Buddy Programmes

Utrecht University offers a number of opportunities to buddy up with other students through different Buddy Programmes. Some Buddy Programmes focus on academic aspects of student life, while others will help you get to know Dutch culture and adapt to everyday life in the Netherlands - all programmes listed below are a great way of meeting new people and making friends!

Buddy go Dutch

If you are an international student in Utrecht looking for a Dutch friend or the other way around, Buddy go Dutch offers a matching event at the beginning of every semester. Matching will be done based on your personal interests and preferences to find your ideal buddy.

The Incluusion Community

Incluusion is a programme that allows refugee and asylum seekers to follow free courses at UU. With our diversity network The Incluusion Community, there is an opportunity to learn from, interact, and socialise with Incluusion students. Some Incluusion students have not studied in some time so need guidance navigating Blackboard or are new to Utrecht, so they need advice on the best places to study or be social.

Would you like to help create a sense of belonging for refugees and asylum seekers at UU? Or to help provide a safe space for everyone to socialize, study, and work together? Anyone, regardless of their background can join the Incluusion Community events, in fact it is encouraged! Whether you are a refugee student and wish to get to know your new environment or a local student looking to get new experiences, perspectives, and friends, you can sign up for any of our Community events here!

ESN Pre-Departure Programme 

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is a non-profit international student organisation with a mission to represent international students. It provides opportunities for cultural understanding and self-development under the principle of "Students Helping Students". 

To help you settle in smoothly, ESN offers a pre-departure program. In brief, you will be matched with a local mentor and have the chance to ask them any questions you may have about living in the Netherlands to help you prepare for your move to Utrecht! To read more about this program, visit this link. 

ESN also offers assistance to students on topics such as transportation upon their arrival to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport through the Arrival Assistance program. Read more here. 

Furthermore, ESN hosts an introduction week on the 12th - 16th of September, where students can purchase tickets to join groups with two mentors to meet new people and get to know their new environment better. 

Studying without Limitations

If you are a student with a disability and you are experiencing problems while studying, working, living or going out, it can be a big step to ask for the help you actually need. In order to make this a little easier, Studying without Limitations has set up a buddy program, which is a project that pairs you with an experienced student.