The friends building a support network

Embrace kindness, care for each other and celebrate the diversity of our campus community. At Sussex, you can join our Students' Union peer-to-peer support network, the Buddy Scheme, where you'll make new friends and get help to settle into university life. Meet Olivia and Jessica, who met through the scheme a year ago.

Jessica’s story

"When I came to Sussex I was quite shy and didn’t really meet many people. So, in my second year I decided to volunteer for the Buddy Scheme.

"I thought that maybe I could help new students settle in. I was paired with three girls from my department and we went out for breakfast during Freshers Week and had a great time.

"We went on the pier and had some photo booth pictures taken and really got on well.

"It started with me wanting to help people, but I found people who can help me too – like Olivia, she’s been really supportive. I feel the Scheme has given me the opportunity to be the best version of myself. It’s made me feel that I can do anything."

I recommend anyone to join the Buddy Scheme. It’s really caring at Sussex, which makes it a great environment to be in.” Olivia Veiga
Member of the Buddy Scheme

Olivia’s story

"It’s been a year since we met and we’ve been really good friends since. I joined the Scheme because I was a bit older when I came to Sussex and was worried that I wouldn’t fit in. But it was exactly what I needed.

"Jess is really lovely and makes us all feel really comfortable. We have so much in common. It’s made me feel more relaxed, having somebody to talk to, not just as a friend but as a colleague too.

"I recommend anyone to join the Buddy Scheme. It’s really caring at Sussex, which makes it a great environment to be in."

Find out more about the Buddy Scheme.

[Close]