Meet our Peer Advising Team!

Our Peer Advisors are available for drop-in advising and over email to provide one-on-one advising for students. All Peer Advisors are trained to answer general questions regarding the Cognitive Science and Psychology undergraduate majors. You can find the Drop-In Advising schedule on the Undergraduate Advising webpage.

Peer advisors are trained to assist with: personal academic plans, graduation checks, general questions about the majors, major declaration questions, and much more! For questions, please email psypeer@ucsc.edu!


    Meet Akela!

  • Hi there! I'm Akela (she/her), and I'm a fourth year Psychology major affiliated with Kresge!

    "How long have you been at UCSC? If you are a transfer student, which school(s) did you attend prior?"

    I've been at UCSC throughout my entire four-year college career.

    "Why did you want to become a Peer Advisor?"

    I personally know and have struggled with how hard it can be to navigate college logistics. I'm a first generation student, and having support (such as peer advisors) to reach out to when I was confused was very helpful, and now I'd like to pass that help along to others!

    "Outside of your studies, what do you do for fun or to find balance?"

    Most of my time outside of class is spent crocheting or taking care of my (too) many houseplants!

    "Is there an opportunity you've taken advantage of while at UCSC you recommend? (i.e. study abroad, research lab work, clubs or organization involvement?)"

    If you're interested in working with children, or being involved in education in general, I highly recommend Classroom Connection. It's a Merrill class, but non-Merrill affiliates can join if space is available! Although there are several different schools you can help out at, me and two other UCSC students participated at the middle/high school in Pescadero. I highly value the friendships I made with the other students who joined me, as well as the hands-on interactive work I was able to do/explore in a school setting!

  • Meet Briza!

  • Hey! I'm a 4th year Intensive Psychology major affiliated with Crown College.

    "How long have you been at UCSC? If you are a transfer student, which school(s) did you attend prior?"

    I've been at UCSC since 2020.

    "Why did you want to become a Peer Advisor?"

    I wanted the opportunity to put myself out there, while also being able to help people around me.

    "Outside of your studies, what do you do for fun or to find balance?"

    I like to listen to music, watch a variety of shows, and talk to friends.

    "Is there an opportunity you've taken advantage of while at UCSC you recommend? (i.e. study abroad, research lab work, clubs or organization involvement?)"

    LSS (Learning Student Services) is a good resource when it comes to courses that anyone might be having trouble with. It's a good way to connect with tutors and/or other students that can help each other out.

  • Meet Eric!

  • Hi, I'm Eric (he/him)! I am currently a fourth-year UCSC Psychology major at Oakes College.

    "How long have you been at UCSC? If you are a transfer student, which school(s) did you attend prior?"

    I've been at UCSC since Fall 2020, so it will be about three years and counting onto four by the end of the year. I am currently a senior-standing undergraduate.

    "Why did you want to become a Peer Advisor?"

    I wanted to become a Peer Advisor to gain experience in helping peers in adjusting not only to their new environment and academic situation, but also with navigating through their difficulties. As someone aspiring to partake in a social working career with youth, and someone experienced in administration work, I found that the Peer Advisor position would be a great blend of my prior experiences and what I hope to achieve/learn. Aside from that, I also would like to just be able to be a helpful guide for students attempting to navigate and survive their academic career. I understand the stress that comes with university life and the courage it takes to ask for help; so I hope to make students feel comfortable and encouraged to continue being able to seek advice from our advising department.

    "Outside of your studies, what do you do for fun or to find balance?"

    Outside of my studies, I indulge in either some gaming, cooking, or art hobbies like (digital) sketching and creative writings. But more often than that nowadays, I like to read graphic novels and webnovels to destress from responsibilities.

    Is there an opportunity you've taken advantage of while at UCSC you recommend? (i.e. study abroad, research lab work, clubs or organization involvement?)”

    I recommend getting involved in either an organization/club or research lab work to broaden your experience and get yourself acquainted with people within your major or interests, as college is a great time to network. No matter how capable and skilled you are, it is difficult to find placements at further career aspirations if you do not have enough connections to bring you these opportunities. The internship program is the main opportunity I've taken advantage of at UCSC, but any opportunity to gets you well acquainted with staff, professors, and graduate students, such as class lab work or research projects, is a great way to get yourself solid experience, broader networking, or a better grasp on what you'd like to pursue.

  • Meet Palaash!

  • Hi, I'm Palaash! I'm a 4th year Psychology and Business Management Economics double major, and am affiliated with Oakes.

    "How long have you been at UCSC? If you are a transfer student, which school(s) did you attend prior?"

    I have been attending UCSC for 4 years now.

    "Why did you want to become a Peer Advisor?"

    I wanted to become a Peer Advisor because I want to help people succeed & I understand how confusing the process can be to map out the future of your college career.

    "Outside of your studies, what do you do for fun or to find balance?"

    I enjoy exercising and meditating to balance myself, as well as finding time to hangout with my friends!

    "Is there an opportunity you've taken advantage of while at UCSC you recommend? (i.e. study abroad, research lab work, clubs or organization involvement?)"

    CAPS is a very useful service and is there for every student.

  • Meet Savanna!

  • Hi, my name is Savanna and I am a fourth year transfer student majoring in Intensive Psychology.

    "How long have you been at UCSC? If you are a transfer student, which school(s) did you attend prior?"

    I have been at UCSC since Fall 2022, and I transferred from American River College located in Sacramento, CA.

    "Why did you want to become a Peer Advisor?"

    I wanted to become a peer advisor to help support my fellow students while they navigate through college. At all stages in your educational journey you might need advice/have questions and it is important to have access to the resources that can help you succeed!

    "Outside of your studies, what do you do for fun or to find balance?"

    I enjoy being outside when I can with my two dogs! My favorite places to go to are the beaches around Santa Cruz.

    "Is there an opportunity you've taken advantage of while at UCSC you recommend? (i.e. study abroad, research lab work, clubs or organization involvement?)"

    I recommend taking advantage of the UCSC Athletics and Recreation facilities. They have weekly group programs that are free to students and are very helpful if you need to destress and get some physical exercise while on campus.