Student Buddy project
Many students have support needs due to disabilities, chronic illnesses, neurodivergence or personal circumstances such as caregiving duties. As a student, it can be a big step to ask for the help you need. Some benefit greatly from discussing their challenges with a peer. The Student Buddy Programme makes this process easier by pairing students in need of support with a fellow student, a buddy.
A buddy can help with study-related issues such as study planning, managing exam stress and collaborating with other students. It is meant as low-key one-on-one support. This contact usually is one hour per week for one or two quarters, but it also depends on the needs and availability on both sides.
A Student Buddy is not a tutor and does not focus on content-related study questions.
To structure the programme, we work with two entry periods per each year. The Horizon team can inform you about the upcoming entry period.
Would you first like to know more about the programme? Read the information below. If you have any questions, email us at buddy-esa@tudelft.nl.
How do I get a Student Buddy?
Are you a student with a support need and would you like help from a fellow student? You could request a Student Buddy.
This is how it works:
- Fill in the application form in which you can share your personal details, support need and preferences.
- A staff member of the Horizon team will contact you to confirm your application and give you access to our Brightspace channel.
If it is unclear to us whether this programme fits your needs and expectations, you will first be asked some extra questions through email or in a meeting.
- You will be asked to have a look at the profiles of available buddies that can be found on the Brightspace channel. You can then share a top 3 of preferred buddies in an email to buddy-esa@tudelft.nl.
- The Horizon team will review your top 3 and will contact the buddy we think we can match you with. We will ask the student if they are interested and available to become your Study Buddy. Please know that we will not yet share any personal information with the buddies at this point.
- Once we have found a Buddy, Team Horizon will schedule a meeting where you and the buddy can meet for the first time. A member of the Horizon team will be present during this meeting to make sure everything is discussed. If the meeting goes well, you will both sign an agreement and the buddy trajectory can start. Together with your buddy you can decide the frequency, the location and time, etc. That is all up to you.
- After 10 to 12 weeks a Horizon team member will check in with you and your buddy how the coaching is going, if anything needs to change and if you want to continue or not.
