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.

Starting at University can be daunting whether it’s leaving the family home, moving to a busy city like Brighton, or moving country altogether! Getting used to a new way of life is exciting but can leave some students feeling a bit isolated. That’s why the University of Sussex started up the the Buddy Scheme, which is a peer support scheme with many added social opportunities. It was launched this academic year and has proven to be very popular, benefitting the 315 students who participated.

The Buddy Scheme is run by the Students’ Union and helps incoming students settle into life at Sussex by matching them with current students who provide informal support by regularly meeting up and sharing their experiences and tips. The scheme offers the opportunity to make new friends from all walks of life and be a part of something that celebrates diversity in an informal, fun and sociable way.

There is a series of events for Buddies to enjoy which vary from pub quizzes to trips to London, offering new experiences. The scheme is open to everyone and encourages interaction between student groups who otherwise may not have spent time together, such as First Generation Scholars, International and Home students, students from different schools of study and different year groups.

The Buddy Scheme runs exciting projects working closely with University departments and student societies. These include collaborating with Sussex Centre for Languages to hold regular Language Cafes that provide students with an informal, social space to practise languages; working with Sussex Sport to introduce the new Active US project offering free activities and non-competitive sports sessions to Buddies; and organising events with the International Student Support Team such as an International Food Party which was really enjoyable and very tasty!

International Food Party

“The Buddy Scheme is an absolutely effective way of helping international students to settle in more quickly” – New student, 2013

“I think it’s a great idea and a nice way to connect with other Sussex students” – New student, 2013