Commonly asked questions
The Study Buddy program, brought to you by the Student Representative Committee (SRC) and funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), is open to all Macquarie students.
How does the Study Buddy Program benefit me?
This program gives all Macquarie students a way to interact and engage with peers. It can help you feel more connected and boost your morale.
It will also motivate you to study and stick to your study schedule because you’ll be accountable to another person – your Study Buddy. Research shows peer-to-peer study groups help you develop better study habits, which can help you achieve better academic results.
You should join the Study Buddies whether you need a bit of motivation yourself, want to help motivate your peers or just want to make a friend in your class.
Is this a one-to-one program?
Yes. You'll have one Study Buddy per unit that you request a buddy for.
Can I have more than one Study Buddy?
You sure can! Depending on your subjects, you may end up with more than one Study Buddy. This will largely depend on the number of students who sign up and on how many subjects everyone wants a Study Buddy for.
What if you can't find me a Study Buddy?
We will try to place every student with someone doing the same subject. However, this may not always be possible and will depend on the students that sign up. If this isn't possible, we'll match you up with someone doing a very similar subject or someone who's doing the same degree.
How can I communicate with my Study Buddy?
When you sign up, you will select your preferred communication methods. We'll try to pair you up with others who share the same preferences. The initial introduction between Study Buddies will be made via your student email addresses. You can later choose what platform you use to communicate.
What platforms do you suggest we use for communication?
We suggest using the communication platform that you are most comfortable with and that you check on a regular basis.
Some options include:
- Zoom
- Discord
- Text
- Phone calls
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
What if I don't hear back from my Study Buddy?
It is up to students to self-manage their meet-ups, so we can't force anyone to respond and stick to their commitments. We will follow up with students to ensure they have a match and are studying together. If you're experiencing issues or have any concerns about your Study Buddy, email buddies@mq.edu.au.
What if I am nervous about talking to my Study Buddy for the first time?
That’s OK – It's normal to be nervous when meeting new people. We’ve got some great resources to get you started below. If you need us to come and chat with your group or give some tips on group study, email buddies@mq.edu.au.
What do I do if I feel uncomfortable with my Study Buddy?
Your safety is our priority. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, email us at buddies@mq.edu.au. We will remove any students from the Study Buddy program who are seen to be violating the Student Code of Conduct, MQ Academic Integrity, and Respect. Now. Always. policies.
I want to get better marks. Can I be paired with a high-achieving student?
This program is voluntary for everyone involved and, as part of the registration process, we don't ask about academic performance but about your motivation for joining the program. We don't discriminate based on academic grades and cannot allocate Study Buddies based on achievement.
Where can I find more information?
If you still can’t find what you're looking for, email us at buddies@mq.edu.au.