Article by Basak Buyukkosker and kindly shared with us by Jimeet Romen Shah and The Link, the Business School Newsletter.
The Buddy Scheme is a peer to peer support scheme coordinated by the Students’ Union that aims to help new students settle in to life at University and Brighton.
This week, I was excited to speak to Jimeet Romen Shah (BSc Business and Management Studies (with a professional placement year) student and Sussex Buddy Scheme Ambassador) about his Sussex Buddy Scheme experience. I’m sure that you’ll be inspired by Jimeet’s answers.
What have you gained from being part of the Buddy Scheme?
Since my first year at Sussex, I’ve met some great people and lifelong friends through the Buddy Scheme. Since joining as an ambassador, I have improved on my communication and time management skills, received a better understanding of the SU, and the happiness of creating a positive impact.
Organizing the Buddy Scheme events during Freshers has been my favourite experience so far. In 2019, we organized an afternoon tea party where I was able to co-host the event, play table tennis with friends, and listen to some good music. This year, we organized the Buddy Scheme Picnic where we all played some games and I got a group of 50+ students dance on the song Macarena for 10 minutes in the middle of the ACCA Lawns! I like organising these events and helping students get to know each other – playing games or singing or dancing together makes us feel great.
Why is it important to you that you are involved in the Buddy Scheme?
Being involved in the Buddy Scheme provides me with the extracurricular and social aspect of university. In first year, the Scheme provided me with great support and I was able to make lifelong friends, and now I would love to give back. In addition to this, working with a wonderful team that makes me feel welcomed, teaches and assists me in all I do, and provides an atmosphere I like to invest my time into.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Buddy Scheme, but is perhaps a little unsure?
It is a low commitment, friendly, inclusive environment and a great buddy will ensure you have a great time at Sussex. We are here to help you feel welcomed and by joining, you can say you had an awesome time at Sussex by the time you graduate.
How would you describe your Buddy Scheme experience (in three words)?
Welcoming, helpful and friendly.
Basak’s Sussex Buddy Scheme Experience
When my Sussex journey started, everywhere was closed down all around the world. When I arrived in the UK, I didn’t know anyone else aside from my flatmate. Then, I recalled that there was one mail that I was received from the University regarding the Sussex Buddy Scheme. As I read the mail, I applied for the scheme as a participant. I would easily say that it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
My Buddy (Cindy) has become one of my closest friends here. Due to Covid restrictions, we arranged a Zoom call to get to know one another, and we realised that we have a lot in common. As the restrictions began to ease, we started to hang out and travel more often in the UK. In other words, the Sussex Buddy Scheme Programme was for me as a lifesaver.
After my wonderful experience, I wanted to give back by helping new students through the Buddy Scheme until my graduation, and I have been a volunteer since May. I have been talking and meeting new people through the Scheme and trying to answer their queries.
I would confidently say that being in touch with so many amazing people through the Scheme helped me to improve my interpersonal skills, as well as get to know another culture. Thus, I would like to thank everyone who is either a participant or a volunteer for the Scheme. I don’t think I would have had the same experience if I hadn’t signed up for it.
Lastly, I would highly recommend anyone sign up for the Buddy Scheme – I have no doubt that you will have an unforgettable experience, just like I had!