Aim of the Buddy Scheme in the Department of Chemistry.
The Buddy Scheme is designed to create support for the new intake of postgraduate students who are just joining the Department as a PhD student for the first time. Having a ‘buddy’ in the Department can make a huge difference in helping new students settle into the Department as whole, as well as their Research Interest Groups.
All incoming PhD students will be assigned a second- or third-year student to be their buddy.
What is a buddy for?
The buddy will be a supportive colleague and a friendly face. The role of the buddy will vary depending on the support you need but they can help to:
Provide a tour of the Department and Site.
Signpost to information and support services in the Department.
Introduce to other colleagues in the RIG and Department.
Provide information to help with starting in the Department from their own experience.
Be a friendly face to catch up with during your PhD studies and socialise with at Department events.
A buddy is not…
Not an advisor or a councillor or mentor for your studies
Not someone to support with serious matters during your PhD.
Buddies are not expected to provide support in serious matters: students requiring this type of support should approach one of our Departmental Postgraduate Education Team or their College Postgraduate Tutor.
When will I know who my buddy is?
The Postgraduate Education Team will circulate the information regarding who your buddy during your first few weeks in the Department and will invite everyone to the Departmental Social event for buddies to meet one another.
