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What is your study programme?
What is your study programme?

Become a Buddy for a first-year student – and learn new skills yourself!

Become a Buddy for a first-year student – and learn new skills yourself!

Published on 19-06-2026
The Central Diversity Office is looking for students who want to support new students for 100 days, starting in September.
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For many new students, university life is not only exciting but also a little daunting. To help them feel at home at UvA quickly, we are looking for Buddies who enjoy being there for these students over 100 days.

What will you do?

  • You are a first point of contact for these students and help them find their way
  • You join informal Meet-Ups organised by the CDO
  • You help students feel comfortable at UvA

What do you get in return?

  • A rewarding experience in which you gain skills in supporting new students
  • Knowledge about diversity and inclusion
  • Food and drinks at all Meet-Ups
  • Perhaps a lasting friendship

Who are you?

  • Preferably a first-generation student (the first in your family to attend university)
  • You are a returning student
  • You enjoy sharing your experiences and knowledge with new students
  • You are available for questions from September 2026 through to January 2027
  • You are available to attend the monthly Meet-Ups
  • You are fluent in Dutch and can get by in English

What is Get Ready and the Mentoring Pathway, and who is it for?

The student(s) you will support are taking part in Get Ready, which is part of UvA's Intree Lite introduction programme and the overarching Mentoring Pathway. Most of these students are the first in their family to attend university. Small-scale, personal support is central to the programme. Intree Lite follows exactly the same programme as the first three days of Intreeweek. In 2026, this takes place on 24, 25, and 26 August.

The Mentoring Pathway consists of Get Ready for new students, the 100 Day Programme for a smooth start, and Meet your Mentor for students who are exploring career options after their studies. The Mentoring Pathway has three pillars:

  • Empowerment: getting the best out of yourself and your studies
  • Studying at academic level: what does it involve?
  • Getting to know fellow students, UvA, and academic education

Interested? Sign up here

Do you have questions about this role? Get in touch via diversity@uva.nlExternal link.

Sign up by 31 July at the latest using this form: https://uvaforms.formstack.com/forms/cdo_buddy_2026External link. You will hear by the end of August whether you have been selected, at the email address you used to register.

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