Buddy Scheme at Sussex
Posted on behalf of: Internal communications
Last updated: Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Are you new to Sussex? Or maybe you just want to attend some fun events and make new friends? Then the Buddy Scheme is for you!
The Buddy Scheme is a peer-to-peer support programme that matches current Sussex students with students who are new to Sussex, or who would like a helping hand (Buddy Scheme Participants). Matches are made based on preferences such as interests, course, and language. Being part of the scheme has lots of benefits: it is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and try something new through our trips, activities, and events.
Join hundreds of other students in being matched with a new friend! The scheme, run by the Students’ Union, pairs you with a buddy based on your preferences including your school, interests, and community memberships, such as LGBTQ+ students, students of colour, international students, disabled students, and more. Current Sussex students can sign up as volunteers, and new students will be matched with them. Your volunteer buddy will answer questions about Sussex and life in and around Brighton, and be someone to talk to and meet around campus from day one.
As well as one-to-one matches, we also run a range of events! From picnics and board games to therapy dogs and crafting, everything we do is designed to help you relax, learn new skills, or explore the local area (usually with discounted tickets). Last year, participants visited Sea Life Brighton and enjoyed a big group outing to ice skating at the Royal Pavilion.