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The University of Southampton
Engineering

Buddies support first year engineering students to feel at home at university

Published: 21 August 2018
The buddy scheme

Engineering students starting their degrees this autumn at the University will get a little extra help to settle in and make the most of their course.

Enthusiastic second, third and fourth years have been recruited as ‘buddies’ to support freshers through the highs and lows of student life right from the start of term.

“Our 37 buddies remember what it was like to embark on their first steps as engineers and will supply valuable insights into both the academic requirements of the disciplines and the exciting social opportunities provided by clubs, societies, sports teams etc,” says Engineering buddy scheme co-ordinator and PhD student Joe Fear.

All buddies will receive training in how best to help first years meet the challenges of University life. No question will be too simple or too silly for them

“The first few months are so key for any new student and often involves many potentially new experiences such as living away from home for the first time, making new friends, studying independently, being in charge of your own budgeting and trying a new hobby, sport or activity,” explains Joe. “These new experiences can seem daunting at first and therefore a good peer support system, involving one-to-one help from people who have been in your shoes themselves, can really help new students to settle in and feel at home in Southampton.”

Three of the buddies will specifically welcome international students from the University of Southampton’s Malaysia Campus and will make sure they are supported during their time in the UK.

The buddies will make themselves known to all first year students on campus at the start of the 2018-19 academic year.

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