Starting out as a first year optometry and vision science student can be a little daunting at times. There are plenty of differences between high school and university to navigate as you acclimatise to your first term. That’s why joining our peer mentoring groups helps you to land on your feet and get off to a positive start.
Peer mentees benefit from the experience and advice of our seasoned fourth year students. Peer mentors help you make the most of uni life and hit the ground running. As fourth years, your mentors will have experience of the classes you will soon be doing, and they will guide you through any confusion or questions you may have in the early weeks.
The peer mentoring program is an opportunity to make friends with your new university peers, friendships you may potentially have for life. Like all degrees, studying optometry and vision science can be challenging at times, so developing a group of study buddies early on is a great way to help your academic progress.
How to enroll in a peer mentoring group
Please register to one of the peer mentoring groups below
If you have any difficulties or questions, email Michelle Wanandy.
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Ashley Choi
Hi, I’m Ashley - your fourth-year optom/ uni mentor!
I can’t wait to show you around UNSW and share all the best restaurants and study spaces I know on campus. This will also be a great opportunity to build new friendships, so I'll help make sure everyone finds someone to talk to (I actually met my friends through this program as well! ). To share a bit about myself, I enjoy going to escape rooms, karaoke, board games cafes, and travelling. If possible, I'd also love to arrange some fun activities with you all!
See you soon =)
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday after 2:30pm; Wednesday all day; Thursday after 1pm and Friday after 12pm
Bennett Chan
Hi, I’m Bennett. Uni is a new but exciting place that is honestly quite enjoyable and not as overwhelming as one thinks. I remember how daunting first term was but I’m confident you will enjoy the course and I would love to give advice and how to succeed at uni and have fun along the way. I’ve been a PASS mentor for UNSW for years for SOVS and Science so I am happy to give academic advice and study tips and tricks. Outside of study I love sport particularly fencing and badminton and I am a big fan of reading alongside playing video games.
Availability
Tuesday after 2:00pm and Thursday after 1pm
Devmini Jayasinghe
Hi, I'm Devmini. I look forward to being one of your mentors! I know going from highschool to uni can be a bit overwhelming, so I'd love to provide support and make the transition a bit easier. :) A bit about myself: I love throwing myself into different crafts such as crochet and sewing, and I have an abundance of pet photos :D Whether you need some advice or just want to chat, I'll do my best to help you out :)
Availability
Tuesday after 2:30pm and Thursday after 1pm
Pease email Michelle Wanandy if the link above doesn’t work.
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Joshua Javier
Hey guys, I’m Josh and I’m excited to be one of your peer mentors and help you start your optom journey :) I know that starting uni can be challenging, so hopefully I can give you the advice and guidance that you are looking for to make the transition into this next chapter of your life more comfortable and exciting. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music (you’ll probably find me rocking up with a pair of headphones or earphones), playing board or card games and reading. Looking forward to meeting you!!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday at 1pm-2pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Christina Cheng
Hi guys !! I’m Christina and im so excited to be one of your peer mentors this year 😊. I know first year can be daunting but im happy to answer any questions you guys might have and give you all the top secret tips and tricks on how to navigate UNSW and all your classes just to try and make your transition smoother. Outside of uni, you can find me trying new cafes/restaurants, listening to music or bed rotting. So excited to meet you all !
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday at 1pm-2pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Ericka Nguyen
Hi!! My name is Ericka and I’m so keen to support you in your first term at uni! I remember how big the change felt when transitioning from high school to university, which is why we’re here to help guide you through this new chapter. My hobbies include running (although I’m still a newbie :P) and watching shows/movies in my free time. Whether you need help with uni life, study tips or just want someone to chat to, shoot me a text and I’ll respond in a heartbeat! I can’t wait to meet you all!
Availability
Monday 12:00PM - 2:00PM; Tuesday all day; Wednesday 1:00PM - 2:00PM; Thursday 1:00PM - 2:00PM and Friday after 12:00PM
Pease email Michelle Wanandy if the link above doesn’t work.
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Angela Jin
Hi, I’m Angela! I hope your holidays were full of sleep, snacks, and memorable moments. As your peer mentor, I’m excited to help you warm up to uni life and get familiar with everything on campus. I’ll be here to chat, share my experiences, pass on tips, and be the friendly face you can turn to for questions degree-related and literally anything else you’re curious or confused about. Beyond work and studies, I love hitting the tennis courts, painting, and reading novels. Looking forward to helping you make new connections and settling in!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday before 2pm; Wednesday after 1pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Gloria Han
Hi everyone! My name is Gloria and I’m a fourth year optometry student. Congratulations on your entry to this program! I am currently working at Specsavers and am part of Eyes of Hope. I am so keen to share my experiences to help you guys achieve the best out of uni. I enjoy finding cafes with top-notch matcha and going on walks, so if anyone needs a buddy to chat with, reach out:) First year is all about the experience, therefore I will give you guys tips to balance your social life while maintaining your academic performance. See you all!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday before 2pm; Wednesday after 1pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Nicolette Leow
Hi everyone! I’m Nicolette and I am so excited to be one of your peer mentors! As a 4th year, I understand how daunting it can be transitioning into uni, but that’s why we’re here, to help you! I’ll always be happy to talk, share my experiences, and guide you the best I can as long as it makes your uni experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Outside of uni, I enjoy watching dramas and drinking some matcha! I look forward to meeting you all soon!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday at 1pm-2pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Pease email Michelle Wanandy if the link above doesn’t work.
