buddy(su) 2025/26 Volunteer Applications Open!

We have now opened our Buddy(su) volunteer recruitment applications for the 2025/26 academic year:   

To submit your application, please complete this form.

Why should I volunteer with buddy(su)? 

Most importantly, by volunteering with buddy(su) you can make a tangible impact upon the lives of new students when they start a new chapter of their lives with us here at UEA. By supporting them and through giving them insights from your own student life you can help them to feel comfortable, confident and safe during the early stages of their university experience whilst equipping them to make new friends.  

You can also develop valuable skills both personally and professionally that will benefit you far beyond your time at university, all whilst meeting new people and trying new experiences. As part of this you will receive training to prepare you for your role and you will have dedicated staff support to enhance your experience as a volunteer during your time with us. 

For more information on what being a buddy(su) volunteer practically involves, you can access a detailed buddy(su) volunteer role description by clicking the ‘About the Role’ button below. 

Watch the video About the role FAQs

What support would I receive as a buddy(su) volunteer? 

The buddy(su) team are always happy to answer any queries that you may have relating to the volunteer role, the buddy(su) scheme or the SU itself. Please feel free to get in touch with us by emailing us on buddy.su@uea.ac.uk, by visiting our SU Office in person or by checking the above volunteer frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) button. 

As mentioned earlier you will receive bespoke training to prepare you for your role on areas such as student support and safeguarding. You will also have dedicated staff support to enhance your experience as a volunteer during your time with us. In addition to this, you will be provided with financial support for attending activities that have been referenced. Examples of this include coffee vouchers for coffee meetups, access to Club and Society sessions and in some instances event tickets! 

Being a buddy(su) volunteer, you may sometimes get asked questions that you either don’t know the answer to or that you feel uncomfortable in answering. If this is the case, please get in touch with the team and we will offer guidance on how best to approach this. 

If you are experiencing an issue that is impacting your ability to live well or study well, you can seek support from advice(su), our impartial staff team of trained and experienced advisors. The team provide free and confidential advice and representation on a range of issues relating to student life, including:

• University procedures 
• Complaints 
• Housing 
• Welfare issues 

advice(su) is completely independent of the University and can represent you without a conflict of interest. You can find out more information about our advice service here.