I love my Sussex buddies

I love my Sussex buddies

23rd March 2015

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Psychology student Alexandra Bagaini didn’t know anyone in Brighton before she arrived. By joining the Buddy Scheme, she found a way to make new friends from the start.

I had always wanted to study in the UK; having been at an international school in China, I wanted to continue to learn in English. And once I experienced Sussex on an open day, I knew it was the place for me – the location was perfect and the people I met on campus were so friendly.

As a new student, it didn’t take me long to find my feet at Sussex. One of the best things I joined was the Buddy Scheme, run by the students’ union. The scheme helps new and existing students meet each other doing fun events and activities, so new students can feel that they’re a part of the Sussex community from the start. I was matched with a master’s student called Betul, who was also an international student like me. We met a few times on campus for coffee and a chat – it was comforting to know there was someone to say hello to and to answer my questions about life at Sussex.

In my second year I wanted to continue with the scheme, this time looking after new students myself. There was a big social at the beginning of the year and I buddied up with two students: Maria, a psychology undergraduate from the UK, and Cassie, a master’s student from China studying business. We became Facebook friends and started meeting regularly on campus for coffee. It was great to be able to share my Sussex insider knowledge, like where to go bargain-hunting in Brighton.

Now I’m in my final year I’ve been able to contact my new buddies online before they’ve even arrived at Sussex – I’ve got three. They are all from different countries (Germany, India and Pakistan) and I can’t wait to meet them. I’m also looking forward to the new Buddy Scheme activities, like the Language Café and the freshers’ week launch party.

It’s just a great opportunity for all Sussex students to make friends with people from other cultures and find out more about their experiences. Everyone should take part.