Participating in PALS: Our experiences of being involved in Leeds Law School’s Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme

What is the PALS scheme?

The Law School at Leeds Beckett University have launched a Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS), which pairs second and third-year students (Student Leaders) with first-year students (Student Learners) to offer support with their first 12 months transitioning to university.

Through the scheme, Student Leaders meet with their Student Learners to provide advice and guidance on a wide range of topics: from academic study skills and the university’s academic/vocational offerings, right through to joining social clubs and helping them to find the nearest local supermarket.

PALS is intended to assist Student Learners with what can sometimes be a daunting and overwhelming transition into university life, while enhancing the transferable skills and employability of the Student Leaders.

Hear from the students: Why we got involved in the scheme

Vicki and Max – Second Year LLB Law Students

We both became mentors because we wanted to give something back to the Law School and create the student support network we wished we had when we were first years. Having already experienced many of the challenges that come with studying law, we were keen to help newer students get a better understanding of the course and develop early confidence in their studies.

Ryhan – First Year Law Student

I first discovered the PALS scheme at the Law School Induction Fair. At that point in the year, I was still adjusting to university life and beginning to realise how different studying law at degree level is compared to anything I’d done before. Starting a law degree can feel overwhelming. When I learned about the scheme, it immediately stood out as an opportunity to gain guidance and honest, practical advice from students who’d recently been through the same experience.

What our PALS experience has involved:

Vicki and Max

We focused on creating a supportive, informal environment with our first-year students, where we could have open discussions about studying law and being a student in general. We discussed study techniques, ways to approach legal problem questions and essays, managing workload, preparing for assessments - as well as helping mentees find work experience and opportunities within the Law School.

The sessions have been very collaborative, making it easier to learn from each other and build confidence when approaching different areas of the course. It’s been a big boost to see that the students who consistently attended sessions and took our advice on board have really benefited. One of these students is Ryhan...

Ryhan

The sessions have supported my understanding of studying law, with practical advice on topics like approaching problem questions and essays, managing workload and preparing for assessments.

It has also helped me personally. Moving away from home and starting university can be a huge transition. Having mentors who understood both the academic pressures of a law degree and the wider experience of being a student made it much easier to settle into the Law School and to feel more confident.

What we’ve gained from the scheme:

Max and Vicki

The scheme has allowed us to build leadership, mentoring and communication skills that will help us throughout our own academic journeys when applying for training contracts or pupillages. It’s been great to be part of a pioneer scheme, and we’re excited to see how it builds.

Ryhan

Having mentors that have already been through the student experience is invaluable. They’ve been extremely approachable and generous with their time, always willing to share their experiences and offer honest advice.

Would we recommend the scheme?

Max, Vicki and Ryhan

Definitely! For students considering becoming leaders, it’s an incredible opportunity to develop valuable skills such as mentoring, teamwork and communication, while also making a positive impact on other students’ academic journeys and strengthening future applications.

For learners, the scheme provides a supportive space to ask questions, gain advice from experienced students, build confidence in studying law and make connections that last beyond your academic journey.