What experience do I need to have and what would I be committing to? 

If you: 

• Have been at UEA for at least one academic year 
• Are continuing your studies for the 2025/26 academic year 
• Are available from July 2025 to contact your buddy once matched and meet your buddy in person during Welcome Week (Initial introductions are made via email so you do not need to be in Norwich over the summer for this) 
• Can offer 1-2 hours of support for each buddy per week for Semester One of the 2025/26 academic year (this may be less depending on the needs of your Buddy) 
• Are keen to help new students feel at home at UEA 

Then we’d love to hear from you! 

You can also choose the number of students that you feel able to support, with there being a minimum of one and up to a maximum of five. As outlined on the previous page full volunteer training will be provided and this must be completed before you are able to be matched with any students. Please note that students at all levels of study are welcome to volunteer with us as long as you reach the above criteria. 

Buddy(su) Volunteer - Role Description 

Role responsibilities – what would being a volunteer actually involve? 

You would need to: 

• Engage with your buddy and to support them to settle into life at UEA, discuss any concerns that they may have and to help them to feel part of the UEA community 
• Have knowledge of the support services available to students at UEA and signpost these accordingly as and when required 
• Regularly check in with your buddy. This might be as simple as sending an email, a message or arranging them to meet for a coffee on campus 
• Encourage your buddy to get involved with community-building activities such as clubs, societies and events 
• Maintain confidentiality whilst reporting any safeguarding or health concerns to us 
• Respect different cultures, backgrounds and pronouns 
• Ensure that you are prioritising your own student experience, welfare and workload! Please just let us know if your match isn’t working out or you can no longer volunteer with buddy(su) as a result 

If you have any further questions about volunteering with buddy(su), please get in touch with us by emailing us on buddy.su@uea.ac.uk, by visiting our FAQ’s page or by coming in to see us in person at the SU Office upstairs in Union House!