer questions, offer advice, and connect you to the right campus resources.

  • Co-Curricular Record (CCR) Credit: Official recognition of your participation in the program, which can be added to your Co-Curricular Record.

Who Can Join?

The first-year experience in PGP is open to:

  • All first-year students

  • All first-year transfer students

If this is your first year at UCSD — whether you’re a freshman or transfer student — you are welcome to apply and join the PGP community.

Mentee Spotlights

Hear from students who found their community and confidence through the Peer Guidance Program:

🌟 "PGP helped me feel like I wasn’t alone during my first year. My PGL was always there to check in on me and give advice when I needed it."

— First-Year Mentee, Revelle College

🌟 "The workshops really helped me learn how to manage my time better and stay on top of my classes. Plus, I met some of my closest friends through PGP events!"

— First-Year Transfer Mentee, Sixth College

🌟 "Being part of Peer Guidance made UCSD feel smaller and more personal. It gave me a space where I could ask questions and just be myself."

— First-Year Mentee, Eleanor Roosevelt College

 

Ready to Join the Peer Guidance Program?

The Peer Guidance Program application for new mentees of the incoming Fall 2025 Class is NOW OPEN! New mentees will be notified of their paired Peer Guidance Leader in October 2025. 

*Decisions for the Peer Guidance Program do not take race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories into consideration.