Find Your Community
Here at the Union of Students, we understand that starting something new can daunting but you don’t have to do it alone. The Buddy Scheme is here to help you feel supported and guided through the process of joining any of our student communities. From Football to Dance, to Warhammer or Musical Theatre, we have a huge range of opportunities to get involved!
Whether you're worried about going to your first session, not knowing anyone, or just want a friendly face to walk in with, we’ve got you covered.
Why sign up?
- Meet new people in a relaxed way
- Find the right community for you
- Get a genuine feel for the group before committing
- Build confidence and feel supported
How it works
- Step 1: Sign up
- Fill out a short form to pick a community and request a Buddy.
- Step 2: Get Matched with your Buddy
- We will match you with a friendly student already involved in the community that you are interested in.
- Step 3: Connection
- Your Buddy will get in touch with you to introduce themselves, share information key information and arrange to meet with you before your first session.
- Step 4: Get Involved
- Go along to your first session with the support of your Buddy! Interact with the community, meet new people and lean on your Buddy for all the support you need. (You’ll get two sessions free with any sports club before needing to sign up with a membership.)
Become a Buddy
Want to help others find their community? Have you been a part of your community for at least one year? Become a Buddy and make a real difference to someone's experience.
As a buddy, you'll
- Be matched with a student interested in your Community
- Meet them before their first session
- Support them through their first experience
- Check in after and help them feel welcome
This is a great opportunity to
- Support inclusivity on campus and recruit new members for your community
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Add valuable experience to your CV
Find a Buddy
Want a Buddy with you to join your first session? We know it can be nerve-wracking to try something new. If you’d feel more comfortable being shown the ropes by someone already involved, just sign up below.
You'll be matched with a friendly buddy who
- Meets you before the session
- Walks with you to the venue
- Introduces you to other members and/or committee members
- Answers any questions
- Checks in with you after the session
You’ll get two free taster sessions for sporting communities, and you’re under no pressure to sign up and purchase a membership to the community afterwards if it’s not the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Buddy Scheme?
The Buddy Scheme is a support initiative to help students feel more confident joining new Communities. You’ll be matched with a friendly volunteer already involved in the group who will accompany you to your first session, introduce you to others, and answer any questions you might have.
Who can request a buddy?
Any current student who wants support attending a Community for the first time. Whether you're nervous about turning up alone, unsure of what to expect, or just want a friendly face to guide you, this scheme is for you! It’s open to all students whether you’re a new student, have been here a while, you are from Derby, or you’re an international student, the scheme is here to support anyone who wants to get involved!
Does it cost anything?
Nope! You can attend two free taster sessions with any sporting community with the Buddy Scheme. After that, if you want to continue attending sessions, you’ll need to discuss this with the club and buy a membership. For any of our other community groups, your Buddy can advise you if there is a membership cost involved.
Who are the buddies?
Buddies are student volunteers who are already active members of their Community. They’ve signed up to support others and are there to provide a warm, friendly welcome. Their role is to meet you at your first session, answer any questions you might have, and help you feel comfortable getting involved. Think of them as a friendly guide who’s been in your shoes and wants to make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
How many times can I use the scheme?
The scheme is designed for first-time experiences. You can request a buddy for your first 1–2 sessions with a group. After that, we hope you’ll feel comfortable continuing on your own, but if you're still unsure, reach out and we’ll do our best to support you.
What if I want to join multiple communities?
The Buddy Scheme system can be used more than once if you’re joining a different Community each time. For every new Community, you’ll need to complete the relevant form again so we can match you with a suitable Buddy for that specific group. This ensures you have the right support and a friendly guide for each new Community you choose to get involved in.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up by filling out the form, and we’ll then match you with a Buddy from the Community you’d like to join. We will confirm the details with you via email to ensure you have the right support and a friendly face to welcome you at your first session.
What if I don’t know which group to try?
No problem! You can explore our Communities through our website, or email Eleanor, your Vice President (Activities), directly at vpactivities@derbyunion.co.uk and we’ll help guide you based on your interests.
What if I don't get along with my buddy?
We aim to make the best possible matches, but if something doesn’t feel right, you can contact us in confidence. We’re here to help, not judge. Just drop us a message to your Vice President (Activities) on Teams or at vpactivities@derbyunion.co.uk and we’ll support you.
Who do I contact if I have questions or need help?
For any questions, concerns, or feedback, please get in touch with Eleanor your Vice President (Activities) on Teams or at vpactivities@derbyunion.co.uk
We're here to make this experience as welcoming and supportive as possible for every student.