The Buddy Scheme is a five-week programme there to support new students through the beginning of their BU journey. The scheme helps new students to become familiar with their new surroundings on campus and around Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP). The scheme consists of five weekly themes that take new students through all the tips and tricks they need to know about life at BU to better equip them for the rest of their University journey.
The themes are as follows:
- Get To Know
- Build Your Future
- Social Life
- Body and Mind
- Money Made Simple
These themes are introduced in the weekly socials that are held at both Talbot and Lansdowne Campuses. They are coordinated by the Student Union (SUBU) and supported by current or continuing students (buddy leads). They take new students through all the tips and tricks they need to know about life at BU to better equip them for the rest of their University journey.
If you have any questions about the scheme, please get in touch with us at sububuddy@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Buddy Scheme participants can find the Scheme Handbook here.
Become a Buddy!
Are you a new student at BU? Having spoken to many students over the past couple of years, we are aware of how difficult adjusting to university life can be. By connecting you with a group of other students (your fellow Buddies) and giving you an opportunity to meet with and ask questions to current or continuing students (Buddy Leads), who have already been there and done it. Once signed up, you will be invited to attend weekly socials that outline different topics relating to student life and university life in general. In these sessions, Buddy Leads will actively support you throughout your journey, discussing their own experiences and posing as a friendly face as you get settled into BU and Bournemouth.
Benefits of becoming a Buddy include:
- A smoother transition when adjusting to university life, reducing stress, and improving mental well-being
- Making the transition to an unfamiliar environment less stressful
- Feeling a sense of community, with the opportunity to socialise with fellow students
- Opportunities to explore the area on the exclusive Buddy Scheme trips
- A chance to reduce any social isolation, homesickness, and possible loneliness
- Encourages new students to develop more confidence with their communication skills
- Discover almost everything BU has to offer in no time at all
Become a Buddy!
Become a Buddy Lead!
By choosing to become a Buddy Lead, you will become a vital component in the transition period for new students, whilst gaining employability and transferable skills. When speaking to new students, we have found that many have struggled with loneliness and adjusting to University life. As you will remember from your own experiences, starting at university can at times be daunting.
As a Buddy Lead, you will help a group of new students settle into life at Bournemouth University. You will help to run weekly socials, promote SUBU and BU events and be a friendly face to new students (buddies) for their introduction to BU and the wider community. The Scheme is incredibly rewarding and only requires a commitment of 2-4 hours per week. If selected, you will receive further information and training from SUBU in order to ensure you can complete the role to the best of your ability.
Benefits of becoming a Buddy Lead include:
- Making your CV stand out by participating in a vital student-support project - making you unique when entering the job market
- Developing cultural awareness, communication, leadership, and support skills
- Socialising with and getting to know lots of new people
- Feeling a sense of achievement by helping others and by being part of an exciting support programme.
- A certificate of participation to share on your CV and LinkedIn profile
In order to be a Volunteer, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a current and continuing student at Bournemouth University
- Be available on campus throughout the programme's duration (e.g. not on a placement year or year abroad)
- Have a passion for building a community and demonstrate patience and consideration of diversity
- Demonstrate good communication and listening skills
Applications for September 2025 are now closed.
Volunteer as a Buddy Lead!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I cannot answer a Buddy's question?
Please note that Buddy Leads are not qualified or responsible to give advice on mental wellbeing, healthcare, housing, or immigration related help. Buddy Leads should use their training to signpost their Buddies to the appropriate BU or SUBU support service.
Do I have to socialise with Buddies outside of the programme?
You may choose to become involved in social activities with your Buddies outside of your usual weekly meet-ups however the programme does not require anyone to do so.
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 at sububuddy@bournemouth.ac.uk 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 SUBU. We're located in the Student Centre on Talbot Campus. 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 email us at sububuddy@bournemouth.ac.uk.