UC Peer Buddies Programme

Dear freshmen,

It’s been almost a week since the start of the semester, and we hope you’re starting to get accustomed to life at CUHK and UC.

Transitioning from high school to university can be a big adjustment. You now have the freedom to choose and audit subjects that interest you, as well as control your own class schedule. But this newfound independence can also be overwhelming – the CUHK campus is vast, and it’s easy to feel lost. And with more free time on your hands, you may sometimes feel bored or unsure of how to make new friends.

If you’re experiencing these feelings, we’d like to invite you to participate in the UC Peer Buddies Programme. This new programme pairs new students like yourself with senior students who can provide guidance and support as you navigate this exciting new chapter.

The place where you attend classes has become very large – you will really get lost in CUHK! Or maybe you don’t know how to use your spare time, sometimes feel bored, and it seems like there is no suitable place to meet new friends?

This is the freshman experience of many people. If you also have this feeling – the college would like to invite you to participate in the UC Peer Buddies Program.

Programmme Content:

• Freshmen will be paired with one senior student (Buddy). Each Buddy will be paired with one to two participating freshmen with similar backgrounds.
• Buddies will provide support and advice to freshmen in a relaxed manner, helping them better adapt to the pace of study and life at CUHK.
• The college will arrange two to three group activities for participants in the first semester; the college also encourages students to meet at least twice more during the first semester.
• Both participating students and freshmen need to fill out a questionnaire at the end of the semester to improve the program process for the next academic year.

Schedule*
27 Sep 2024, 15:30-17:30: CUHK Campus Tour and Kick-off ceremony (Compulsory)
Location: CUHK Campus & Si Yuan Amenities Centre
4, 18, 25 Oct 2024; 1 Nov 2024, 15:30-19:00: Mental Health First Aid Training (Optional)
Location: CUHK Campus
(To be confirmed) 12 Oct 2024, 13:00-17:30: Forest Immersion Walk, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (Optional)
Location: Tai Po Kadoorie Farm
28 Nov 2024, 4:30-6:00: College Assembly – Ms. Cassie Lam’s sharing on her undergraduate journey (Compulsory)
Location: Sir Run Run Shaw Hall
(Tentative) 18 Dec 2024, 17:00-20:00: End-of-Semester Party (Optional)
Location: Si Yuan Amenities Centre
*Students should meet with Buddy at least two more times during the first semester, the format and time are not limited.

Registration period:
6 September 2024 to noon on 16 September 2024
Results announcement:
On or before 23 September 2024

Application Link: 聯合書院友伴計劃申請表格 Application Form of United College Peer Buddies Programme (cuhk.edu.hk)

Notes
• The language of the activity will primarily be Cantonese.
• If the number of applicants exceeds the plan quota, the college will make arrangements based on the situation of each student.
• Due to the multitude of subjects, the college may not be able to arrange a Buddy with a similar background for every freshman.
• Respect each other during exchanges, understanding that everyone has different thoughts and lifestyles.
• Every university student’s life is unique, there’s no need to regard seniors’ sharing as the golden rule. Both parties can learn from each other’s experiences and ideas.

If you have any inquiries, you can call 3943 7580 to contact Mr. Chan Wai.

A hundred university students have a hundred kinds of university life, wishing all freshmen can have their own university life.