Would you like to quickly feel at home at Hasselt University and make a successful start? Go for a buddy!
Your first time at our university? That's always a bit exciting!
A new environment, new fellow students and teachers … In short, there is a lot to deal with during the first period. Our buddies are there for you!
A buddy is a senior student who knows his way around at Hasselt University. They will not only help you find your way quickly but will also guide you throughout the year. The focus is on the first semester, but you can meet throughout the year if you want to. This improves your chances of success and ensures that you quickly find your feet and 'feel at home' ... at our university.
On average, you meet with your buddy once a week. Especially in the beginning, a weekly meeting is beneficial. Of course, you choose when and how (online - on campus). Your buddy does not only show you the way on campus but can also give you tips about the approach to your program, where you can play sports, etc.
A buddy does not provide tutoring and, unfortunately, does not prepare the practical sessions or tutorial groups or make summaries for you.
A buddy is not a counsellor who will solve your problems.
A buddy can give tips on preparing your courses for a practical session, tutorial group, exam, etc.
A buddy can provide a listening ear, refer you to student support staff, etc.
Your program will inform you how to apply and get to know your buddy.
The matching of a new student to a buddy may differ per course. Some programmes pair you to a buddy randomly, and others provide a match based on your preference.
When you decide to participate, you will be matched with a buddy. You will get to know them during the orientation week.
We do our best to offer everyone a buddy. You may ask the contact person of your course to be linked to a buddy.
You can
- Get in touch via your program's social media channels.
- Join student societies.
- Actively participate in various councils at UHasselt.
- Become a member of Stura, the student council of Hasselt University.
- Visit StudentHotspot or look at the activities calendar.
- Join sports activities organised by Studentsport Limburg
These tips will help you to connect with other students.
Then you are perfect to become a buddy.
Yes and no! As a buddy, you do not have to write or evaluate reports. It's all about being an accessible point of contact for new students. We do expect you to invest some time in your students. In the beginning, weekly meetings are helpful so the students can get used to the university and the course. After the first quartile, the time investment decreases. But they are such valuable and rewarding experiences that it almost doesn't feel like a burden. It's a matter of give and get!
In principle, you will not receive any credits for your commitment as a buddy. You receive an official certificate for your engagement at the end of the academic year.
You choose how many students you wish to support (via the registration form).
You can indicate in the registration form how many students you want to guide and which students you want to guide.
If you help an international or exchange student, you will build on your international competencies (i.e., speaking in another language, getting to know another culture, etc.)
There may be additional requirements per course to buddy international or exchange students, such as being a master's student.
The pairing of buddies to new students varies per program. Some programmes match you ad randomly with a student, and other programmes provide a match based on your preferences and the preferences of the new student.
Do you also guide international or exchange students? We will then match you with a student following the same course. In exceptional cases, this student may follow a different course than yours.
You are already an experienced student, but we will not leave you to your fate. You will receive a short training (1,5 hours) so you know what to expect as a buddy.
If you have already been a buddy, you do not have to follow the basic training again, but you can still use the other support offered.
During the academic year, you can also participate in meetings to exchange ideas with other buddies, ask questions, etc.
After the training, you can access the BB community 'Buddy@UHasselt'. Here, you find useful information such as how and to whom you can refer, extra tips for your role as a buddy (see FAQ), useful links and websites, etc.
Your program will inform you how to apply as a buddy.
Keep an eye on your student e-mail!
The buddy programme received in 2021 the 'Cultural Diversity in Higher Education' award from the Young Academy.