► Be a Buddy

Buddies are students of the University, just like the people they support. They volunteer their time to help others on a personal basis because they want to.

As well as attending some social events with your buddy and informing them about what is available to them at the University, you will also be a friend that they can discuss any issues with.

As a student of the University you are best placed to understand the struggles that new students face. Being a Buddy is about sharing the information you learnt during your first year... and wish you had known from the beginning!

Becoming a buddy is a great opportunity to contribute to University life and develop new skills and capabilities. It is also an opportunity to meet different people and develop your interpersonal skills, whilst helping fellow students.

Does it take up much time?
There is a great deal of flexibility surrounding the Buddying scheme.  It's all about one-to-one relationships; providing support to your buddies by phone, text or email and meeting up every 3 weeks is all it takes!  If you think you can handle more than that you can always Buddy more students!

Will I be able to afford it?
Volunteering costs nothing except your time. We don't want you to be out of pocket from volunteering, so we will reimburse all reasonable travel expenses and even provide free teas and coffees when you meet with your students.

How do I know if I'm suitable?
We won't pair you with a student if we don't think you're right for it. It's part of our commitment to you as Buddies and to the students we support. All we ask is that you share our commitment to improving the student experience; we will help you with the rest.

If you're a new to University of the Arts London and like the idea of being buddied, you could receive support from one of our volunteer Buddies.

Buddies will help you settle into life at University and in London so that you can make the most out of your time here.  You'll be able to contact them by email, text or phone, as well as meet up with them!

Visit the Support page to learn more!

Applying to be a Buddy is a quick and easy process, just download and complete the application form below along with an equal opportunities form and return them to us!

Remember that students wishing to become Buddies must have been studying at Arts London for at least a year prior to application.

The application process is a straightforward one; first complete and return the application form found in the green box above!

After your application has been received you'll be invited to a quick one-to-one to discuss the opportunity and go over any needs that you might have.  Afterwards you will be invited to a one day training session to pass on the knowledge needed to be a Buddy.

Once trained, you will be matched with students in your college by interests, as provided on the application form.

Being a Buddy places you in a position of trust.  We reserve the right to deselect you as a volunteer at any point during the project if we feel you have acted inappropriately.  However we will always take care to discuss the matter with you in complete confidentiality.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us:

T: 0207 514 6270
E: buddying@su.arts.ac.uk

Buddying Coordinator
Students’ Union
University of the Arts London
272 High Holborn
London WC1V 7EY