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Tiffany Tan
Hello, I'm Tiffany and welcome to UNSW Vision Science! I still remember when I was a first year and feeling lost. Being part of a peer mentor group allowed me to make amazing friends and also get great advice for how to navigate uni life (most importantly- where the best bathrooms are). Now I'm excited to be a mentor to help you transition into university! Outside of uni, you'll usually find me buried in a book while playing a show in the background. I'm excited to meet you all and make your first year easier and a lot more fun!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday after 2:30pm; Wednesday all day; Thursday after 1pm and Friday after 12pm
Zachary Hua
Hi, I'm Zach, and I am one of your peer mentors. Transitioning from high school to university can be a significant adjustment, and it often takes time to become familiar with the new environment. We are here to support you and are happy to answer any of your questions. I encourage you to take this opportunity to familiarise yourself with the system and to meet with others in the VS program. Personally, I enjoy playing games such as LOL and TFT, as well as travelling. I also currently work at an independent optometry practice.
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday after 2:30pm; Wednesday all day; Thursday after 1pm and Friday after 12pm
Titir Mukherjee
Hey guys! I'm Titir, a fourth year Vision Science/Optometry Student who is super excited about helping you transition to UNSW! I remember my early beginnings as a first year student, anxious and nervous to branch out whilst balancing work and my studies, and will aim to make uni life as comfortable for you as my mentors did for me back then. Apart from my commitments, my hobbies include indulging myself with different foods as well as dancing, so please feel free to come by and have a quick chat with me about making the most out of your time!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday after 2:30pm; Wednesday all day; Thursday after 1pm and Friday after 12pm
Pease email Michelle Wanandy if the link above doesn’t work.
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Lilian Lin
Hey everyone, I’m Lillian and I’ll be one of your peer mentors this year! First year can honestly be a lot, so if you’re feeling a bit all over the place at any point, just know that’s totally normal and that I’m always happy to chat. Whether it's about navigating around campus, making new friends, study tips or just uni life in general, feel free to reach out. Outside of uni I’m usually trying to find the best cheap eats, shopping online or chilling with my dog at home. I’m really keen to meet you all!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday at 1pm-2pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Kylie Huynh
Hi!! I’m Kylie! I know that it’s super intimidating starting uni, especially when you’re starting alone. But don’t fret - peer mentoring is a really great way to get comfortable talking to new people and build lasting friendships (trust me, my closest friends came from this program!). Throughout uni, I’ve balanced classes and studying by becoming a massive foodie and a veteran in the matcha craze. I’ll defs ungatekeep the best study cafes to romanticise the chaos of vision science, plus share advice on getting real-life optical dispensing experience! I’m also chronically online, so I’m always down to yap!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday at 11pm-12pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Nathaniel Leung
Hi everyone! My name is Nathaniel and I’m really excited to be your peer mentor this year! Starting uni can definitely feel super intimidating at first, but hopefully I can make the whole experience a little smoother and more enjoyable for you by being someone you can reach out to whenever you need support :) Outside of uni, you'll probably find me fishing, catching up with mates, or trying out new food spots. I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you and helping you settle into your uni journey!!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday at 1pm-2pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Pease email Michelle Wanandy if the link above doesn’t work.
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Katrina Meng
Hi!! I’m Katrina, a fourth year optometry student and so excited to be one of your peer mentors. Transitioning from high school to university is both exciting and overwhelming, but you’re not alone! We’re here to share our experiences and tips for a fun and fulfilling uni experience. Outside of uni, I love trying food places, matcha and hanging out with my friends. I met some incredible friends through peer mentoring back in first year and I hope you all do too! Looking forward to meeting everyone and always happy to have a chat!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday at 1pm-2pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Railey Cheng
Hi, I'm Yu-Hisen, just call me Railey. I’m an international student from Taiwan, still remember my first time on campus — so much excitement, and a little bit scary (of course). Starting uni can feel like a lot sometimes, but don’t worry, I’m here to share what’s worked for me (and probably will work for you too) so things feel a bit easier, and smoother along the way.
Aside from being a 4th-year Optometry student, I’m a total foodie. You’ll usually find me with a matcha latte or sandwich in hand, hunting for new restaurants I can’t barely pronounce, or holding my digital camera capturing random things, also love travelling whenever I have time.
Can’t wait to meet my future mentees! See you soon!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday after 2pm; Wednesday at 1pm-2pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Shuly Chang
Hi I'm Shuly! I'm super excited to be a part of your transition from high school into uni and I'll be here for tips on where to eat, how to meet new friends and where to find the best toilet :-) I love eating, trying new experiences, hiking, and travelling, but also being a homebody at times and just watching shows in bed. Uni is a big change from high school and it can be really daunting, but I hope through peer mentoring to help you through this change and answer any questions about the degree, uni or anything in general. Eye got your back through this!
Availability
Monday at 12pm-2pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday at 1pm-2pm; Thursday at 1pm-2pm and Friday after 12pm
Pease email Michelle Wanandy if the link above doesn’t work.