Unibuddy program provides insights into graduate life at UCalgary

Future graduate students often have questions that go beyond academic considerations;  from what it’s like to live in Calgary, to how to find community, or balancing coursework and research with life. 

That’s where the Unibuddy program in the Faculty of Graduate Studies comes in. By connecting future students with current graduate student ambassadors, UCalgary creates a welcoming, peer-led space for candid conversations and first-hand insights.

Since its launch in 2022, the Unibuddy platform has become an important part of UCalgary’s graduate recruitment. In a time when personalized support and real stories matter more than ever, the program answers questions, offers reassurance and demystifies the graduate experience for prospective students.

“Building connections between future and current students plays a vital role in recruitment,” says Tammy Kristiansen, Senior Consultant of Graduate Recruitment. “When future graduate students can engage with those already studying in their program of interest or who share their cultural background, they gain valuable insights and a stronger sense of belonging. These interactions help them envision their academic journey at UCalgary, making their decision more informed and meaningful.” 

There were 13 Unibuddies for the 2024-25 academic year, encompassing both domestic and international graduate students.

Peer-to-prospect connection from application to arrival

The Unibuddy platform allows future graduate students to browse ambassador profiles and start one-on-one chats about everything from funding to teaching and learning culture. Conversations happen on the prospect’s terms; asynchronous, informal and led by curiosity.

For many future students, these conversations can make all the difference. “I was very well received by the Unibuddy ambassador,” shares one future graduate student. “We had an incredible chat. They were so patient and helpful — it really set Calgary apart for me. The reception here was unlike anything I’ve experienced, and it became a major factor in my decision to choose UCalgary."

For Humaid Kidwai, second-year MSc student in Geomatics Engineering, becoming a Unibuddy was a way provide the support he once wished he had.

“I know how exhausting it is when applying to grad school,” says Kidwai. “Although most of the information is available on university websites, it becomes difficult to keep track of it all — especially for international students who may be leaving their home countries for the first time. Supporting them in their application journey resonated closely with my own past experiences.”

Through Unibuddy, Kidwai has connected with prospects around the world, offering advice on topics such as contacting supervisors, drafting emails and navigating paperwork. “We’ve been there and done that,” he says. “We learned from our mistakes and now we make sure others don't have to.”

Montserrat Villegas Torres, a fourth-year PhD student in Biological Sciences, shares a similar perspective. When she began her studies, she recalls how overwhelming it felt to figure out the process on her own, especially as an international student starting during COVID restrictions.

“I wished I had someone to talk to from the very beginning, someone who could guide me through contacting a supervisor, navigating the application process, understanding my fees and preparing for my first day on campus,” she says.

Joining Unibuddy gave her the opportunity to offer the kind of support she once needed. “Whether it’s sharing tips on finding a supervisor or explaining what life is like in Calgary, I love helping future students feel a little less stressed and a lot more excited about joining our community,” Villegas Torres adds.

A personalized, low-pressure platform for connection

For Mohammad Jahedul Hoque Shahin, second-year MA student in Educational Research Leadership, becoming a Unibuddy was an opportunity to ease the uncertainty that can come with pursuing graduate studies abroad.

“Coming from a diverse international background, I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate graduate studies in a new country," he says. "I became a Unibuddy ambassador because I wanted to support future students in making confident, informed decisions — just like I wished someone had done for me.”

Reflecting on his experience, Shahin shares that connecting with future students has deepened his sense of purpose and community. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that by sharing my journey, I can help others feel more prepared and supported as they consider UCalgary.”

As the program grows, so does its impact. Whether through answering late-night messages from prospects all over the world or reflecting on their own journeys, UCalgary’s Unibuddies are showing that meaningful connection is key to graduate success, even before the first day of class.

Interested in learning more? Explore the Faculty of Graduate Studies' Unibuddy platform to hear directly from current graduate students about life at UCalgary.