Sign up as a buddy!
The Opening week (Åpningsuka) is about getting to know other people and a new city. Many of the students have moved away from home for the first time, and are extra excited about what adulthood has to offer. The goal with the Opening week is that it should feel including for everyone. So, how can you contribute?
A bit about the role of buddy
As a buddy you are both a representative for the place of study and a leader for the new students. In many ways you will be a role model for the new students, and the new students will look up to you and pay close attention to what you say and do.
Your role is to accommodate so the new students get to know each other, the University College and Molde as a city. As a buddy you are responsible for making activities that suits everyone, no matter if they drink alcohol or not. Remember to pay extra attention to those who seem shy and who keeps to themselves more, some might need an extra hey to feel safe. Learn their names and use them actively. Take initiative for get-to-know-each other-games that everyone can participate in.
It is important that you are available for the new students, and that everyone has gotten the information about the different activities you are participating in. Agree with everyone on how you should communicate, and at which platform. Does everyone have Facebook or should you communicate at Snapchat?
Keep yourself updated on the program for the Opening week, so that you have an overview on what happens and when. It is your responsibility to gather the troops, and accommodate so the new students gets to participate on the things they want to participate in. Be open to feedback from your group, and accommodate the program to everyone’s needs. Give options to those who might not drink alcohol, or those who might have dietary restrictions.
As a buddy you should be a nice, caring person. At the same time you should not take on more responsibility than you can handle, and should not be a psychiatrist nor a student counselor. If you get any inquiries you are unsure on how to handle you can refer them to the Student welfare organization and their offers.
Substance use
4 out of 5 students agree that parties are more fun with alcohol, but at the same time 3 out of 5 students thinks that there is too much alcohol amongst students. Some thinks that the opening week is “the russetid” part 2, while others wants to get to know their fellow students without the alcohol being in focus. Everyone is welcome in the opening week, and one should decide for themselves if they want to drink a little, a lot, or nothing at all.
Mandatory buddy training
Once you have signed up to be a buddy you have to participate in the mandatory buddy training. At the buddy training you will get to know the others who have signed up to be a buddy, and in may ways it is a kickstart to what’s ahead. At the buddy training we discuss the buddy role, what that entails and what else you can expect. An exiting program is currently in the works for both the buddy training, but also the rest of the Opening week. So follow along!
Follow the Opening week on instagram!
Publisert: 25. April 2024 - Sist endret: 25. April 2024
