Planning buddy week: still possible to become a buddy

The board of the buddy week is well underway in planning a fun, inclusive and lively welcome week for new students in Volda. Are you already a Volda student and want to contribute to the fun? – it is still possible to register as a buddy.

It is the week when new friendships are made, bonds of friendship that often last a lifetime. Equally important is the feeling, and hopefully, the security new students will feel through a social buddy week. Many people who move to Volda to study often don't know anyone in Volda from before.

This is also something this year's board of the buddy week recognizes from when they started studying in Volda. The overall tone when we ask them is: – The buddy week was good to have!

Register as a buddy

At the beginning of May, just over 130 students have signed up as buddies. A number that is good, but there is still room for more.

So far, media students have been the most eager to become part of the sponsor group.

– People from all educations are welcome, but we would like to see students from other than media educations take part. A diversity of everything together is great, says Marte Sørebø Pedersen, head of the buddy week in Volda.

Was warmly welcomed

Besides Sørebø Pedersen, the board of buddy week consists of Juliana Endemann (deputy chairman), Ina Mårstøl Vinjevoll (PR and multimedia manager), Eirik Normann Emanuelsen (buddy manager), Dorcas Mukulu (events manager) and Sondre Nordstrand Fure (sponsorship and finance manager).

They are concerned with and will work to ensure that all new Volda students feel welcome.

– I remember when I was a new student and my buddies took care of us. I was genuinely happy when the sponsors recognized my face in the crowd after a short time, came over and asked "Are you coming tonight?". This is how it will be this year as well, asserts Sørebø Pedersen.

Deputy chairman Endemann had a similar experience to Sørebø Pedersen.

– I came straight from high school and don't drink alcohol. In the days before the first day of school, I was very excited and unsure of what I was going to do. But it would turn out to be completely pointless. The buddies were inclusive, I felt seen immediately - it calmed me down a lot, says Endemann.

Events for everyone

The program for the buddy week is starting to take shape. The board is concerned that there should be a wide range of events - there should be something suitable for everyone.

– It will be a lot of fun. In addition to our events, Rokken also has its own program of concerts and more, says the board.

In recent years, alcohol-free events during the buddy week have been set focus on. So also this year, if not even more so.

– We are concerned that the alcohol-free events should last throughout the evening and night. It should not be the case that you have to go home at ten in the evening from such an event.