Living Black at University Conference is Coming to Leeds in 2026

The Living Black at University Commission has announced that its third national Living Black at University Conference will take place on Friday 20 March 2026 at the University of Leeds, with registration now open.

This year’s theme, Breaking Barriers: Accelerating Systemic Change, builds on the strong foundations laid by the Commission’s previous conferences, which focused on Creating Meaningful Change and Engaging with Equity. In 2026, the commission calls on the higher education sector move beyond words and commit to transforming processes so that Black students can live, learn and belong across all areas of university life.

The Living Black at University Conference brings together colleagues from across higher education including universities, student accommodation providers, residence life teams, security staff, senior leaders and sector partners to explore how collective action can drive tangible improvements in the experiences of Black students.

The programme will feature sessions on:

• Black Student Mental Health and Peer-to-Peer Support
  
  
• Understanding the “Black Tax” and its Impact on both Students and Colleagues in Accommodation
  
  
• How to Be an Effective Ally for Racial Equity
  
  
• Making the Business Case for Black Student Inclusion
  
  
• Developing Inclusive Hiring Strategies
  
  

…With more to be announced.

Reflecting on the journey so far, Carol Thomas, Chair of the Living Black at University Commission, said:

“The Living Black at University research has shown just how deeply the student living experience shapes a student’s sense of safety, identity and belonging. It has been inspiring to see a growing number of universities, accommodation providers and sector partners commit to this work, but we know there is still much more to be done.

This is a truly inclusive event and we warmly welcome all who want to help drive systemic change, whether you’ve been working towards this for a long time, or if coming to the conference is the very first step. As Chair I extend this welcome to everyone across the sector, including our allies. We look forward to coming together as a supportive collective force for change.”

With the Commission’s research highlighting the critical influence of accommodation, wellbeing, safety, leadership and everyday interactions on Black students’ experiences, the 2026 conference is designed to bring these groups together, reinforcing that sector-wide change is both necessary and achievable.

CUBO encourages members and partners to attend this important event and join a growing movement dedicated to improving outcomes and experiences for Black students across the UK.

The event is free to attend, though places are limited. To book tickets, visit the CUBO Website.