BTU Buddy Programme

Interested in learning more about what BTU Buddies do?

Read Natasha Bhaskar Shinde’s story about her experience as a new international student and how joining the Buddy Programme gave her the chance to get involved and contribute to the international student community.

,,I always wanted to move abroad for my higher studies. The idea of moving to a new country, having a clean slate, and starting life from scratch sounded super scary—but it was also incredibly exciting. I moved to Germany and to BTU for a better academic future, but also because I knew that life had so much more to offer than my hometown and the city I had moved to for my Bachelor's degree.

However, as the days to my departure approached, I began to feel a strong sense of fear—a fear that almost consumed me. The fear of the unknown, the countless meetings and interviews, and all the paperwork. I enjoyed every bit of the process, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t constantly on edge.

I didn’t have an official BTU Buddy, but I did get in touch with a senior who helped me navigate one of the most chaotic procedures:

finding an apartment. He also made the first few weeks in Cottbus less overwhelming and made life in Cottbus feel easy and calm.

I’m sure many students currently going through this process are experiencing the same rollercoaster of emotions that I did. The good news is—you don’t have to go through it alone. This is what the BTU Buddy Programme is all about. It’s a group of volunteers, like myself, who have gone through everything that you will soon experience. And we’ll be here to guide you through it all, from one student to another.

BTU Buddy volunteers are students from BTU who have offered their time to make your initial days in Cottbus smoother and less confusing.

We’re also available to support you with your doubts and questions even before you land in Germany. For new students joining Cottbus, we’re here to offer guidance and help in any way we can.

I also hope that many more students will join us as volunteers, because the BTU Buddy Programme is a platform to connect with both new and current students. It’s a safe space to make new friends, reconnect, and make a positive impact on the lives of students who are just beginning their journey.''