Buddy Programme Psychology

Starting university marks the beginning of a new phase in your life. As with any radical change, there are a number of challenges associated with this, which are easier to face if you are not alone. This is why the Buddy Programme at the Faculty of Psychology has been run by the Career Centre since the winter semester 2010. Since 2018, it has been organised by the Psychology Student Representation.

Students from higher semesters support first-year students

for questions about the content of the programme (courses, documents, specialisations, etc.)
for questions about the formal course of studies (applications, organisational matters, “who is the best person to contact if…” etc.)
questions about life in Vienna (information, events, leisure activities, etc.)

The aim is to support students as they settle into university life.
In many cases, this entry is also associated with a change of living environment and thus the need to build up a new social network.
Support in this area promotes integration. It is important to us to welcome our new students and provide them with the best possible support.

Duration of the buddy activity

The Buddy Programme lasts for one semester, but it has been shown that friendships develop time and again that last beyond that.

Procedure

The schedule of the Buddy Programme is variable. There is a welcome event with all participants as well as events organised by the coordination office. The further organisation of the buddy programme is largely left to the buddies themselves.

Advantages

For buddies

First-year students have a contact person
benefit from the buddy’s experience
receive information on the smooth running of the degree programme
get a good orientation regarding university life/studies
integrate more quickly into university life
are given access to new networks
can settle in more easily in Vienna
have more resources for their studies thanks to a more efficient approach.

For companions

expand/train their social and communication skills
are given the opportunity to reflect on their own actions
are encouraged in their personal development
receive new stimuli
benefit from their experiences with the first-year students
expand their networks
can enhance their CV with the buddy activity
become “visible” for the university

Sponsored and organised by the ÖH – SFU

Contact Buddy Programme

Psychology student representatives

Mail: Buddyme4sfu@gmail.com

Faculty of Psychology

Julius Metzler, MSc
Mail: julius.metzler@sfu.ac.at
+ 43 699 817 250 10

Consultation hours:
Mondays, 3pm – 4pm
5th floor / room 5008, Freudplatz 1, 1020 Vienna