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► Buddying

A current Bucks student who has volunteered to help and support future students of Bucks. Someone who remembers how it felt when they were making decisions about which Higher Education establishment to choose and can empathise with Freshers at Bucks. Someone who has been carefully selected and trained regardless of sex, race, religion, lifestyle or sexuality by Bucks New University and Bucks Students' Union. Someone who can answer questions or concerns and refer them on where necessary to appropriate departments and outside agencies for advice or further information. Students from all kinds of backgrounds who have non-judgemental, non-discriminatory attitude and respect for confidentiality. A student who can draw on their own experiences to offer advice on the best ways to deal with situations that might arise, sharing information every student wished they had known before they arrived! A friendly and reliable individual who is enjoying life at Bucks and glad to welcome you!

Buddying is a unique scheme, whereby current Bucks New University students contact prospective and new students by text; providing support and guidance. The service is free and run by Bucks New Uni in partnership with Bucks Students' Union, who are aiming to make the exiciting transition into the new setting of Higher Education as easy as possible. We approach this by preparing, supporting, reassuring and welcoming students to Bucks from the moment they apply, helping them integrate during the first few weeks and then on until the beginning of the January term.

The scheme is initiated, supported and monitored by Bucks New University and Bucks Students' Union. Please be assured that any confidential personal information you have disclosed to the Disability Service is not passed to the buddies.

 

If you have applied to study at Bucks, and have submitted your mobile phone number on your application form, you will be allocated a text Buddy. If you would prefer not to receive any further texts, simply text back 'opt out' and you will not be contacted again.

Our Buddies, specially selected and trained, make contact with applicants to Bucks prior to them becoming a Bucks student (from February), and are there to answer any queries; whether it be academic orientated, about Student life, accommodation and the local area, or information on what's happening around campus.

Buddies provide peer to peer support to reassure concerns, clarify any information or answer a question that may be difficult to ask a member of staff.

The program is designed to provide information and support to new students preceding their arrival and during the first term at Bucks, to help them adapt and integrate to the new environment and adjust to the culture of University life. It is thought that International and EU students find this service especially valuable and informative.

If you have not received a text from a Buddy but would like one, please email buddying@bucks.ac.uk - it's never too late!

 

Recruitment for future years Buddying commences at the end of the Autumn term. You will need to submit an application form and attend an interview. If we think you have the skills and qualities to make a good Buddy, you will be invited to join Bucks Buddying. Contact the project co-ordinator on bucksbuddying@bucks.ac.ukfor more information.

*Recruitment for the current intake of Buddies has now closed.