GSLS Buddy Programme

As an international student or coming from a different Dutch university, you are probably not familiar with Utrecht, the university and as an international the Dutch academic culture. That is why the Buddy Programme was set up. This programme pairs new (international or former non-UU) students with current students, who can lend a helping hand to new arrivals.

Buddies can offer support in all sorts of ways, in person or by email. Typical "buddy" activities might include showing (international) students around at Utrecht Science Park (campus), providing information about education and administration, explaining the public transport system, locating banks and housing services, or simply chatting over a cup of coffee. A number of social activities will be organised by the School for all participants of the Buddy Programme.

If you are a new international or former non-UU student and would like to make use of the Buddy Programme, you can sign up by filling in the following form. Participation in the Buddy Programme is completely free of charge. If you apply, you will be paired with a buddy before the start of the academic year, so you can get in touch before your first term starts.

We hope to provide you with a helpful resource throughout your stay in Utrecht. If you have any questions about the Buddy Programme, do not hesitate to e-mail us!

Want to see some student experiences? Watch the video!

Would you like to help out new students starting their Master’s at Utrecht University this September? Sign up for the buddy programme!

The buddy programme pairs up new (international or former non-UU) students with current students in the same graduate school (usually 2-3 new students per buddy). As a buddy, you can support your students in all sorts of ways, for example by showing the Utrecht Science Park, providing information about education and administration, explaining the public transport system, locating banks and housing services, or just simply by chatting over a cup of coffee. 

Furthermore, exciting social activities will be organised for all participants of the buddy programme! During the Introducing Life Sciences week, there is a buddy programme event on Thursday, September 5th, 2024. Besides that, you’re invited to a kick-off meeting the week before. In this kick-off meeting you get to know the other buddies, and we will share some tips and tricks to provide you with the skills and knowledge that you need to support your incoming peers.

Having a buddy means a great deal for new students, but it is also a unique opportunity for you to make new (international) friends and broaden your network!

Interested? Sign up with this form.

If you have any questions about the Buddy Programme, do not hesitate to contact us via buddyprogrammeGSLS@umcutrecht.nl.

Want to know more? Watch the video below!