Welcome to the SUBU Buddy Scheme
The Buddy Scheme is a non-academic, peer to peer support scheme coordinated by SUBU (Students' Union at Bournemouth University) that aims to help groups of new students settle into life at university and in Bournemouth.
We understand that coming to university can be quite daunting, and it can sometimes be challenging to strike up new friendships and settle in. Often it can help to speak to someone who has done it all before, and that's exactly why we've set up this scheme.
We match up new students with continuing students (buddy volunteers) who can share their hints and tips to help you feel at home in Bournemouth.
FAQs
The BU Business School Buddy Scheme is there to support new Business School students through the beginning of their BU journey. The scheme will match up an existing student (the Buddy Scheme Lead) with a group of 10 new students (the Buddies).
The Buddy Lead will then go through a fun and engaging four-week programme with their Buddies. This programme will teach them all the tips and tricks they need to know about life at BU and better equip them for the rest of their University journey.
Please note: This year spaces are limited so we cannot guarentee that everyone applicant will be accepted onto the scheme.
Buddy Scheme participants can find more information in the virtual handbook here.
Find a Buddy Scheme Lead!
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 assigning you a Buddy Scheme Lead, you will have access to someone from day one who has already been there and done it and be linked up with nine other new Business School students. If selected, your Buddy Scheme Lead will actively support you, along with nine other Buddies. through the exciting four-week programme and be a friendly face throughout the rest of the year. They will share with you all the best tips and tricks for having a great experience at BU!
Benefits of having a Buddy Lead include:
- A smoother transition when adjusting to university life, reducing stress, and boosting mental health.
- Making the transition to a new environment, new town, and new housing less stressful.
- Feeling a sense of community, with the opportunity to socialise with your fellow Buddies.
- Access to exclusive Buddy Scheme events.
- Decreasing social isolation, homesickness, and student loneliness.
- Developing more confident communication skills.
- Discovering all Bournemouth has to offer quickly and with a friendly face.
Applications close Sunday 29th September at 5pm.
Find your Buddy Lead!
Become a Buddy Scheme Lead!
By choosing to become a Business School Buddy Scheme 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 to adjust to University life. As you will remember from your own experiences, the first year at university can at times be daunting.
As a Buddy Scheme Lead, you will help a group of 10 new students settle into life at Bournemouth University. You will run weekly meet-ups for four weeks, promoting the events and being a friendly face to your Buddies throughout the year. 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 Scheme Lead include:
- Making your CV stand out by participating in a pioneering a project - making you unique when entering the job market.
- Get invited to exclusive Buddy Scheme events.
- Getting your very own Buddy Scheme hoodie.
- Developing communication, leadership, and support skills.
- Supporting new students from your department/ faculty.
- Socialising with and getting to know other Buddy Scheme Leads.
- Feeling a sense of achievement by helping others and by being part of a new and exciting support programme.
In order to be a Volunteer you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a current and continuing student at the Bournemouth University Business School.
- Be available on campus throughout the first term (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 close Friday 13th September at 5pm.
Volunteer as a Business School Buddy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I cannot answer my Buddy's question?
Please note that a Buddy Scheme Volunteer is not qualified or responsible to give advice on mental wellbeing, healthcare, housing, or immigration related help. Buddy Scheme Volunteers should use their training to sign post their Buddies to the appropriate BU or SUBU support service.
Do I have to socialise with my 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.
My Buddy Scheme Volunteer isn't speaking to me, what do I do?
If you have contacted your Buddy Scheme Volunteer and not heard anything back, contact us at sububuddy@bournemouth.ac.uk and we'll see what we can do to help.
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.