Starting university is exciting - but let's be honest, it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming too!
Maybe it's your first time living away from home. Perhaps you've travelled from another part of the country, or even the other side of the world. You might be wondering how you'll find your way around campus, make new friends, or settle into a whole new routine.
The good news?
You don't have to figure it all out on your own. UUSU is here to help you feel at home from day one. We'll connect you with a fellow student who has already navigated those first-week nerves, knows their way around campus, and is happy to share tips, advice and a friendly chat when you need it.
Whether you have questions, need a confidence boost, or simply want a familiar face around campus, your buddy will be there to help you settle in, make connections and feel like part of the Ulster community.
How to get involved?
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Step 1:
Complete our short sign-up form and tell us a little bit about yourself. We'd love to hear about your course, interests, hobbies and what makes you you.
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Step 2:
We'll do our best to match you with a Buddy who shares similar interests, experiences or courses, giving you plenty to chat about from the start.
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Step 3:
Once we've found your match, we'll introduce you by email and help get the conversation started.
What happens next is entirely up to you!
You might swap messages online, meet for a coffee on campus, go for a walk between classes, or ask your buddy to show you around and point out the best study spots. You may arrange to meet at a society or UUSU event. There's no pressure and no expectations - your buddy is simply there to help you feel more confident, connected and at home at Ulster.
As the weeks go by, you'll find your feet, settle into university life and build your own friendships and routines. You may not need your Buddy quite as much as you did in those first few weeks - and that's a good thing! It means you're becoming part of the Ulster community.
If you feel like the Buddy Scheme would benefit you, drop your details here and keep an eye on your inbox for an email from
welcometeam@uusu.org
.