- Posted on 11 Mar 2026
Hi, I'm Henry – a third year Business student and UTS Peer Networker. You might have seen me and some of the other Peer Networkers on campus wearing bright orange t-shirts during each Orientation.
One of the great initiatives the Peer Networkers run is the Peer Network Café. If you’ve never been before, we understand it can be a little nerve-wracking joining for the first time. So, myself and some of my PN friends Janyar and Lesandu put together a breakdown of what a typical visit to the Peer Network Café looks like.
As someone who’s been volunteering at Peer Network Café for a couple of sessions, I can tell you this: it’s one of the easiest and most relaxed ways to meet people on campus — especially if you’re still finding your footing at uni.
Here's how a typical visit unfolds:
Step 1: Check in and grab your free coffee
When you arrive, you check in with the staff member on duty and get a free drink voucher. Most students grab their drink first (because everything is better with coffee or hot chocolate in hand) before joining the chats and games!
Step 2: Meet the Peer Networkers
You’ll spot us easily in bright orange t-shirts. Our job is simple: make sure you feel welcome. Some students come in wanting to practice English, some want tips about uni, and others just want someone to chat to because their day’s been a bit lonely. Whatever you need, we’re there for it.
When we asked some of our PNs to describe PN Café in three words, the answers were pretty telling:
- “Friendly, accepting, fun.”
- “Welcoming, relaxed, social.”
Honestly, that’s exactly the vibe we aim for. And if you’re shy? That’s completely fine. We’re pretty good at easing people in gently.
Step 3: Join a game or conversation
PN Café is never the same twice. Some weeks, it’s calm and cosy; other weeks, it’s buzzing with students playing UNO, Jenga, or snakes and ladders. People drift between games, chats, and coffee breaks. You can stay for ten minutes or the whole session — whatever feels right.
Step 4: Get support if you need it
Peer Advisors are also around throughout the café. They’re trained staff who can help if you’re feeling lost, confused about uni processes, or just need guidance.
Students often drop in looking for:
- advice about uni life or assignments
- help navigating campus resources
- someone to talk to
- to meet people outside their classes and faculties.
PN Café brings together a mix of students you wouldn’t normally cross paths with, which makes it a great place to build connections across different disciplines. Students often come in with small worries and leave feeling lighter.
If you are nervous about coming....
That’s completely normal! Lots of students worry they won’t know anyone, won’t know what to say, or won’t fit in. But the PN Café is designed for students who feel exactly like that.
We asked our volunteers what they’d say to someone unsure if PN Café is for them:
- “Just come along and give it a try — you’ll never know until you do.”
- “Worst case, you get a free coffee. Best case, you make new friends.”
Check out our Peer Network Instagram page or search “Peer Network Café” on CareerHub events section for detailed times and location.
*Please note, we only operate during the first five weeks of each session.