Peer orientation: The experience of Buddies as mediators in students’ transition to university.

The complexity of today s society requires us to rethink education and training methods and strategies in order to restore meaning to the human experience. This paper analyses the value of peer support, based on the experience of the Buddy Programme at an Italian university between 2022 and 2025. Through reciprocal peer teaching, the project fosters an inclusive and collaborative academic culture. The study reports the results of an empirical survey of 133 students, revealing that 94% of respondents view the Buddies as essential for overcoming cognitive and emotional disorientation. In conclusion, the study highlights how peer support responds to the authentic needs of the new generations for listening and participation.