Global Buddies
Global Buddies connects Birkbeck alumni with international applicants holding an offer to study with us, to help them transition to London and settle in.
International students face additional challenges when coming to live and study in London. The aim of Global Buddies is to welcome students to the Birkbeck community and support their shift to life in the UK during their first term of study.
This programme is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international student offer-holders, and to Birkbeck alumni who wish to volunteer. Global Buddies is a great way to connect incoming members of our international student body with Birkbeck’s fantastic alumni community.
Alumni - Share your experiences
As a Global Buddy you can make a real difference to a student's Birkbeck journey by:
- Welcoming students to Birkbeck
- Signposting students to services, support and opportunities at Birkbeck
- Sharing tips for how to make the most of their time at Birkbeck and living in London
- Encouraging students to get involved with student life
- Enabling students to practice conversational English.
This programme is for Birkbeck graduates only.
Incoming Students - Gain support from Alumni Community
As a participant on the Global Buddies programme you can expect to:
- Connect with a Birkbeck alum and gain extra support as you embark on this new journey
- Have a point of contact that you can meet with before and during your first term
- Learn firsthand about university life at Birkbeck and student life in London
- Get advice on any challenges you may face as you navigate the transition of moving abroad
Programme Timeline - Autumn 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens for alumni and incoming students | 28 August 2025 |
| Volunteer and student registrations close | 15 September 2025 |
| Global Buddies matches announced | 19 September 2025 |
| Mid-programme check-in | 23 October 2025 |
| End of Autumn programme | 12 December 2025 |
Programme Timeline - Spring 2026 – For January 2026 starters
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens for alumni and incoming students | 22 November 2025 |
| Volunteer and student registrations close | 12 January 2026 |
| Global Buddies matches announced | 16 January 2026 |
| Mid-programme check-in | 23 February 2026 |
| End of Spring programme | 27 March 2026 |
The Importance of Connecting with a Buddy:
“Through the Global Buddies program, I have been paired with a lovely young lady who joined Birkbeck from abroad. It was exciting to relive my student life through new fresh eyes, but also to give back to BBK thanks to the Global Buddies program by providing assistance and support to the new generation of BBK graduates. Thank you to the team for the continued guidance and dedication during this experience.”
- Amira Ben-Gacem, Economics and Finance, 2000
