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Taught Postgraduate Buddy Scheme

Studying for a postgraduate degree is time-intensive, and this can make it hard to find opportunities to meet new people and make friends during your time at University. The LUBS Postgraduate Buddy Scheme is designed to make things easier for our students. It can help you build new networks, friendships and connections with other students in the same situation as you.

What the scheme can offer

PG Students having a conversation outside

The LUBS Postgraduate Buddy Scheme is managed through an easy to use online platform called Vygo. You can create your own custom profile which will then enable you to be matched with other students who share your interests and aims, helping to ensure your new friendships get off to the best possible start.

The Buddy Scheme is open to all Business School taught postgraduate students.

We recommend reading through all of the information below, to ensure you are aware of how the application process works, and what the scheme is not designed for - to make sure it is right for your situation and needs.

Information on how to apply can be found at the bottom of this page.

What the Scheme is not

The Buddy Scheme is intended to offer you the chance to make new friendships, social connections and the chance to meet others with similar interests and pastimes to your own. Applicants should be aware that there are other types of help which the scheme is not able to provide, although other services from across the University can certainly help with those issues that lie outside of the scope of the Buddy Scheme, such as:

  • A language exchange scheme

    The buddy scheme may offer some students opportunities to practice English, or another language, but that is not its main purpose.
    It is not possible for us to match everyone who is interested in practising a given language with a first-language speaker of that language. Join the scheme to make like-minded friends, and if you are also interested in practising a language, try visiting the Language Zone for assistance.

  • A study support scheme

    Participants in the scheme should not be seeking help with assignments, writing essays, interpreting feedback, or understanding course content from the buddies they are matched with. If you need help in these areas then we would recommend that you to speak to your Academic Personal Tutor in the first instance. For additional support you can also investigate what Skills@Library has to offer.

  • Wellbeing Support

    The pressures of studying a postgraduate degree can add to other stresses life may present to you. The University has a wealth of support options should you need counselling or other types of mental health support at any time - please don't hesitate to reach out to the LUBS Student Support Team for help in this area.

How to Apply to the LUBS Postgraduate Buddy Scheme

Applications for the 2024/25 Buddy Scheme are now open!

Please download and read through our Guide to Joining the LUBS Buddy Scheme.

Once you are ready you can sign up on the Vygo website .

Matching will take place during week commencing 14 October 2024, so please try to join the scheme and begin chatting with other students before that date!

Help and questions

If you need assistance with the Buddy Scheme, please contact Student Success Officer Sam Gent, at s.l.gent@leeds.ac.uk

It is a great way to meet other students, interact and develop friendships

Enthusiastic words from a former buddy

Please read through the terms and conditions of the scheme before applying.

If you have any questions or problems during the application process, or during your use of the scheme, please contact LUBS Student Success Officer Sam Gent