Video transcript: Buddy Scheme: helping you find your people at uni
Transcript for the ‘University of Leeds Buddy Scheme: Helping you find your people at uni’ video embedded on the Buddy Scheme page.
[The words ‘University of Leeds Buddy Scheme: Helping you find your people at uni’ appear on the screen followed by drone shots over the city of Leeds]
[Two students appear on screen laughing at something on a mobile phone then sit together talking to the camera]
Student 1: Recently I've learned that it's so hard to make new friends, and I thought that it was a really good idea to meet people from another background. I remember I received an email and I was like ‘this is for me’.
[Two more students greet each other then sit together on a sofa in a café]
Student 2: So I was quite interested because we are meeting a new person and that idea of having a friend already before we come to Leeds was exciting to me.
Student 3: It's always better for me to have like a friend right here in Leeds instead of worrying about staying here all by myself.
[The camera pans to another student standing up then walking outside the Business School with other students]
Student 4: I looked online and I was just scrolling through all events and I saw that there's a Buddy Scheme and I didn't really know what it is or think much of it. I think, two or three weeks later, there was an event going on.
I didn't know how the people would be or if it would be forced or unnatural. So I was a little worried it would be kind of dorky, but it ended up being a lot more fun.
[The camera pans to another student sitting inside the Business School]
Student 5: I just came across this programme where you can find a buddy who shares your interest. I just wanted to find new friends. I wanted to meet new people, socialise with them, go out with them. The Buddy Scheme removed that awkwardness, that strange feeling.
[Students 1 and 6 are shown sitting in a café]
Student 6: The programme asks you to list out, your interests and everything. So I think it's been easier for me to find someone with similar interests and hobbies to do stuff with together.
Student 6: Outdoor activities.
Student 1: Hiking.
[Students 2 and 3 are shown sitting in a café]
Student 2: Photography.
Student 3: Yeah. Walking and travelling a lot.
Student 2: Yeah.
[Students 1 and 6 are shown sitting in a café]
Students 1 and 6: Yoga.
[Students 2 and 3 are shown sitting in a café]
Student 2: I never liked walking and he made me get into it. I had said I love the series 'Friends' and his first message was started with like, ‘How you doing? Please read it in Joey's voice.’ It was really funny.
[Students 4 and 5 are shown chatting on sofas]
Student 4: It's a great way to meet friends and there's more put into it than just your average like ‘come to an event’. It's a really comfortable place to talk and meet people that, because it's your buddy as well and there's everyone else that's there.
[Students 2 and 3 are shown sitting in a café]
Student 2: Fun activities where we can actually get to know people. We don't have that ‘Ok, this is the first time I'm seeing somebody. I'm talking to them.’ So that wasn’t there. It's all easy going like anybody can do it like that.
[Students 4 and 5 are shown chatting on sofas]
Student 5: I've gained a lot of new friends. I've learned how to socialise with people. If you're a shy and introverted person, this scheme is just for you because it helps you come out of your shell.
[Students 2 and 3 are shown sitting in a café]
Student 2: I say just go for it because it's already made things easier for me in a huge way, kind of broadened my mind to trying new things.
Student 3: It's always a great opportunity to actually know someone before you actually arrive here in Leeds, even for UK students as well.
[Students 4 and 5 are shown walking on campus]
Student 5: If you want to find new friends, if you want to meet new people, this is the thing to go do.
Student 4: I think anybody, undergraduate, postgraduate, doesn't matter, everyone needs a friend, needs someone hang out with. I definitely recommend it. It's not something you would regret.
[Students 1 and 6 are shown sitting in a café]
Student 6: Don't be afraid to take the first step and just take the initiative because if you don't take the first step then you'll never know what's there waiting for you.
Student 1: I think that the Buddy Scheme has like a lot of opportunities to bond. I think it's worth it.
[The words ‘Apply to the Buddy Scheme at any point in the academic year. Go to the Buddy Scheme page to find out how’ appear on the screen]