Peer Assisted Learning (PALs)

PAL communities connect you with students in your study area as well as a trained peer facilitator (called PALs)  who is further along in their studies. PAL facilitators create an informal, safe and welcoming space for students to connect over their studies. PAL facilitators will offer valuable insights, effective study techniques, and learning strategies to help you study smarter not harder!

From mastering time management to tackling difficult courses, PAL Communities are about more than just academic support, it's about building confidence, meeting other students and thriving in university.

By joining to a PAL community you will:

• meet other students in your study area
• have a space to discuss what you're learning
• be able to ask questions and gain insights from other students
• get tips and advice on how to study at uni.

How do I join?

PAL communities are generally available to students who are starting their studies, it's generally available from core first year courses. Check your courses for a purple PAL image on the left hand side of your StudyDesk for session times and to join the session. 

Orientation PALs are experienced students who help new students get ready for study during the Orientation period. You'll find them presenting sessions during Orientation, facilitating small group discussions and making themselves available to answer questions.

From sharing tips for managing your studies to guiding you through the UniSQ resources, campuses and online environments, Orientation PALs will be there every step of the way. For more information about connecting with the Orientation PALs, check out the Orientation program.

Are you in your final year of the paramedicine degree? The Paramedic Peer Mentoring Initiative offers a unique opportunity to mentor first- and second-year students as they navigate their studies.

This extracurricular program provides valuable experience in leadership and clinical supervision - key responsibilities of registered paramedics in Australia. Participating as a mentor enhances your career readiness and helps build confidence in working with students in a professional capacity.

To learn more or express your interest, please visit the Paramedic Peer Mentoring Initiative StudyDesk.

The UniSQ Research and Writing League (RWL) has regular weekly sessions to support research students, academics, professional staff and with their research and research writing. The RWL is a chance to meet with others and write/work on research.  

The first half hour is used to share what everyone is planning on doing and any issues/insights you may have. After that it's one and a half hours of silent writing/working time. During this time, you'll work on your own writing/tasks so please bring your own work with you. There's no need to commit to regular attendance or whole session attendance.

Everyone undertaking research is welcome to attend the league: honours, masters and doctoral students, professional staff, Early Career Researchers (ECRs), Mid-Career Researchers (MCRs), and Research Leaders.

Drop in whenever and for however long you like. If you're interested in joining, email the Senior Research Training Advisor for further details. 

Residential Colleges ResPALs operates in each of UniSQ’s three residential colleges: McGregor, Steele Rudd, and Concannon.

The program provides new residential college students with a peer mentor who is an experienced UniSQ student and also lives on the residential colleges. ResPALs aims to bring together students from the same study area to assist you through your first study period.

The sessions are relaxed, informal, and are designed to help you transition to uni, connect with your mentor and other students in your discipline. 

Although formal mentoring only runs for the first period of study, it's hoped that the relationships built during this time will extend throughout your studies and beyond.

For more information and to get involved, please email UniSQ Residential Colleges.