Our Buddy Scheme facilitates informal peer-to-peer support to help new students settle into life at University
Coming to uni can be quite daunting. Whether it's the first time you've lived away from home or whether you've moved to an entirely new country! We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to strike up new friendships and settle in. Often it can help to speak to someone who has done it all before, that's why we've set up the Buddy Scheme!
The SU Buddy Scheme is coordinated by our Advice & Support team. We match up new students with continuing students (Buddy Volunteers) who can share their hints and tips for settling in to life at uni. Buddies are matched according to their preferences, such as interests or School of Study. Buddies can agree between themselves how often they would like to meet and how. Buddies are also encouraged to get involved with on-campus opportunities like Active Students and Students’ Union events
We are currently taking applications for Buddy Volunteers for the 2023-24 academic year. You can apply here
Want a Buddy?
We would love to pair you with one of our Buddy Volunteers. Simply work your way through the following steps to get the process started:
1. Complete the online application form; the form provides us with the details we need for the buddy matching process.
2. Read the SU Buddy Scheme Code of Conduct HERE.
3. Your application will be reviewed by the Advice and Support team and the team will be in touch if we have any questions.
4. You will receive a confirmation email following the review of your application form. Following this you will be matched with a Buddy Volunteer
5. Your assigned Buddy Volunteer will be the one to make first contact. You can then arrange to meet up at your own convenience. For first meetings we suggest that you meet Via Zoom
Want to be a Buddy Volunteer?
Thank you for taking an interest in becoming a Buddy Volunteer, the SU Buddy Scheme simply couldn't run without our fantastic Buddy Volunteers. Simply work your way through the following steps to get the process started:
1. Complete the online application form; the form provides us with the details we need for the buddy matching process.
2. Read the SU Buddy Scheme Code of Conduct HERE.
3. Your application will be reviewed by the Advice and Support team and the team will get in touch if we have any questions.
5. That's it! We will e-mail you the details of the wonderful SU Buddy Volunteer you have been matched with! We recommend that first meetings are arranged via Zoom, before meeting in person.
What can I do with my Buddy?
The Buddy Scheme is very informal. You can go to events with your Buddy, try out a sport activity, grab a coffee or just hang out. It’s completely your choice! We simply suggest that the first meeting is arranged on-campus if possible or via zoom
My Buddy has asked me for advice, what do I do?
If your Buddy asks about something and you’re not sure what to say - or if you find yourself in a difficult position - do not hesitate to contact us and we will help as much as we can.
My Buddy isn’t speaking to me, what do I do?
If you have contacted your Buddy and not heard anything back, let us know and we'll see what we can do to help
What if it’s not a perfect match?
If there has been an error in the matching process, or if it’s just not working out, please get in touch and we can try to re-match you
What if I no longer want to be part of the Buddy Scheme?
It is completely fine to decide that you no longer want to continue with the Buddy Scheme. All we ask is that you do not ignore your Buddy. Simply email us to let us know that you want to be removed from the scheme. We will re-match your Buddy and may ask you for feedback too
I still have questions about the Buddy Scheme, who do I contact?
The Buddy Scheme is coordinated by Hertfordshire Students’ Union Advice & Support Centre. We're located just inside Hutton Hub, College Lane. You can drop-in and speak to us from 10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday, all year round (except Bank Holidays and University Close Days). Alternatively you can call us on 01707 285022 or email us at advice@hertssu.com