Coming to live in a new country is exciting and rewarding for many international students. However, it can be difficult and stressful at first. Whilst adjusting to student life, international students must also adjust to:
- Living far away from friends and family
- Culture shock
- Homesickness
- Understanding UK systems including: housing, public transport, finances and academia.
‘i-Buddies’ is designed to help with these challenges. During the autumn term, existing student volunteers are matched with new international students, forming groups of ‘buddies’. Buddy groups provide a ready-made support network for new students with volunteers using their experience of campus life to help freshers settle into DMU.
There are many benefits for new international students as it is an opportunity to form new connections and learn about student life. It is also an equally rich and fulfilling experience for volunteers – a chance to learn about other cultures, boost your confidence, and gain recognition for your efforts on your HEAR report. It’s an opportunity which will also enhance your employability by demonstrating skills in: mentoring, relationship building, communication, time management and teamwork.
Since the scheme began in 2012, over 2,000 students have been involved!
How does it work?
- The premise of i-Buddies is to match new international students with volunteers (home or international students). We aim to create buddy groups composed of two volunteers and four new students, but numbers can vary.
- Buddy groups are encouraged to meet up or communicate at least once per week. Whether grabbing lunch at the Food Village or chatting over text, these encounters are an opportunity to share advice, learn more about 91视频and Leicester, or just have fun together.
- Volunteers and new students are also encouraged to meet-up at official i-Buddies events hosted by the International Student Support team once a month. Previous events have included on-campus activities as well as ice-skating and bonfire night.
- The i-Buddies scheme only lasts for one term. Volunteers who engage with the scheme throughout its duration will be awarded recognition on their HEAR report.
Group of students 600 x 472
Student feedback
“The scheme has been really beneficial for me, as you know that there is someone there who you can reach out to - who will be there to support you, who knows the city and the university. I have had such a great experience and will continue my association with the scheme.”
- Tanmay, India
“The scheme is really cool! It’s helped me learn English and meet friends. ... We even held our birthday party together. It was exciting because it was my first time going to an Indian restaurant and it was good to share the party with Aneela.”
- Maochao, China
“I thought it would be good to have someone to explain life at 91视频and in the UK and understand how things work ... the best thing about the scheme has been making a European friend. Just enjoy it and be who you are!”
- Lia, Brazil
How do I apply?
Complete this to sign up as an i-Buddies volunteer! Please note, you must use your 91视频email address to access the form.
Please email us at i-buddies@dmu.ac.uk if you'd like more information.
Posted on Wednesday 9 July 2025