Applications open for the MDXSU Buddy Programme
Coming back to Middlesex this autumn? Remember the excitement and the nerves you felt when you first started?
Middlesex Students' Union is looking for friendly returning students to volunteer as MDXSU Buddies this September, helping new students to settle in.
The MDXSU Buddy Programme is an informal mentoring scheme which matches returners with new students, giving you the chance to pass on your knowledge on the non-academic side of university life, and help our new arrivals get to grips with living in London.
All Buddies will be provided with training and ongoing support. We’ve learnt a lot from the pilot of the scheme last year, and are hoping to again make a big impression for students starting out at university!
What are the benefits of being an MDXSU Buddy?
- Playing an incredibly important role in what can be a difficult time for some new students - perhaps being the difference between them loving or hating their first few weeks, which can have a huge impact on the rest of their time at university.
- Sharing your knowledge and interests with new students, helping them have the same great experiences you've had, while maybe avoiding some of your mistakes!
- Enhancing your CV and increasing your employability.
- Developing transferable skills to take to the workplace – verbal communication, time management, interpersonal skills, self-management and problem solving.
- Training and support from MDXSU, and the opportunity to attend our MDXSU Residential at the start of September.
- Building your network, making new friends and meeting colleagues.
- Contributing to university life, and learning more about how the university works.
- As well as meeting new students, you'll also get to hang out with other like-minded Buddies too.
What do I need to do as a Buddy?
- We're looking for returning students who are friendly, enthusiastic and positive.
- The scheme is quite flexible, and is concentrated on the first few weeks of term.
- You’ll need to meet up with your new student Buddies to welcome them to Middlesex, and you'll need to be available for our Buddy Link Up and London walking tour during Welcome Month - more details of our Welcome Month events will be announced soon!
- Then it’s over to you to get in touch with your Buddy, sharing your knowledge on the non-academic side of uni life and helping them to settle in.
- You'll need to attend training in September - we'll email you to let you know when this is scheduled for.
To apply to become an MDXSU Buddy, fill in this form.
If you're a new student joining Middlesex University this September and would like to be matched with a Buddy - or maybe you know someone who would - please visit www.mdxsu.com/buddying for more information.
For more information, please contact the MDXSU Advice service who are overseeing the Buddy Programme at studentadvice@mdx.ac.uk
Image credit Zoe Ranford
