Student Buddying Scheme

The University of York's Student Buddying Scheme helps new students settle into University life and study.

It was established five years ago, after a student reflecting on her first term told us: "I wish I could have been in touch with a student like me, who had already been through it and understood"

The Student Buddying Scheme aims to:

improve the transition experience for students entering university
help students develop a sense of belonging and identity during their time at university
reduce the number of students who do not complete their course
provide an exciting opportunity for current students

Research shows that students are much more likely to speak to a peer about any concerns they have than to seek professional support. Sometimes informal support, such as the Buddying Scheme, can be the first step to someone seeking professional support. More often than not, just knowing someone cares and being able to talk things through is all that’s needed to start feeling more positive.

By matching new undergraduates with a Student Buddy these students have a first point of contact who will share their own experiences and be on hand (either in person or over email) with friendly advice. Our trained Student Buddies have all completed at least one year of study at York and so know what it's like to be a student here.

Our Student Buddies also get a lot out of the scheme as they have the opportunity to learn new things and meet other students.

If you are a current undergraduate student find out more about Being a Student Buddy

If you are starting an undergraduate course at the University in Autumn 2021 find out more about having a Student Buddy

Being a Student Buddy

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Information for current students who are interested in being a Student Buddy.

Having a Student Buddy

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Information for new students starting at the University of York in Autumn 2021.

"It's a wonderful experience being able to support someone . . as well as making friends with people you might not have otherwise met."

Ellen, 2nd year Archaeology Buddy

"It was brilliant to have a friendly and helpful person who knows what they are doing and who I could turn to if I needed."

Lucy, 1st year Health Sciences student

Other Buddying/ Mentoring Schemes

There are a number of other mentoring/ buddying programmes offered at the University, including several co-ordinated by academic departments and the STYM (Second and Third Year Mentors) scheme co-ordinated by the colleges for students who live on campus. You are welcome to get involved with more than one of these schemes if you wish.

The University also runs mentoring and buddying schemes for postgraduate researchers.