The Postgraduate Buddy Scheme
The PGR Buddy Scheme enables you to be connected to an existing research student. They will help you settle into the York research experience, to provide a friendly welcome and help you to get to know the University and the city of York.
Apply for a buddy
All our PGR Buddies are trained to be an ambassador for the University and for excellent research. We cannot guarantee you a match with someone from your department but we will do our best to hook you up with a friendly face.
The application process for buddies opens twice per year.
If you would like to be paired with a buddy please complete the application form below by Wednesday 31st January 2023.
Please contact bric@york.ac.uk if you require support or have any questions about the scheme.
Are you an existing postgraduate researcher? Become a buddy
We need your help to extend a huge welcome to our new PGR students.
Think back to when you started your research programme and how good it would have been to meet up with someone who knows what you’re going through. Our buddy scheme is part of a package of support for new postgraduate researchers just starting out and who might never have been to York (or the UK) before.
Complete the application form if you would like to be a buddy for new PGRs arriving in September 2022. Contact bric@york.ac.uk if you have any questions not answered below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose: buddying is an informal relationship between a current or recently graduated PGR student and a new PGR to provide a friendly welcome, a point of call and to support the individual to settle into the University, particularly when working remotely. You'll both be an ambassador for the university and for excellent research.
Characteristics: buddying is typically a grassroots activity born out a desire to help new colleagues and PGRs integrate into the culture of the institution and department. It's often short term, focussed on the present. You're not expected to be their friend for life (but you can be if you want!).
Outcome: integration of the new PGR into their research group, department, the York Graduate Research School, the wider University and the city of York. We want happier, integrated students who feel they belong and are part of the University, even if and when they are not physically on campus. We'll make a number of resources available to you including interactive campus maps and virtual cafe hangout space.
Focus: to support and help new PGRs settle into the University, to signpost information and support offered by the University and introduce them to peer networks where possible. This is particularly critical while you're both working remotely. A Google hangout or facetime chat can make all the difference.
Duration: buddying may last for a few months or longer, as serves both parties.
Any existing or recently graduated PGR student from York. You'll probably be in the same faculty but not necessarily the department, especially where they are small.
Have an online chat with them before they start their studies, answer questions, tell them about their department, what they can expect and how they can get involved with activities. Provide a welcome and direct them towards important information. Tell them about the city of York, what goes on, how they can get involved, what they have to look forward to when they get here. Listen to their concerns and questions and signpost them to people in the department who can help them.
Be a coach, counsellor or doctor.
You'll be provided with information and online training to help you think about how you can best support your buddy.
Volunteering can help you find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills and demonstrate to employes and funders that you take civic duty and giving something back seriously. It shows you're a team player with emotional intelligence, empathy and a creative approach to problem solving.
These skills and qualities are highly prized by recruiters. On a personal level, helping others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated and provide a sense of purpose. In the current climate we all need something to make us feel useful and valued; buddying can help with that.