What is the Student Buddy Programme?
Our Student Buddies are a team of volunteers who offer their time to support other students. They can support you by:
- Being available to talk to and ask how you're getting on
- Finding and contacting the correct universtiy or Students' Union support services for whatever difficulties you are having (there are loads of great people ready to help but it isn't always easy knowing where to go)
- Helping you get to know other students and get involved in student events and activities
- Checking up to see how you are getting on and if there's anything else you're still not sure about or need help with
How do I contact a Student Buddy?
Click here to request a Buddy!
- This will give us a quick overview of the support you are looking for and will help us make sure the right Buddy is available for you
- You will then receive an email from your Student Buddy to ask how they can help
- They will offer to set up a Zoom meeting for you to have a chat (but this is optional)
- Your Student Buddy will send you a follow up email to see if you want to catch up again or still have anything you need help with
- We will also let you know about group events and activities that you might be interested in taking part in
Who are your Student Buddies?
Rivia Morais (she/her)
Course: Third-year of BA Law
About me: I'm an international and mature student. In the last 3 years I've been volunteering with UWS and other organisations and so I'm familiar with the UWS and Student Union services.
Why do I want to help? I want to help you to engage with student life and make the most of your experience.
Kirsty Randall (she/her)
Course: Criminal Justice
About me: Hi, I'm Kirsty. I am a mature student (but young at heart), currently in second year studying Criminal Justice at Paisley campus. I have previously studied for a Bsc degree through the Open University so I can appreciate how difficult the past year has been studying from home. Before coming to university, I worked as a supervisor in a retail business and have experience of working with people of all ages and nationalities.
Why do I want to help? I can empathise with the struggles that many students have been faced with over the past year. Being told to stay at home and not being able to meet face to face has had such a negative impact on us all. It's difficult not having basic human contact and being able to talk to someone even, if it's online through Zoom, can brighten up your day! I want to provide a safe space where you can speak freely, without judgment and in turn I promise to listen to you and direct you to relevant services if required.
Gary McVicar (he/him)
Course: BA Hons Business Management
About me: Hi, I 'm Gary and I'm a 4th year student on the BA Honours Business Management course here at the UWS.
Why do I want to help? I want to be able to help students with any area of the course and also just to be a welcoming person!
Sally Othmane (she/her)
Course: I'm a PhD student at the School of Education
About me: Hello, I am Sally, this is my 4th year at university. I'm an outgoing person and I would like to help other students as much as I can.
Why do I want to help? I'm aware of the extra challenges that students are facing during this pandemic because of the onerous measures such as lockdown and stay-at-home rules. It's a great pleasure for me to provide help and support to other students and be there for you!
Morgan Donald-Munro? (she/her)
Course: Bsc Hons Psychology (year 2)
About me: I'm a married mum of two who is part of the LGBT and Disabled communities. I have a passion for standing up for those who can't do it for themselves. I love to write, read and spend my free time either in forests, at beaches or at a motorsport event. Psychology and mental health are my calling and I've been working in this area for the past 6 years and intend to go as far as possible helping as many people as i can along the way.
Why do I want to help? I've always loved helping others even since I was little but more so now that I have had my own negative experiences in life, I believe I can offer more empathy along with some support.