When I started at Sussex I joined the Buddy Scheme and was matched with a Sussex student who was also studying psychology, making it easy for me to ask any questions I had about my studies.

As we got better acquainted, I also learned that we shared several hobbies, introducing me to the many student societies at Sussex. My buddy really helped me ease my adjustment to university life, both in an academic and social manner. I will always be thankful for having a buddy to go to my first year. By talking on social media and meeting up to grab a bite to eat,  I soon forgot that I was an international student coming to a country where I originally didn’t know anyone.

Without the Buddy Scheme my experience would not have been the same. In addition to making it less daunting to settle into a new life at university and in Brighton, my buddy also helped me find the confidence to open up to other students, giving me some amazing study experiences and still-lasting friendships.

I love the Buddy Scheme because it also gave me the opportunity to pay it back to new students as a volunteer my second year. I have had a great time sharing my experiences with students from different cultures, from exchanging messages and finding lunch spots to participating in free buddy scheme sports events and re-discovering the charm of Brighton.

It has been so rewarding to support and stay in touch with them on their journey to find their student selves, watching them blossom as strong and independent individuals. 

This would not have happened without the Buddy Scheme, giving students a well-needed Sussex platform to take care of and help each other grow both as students and individuals.

Mariell, Buddy Scheme Participant & Volunteer