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About the role, training and support

Learn more about the role of a Student Buddy, how to become one and what support and training is offered to you.

Becoming a Student Buddy

Student Buddy (Home students) 

For 2026/27 all new home undergraduate students studying full time, who belong to at least one of our student communities, will be able to request a Student Buddy. 

In order to become a Student Buddy, you:

  • Need to be a full time home (UK) student.
  • Need to be on track to have completed at least one year of undergraduate study by July 2026 and be confident that you will still be studying at the University of York (either as an undergraduate or postgraduate) in the 2026/27 academic year. 
  • Need to belong to at least one of our student communities in order to provide the most appropriate peer support to students on the scheme.
  • Will be required to complete the Student Buddy online training module in June 2026 if you haven't been a Buddy in previous years. 

I had a student buddy myself when I first started at York. Being a commuter, I was so worried about this massive upcoming change in my life and was particularly worried about not making friends. Having a buddy helped to make the transition easier, and I knew I wanted to be there for other students in the same way.

Taylah, Natural Sciences

Responsibilities

As a Student Buddy, using the knowledge and skills gained from the training, you will be asked to:

  • Signpost new students to appropriate sources of information and support.
  • Be available to meet up in person with new students, either individually or in a group. 
  • Try your best to relate to what your students are experiencing and be willing to share your own experiences. 
  • Encourage new students to make the most of opportunities to get involved in University life and develop their own support networks.
  • Be aware of some of the challenges and issues around transition to university 
  • Be committed to spending approximately two to three hours per week supporting the students you are matched with from the first week in September until early November. 
  • Be aware of confidentiality and safeguarding requirements.

I couldn’t recommend being a student buddy more - it’s done nothing but impact my university experience for the better, and I’ll always cherish my time as a Buddy.

Rebecca, Biology

Training and support

New Student Buddies will need to complete a compulsory online training module (expected to take two to three hours) in June 2026. This training will cover a range of issues which buddies could be faced with. 

Each Student Buddy will have the support of the central Student Buddying Team throughout their recruitment, training and time spent volunteering as a Student Buddy.