Peer support, whether formal or informal, can provide nursing students with valuable advice and help they can’t access elsewhere. The University of East Anglia introduced a formal peer support programme, where more experienced students act as mentors, providing support and advice to new students about placements, coursework and student life. They can provide a different perspective to academic staff, giving advice on anything from how to handle a difficult placement to what shoes are best when working on the wards. A peer support programme brings advantages to both parties, such as leadership skills for the mentor and reduced anxiety for the mentee. We look at the benefits and difficulties and offer tips on how to get the most out of the relationship.