Residence Life Star Awards 2026 - Entries are now open!

Nominations are now open! 

It's time to recognise the fantastic work of residence life teams across the UK and Ireland – the professionals and students who create supportive living and learning communities in purpose-built university and private student accommodation. Who has really stood out for you in the past year? Nominate your exceptional ResLife stars now!

New for 2026:
The main CUBO Best Residence Life Experience Awards will also be announced live at this year’s CUBO Residence Life Conference! The winner will receive a ticket to attend the CUBO Awards Dinner at The University of Warwick in July, where they’ll be celebrated alongside sector leaders from across the UK and Ireland.

Award Categories and Prizes

CUBO Best Residence Life Experience

• This award recognises the growing importance of residence life and activities that support students living in purpose-built student accommodation.
• Entries must show that they facilitate opportunities, events or activities in an environment that promotes health and wellbeing, providing a great overall residential experience for students.

CUBO Student Residence Life Stars

• Awarded to two outstanding students working in residence life, who win a trophy and place at the CUBO Residence Life Conference in May 2026.

CUBO & Acuho-I New Residence Life Professional of the Year

• Awarded to an exceptional residence life professional with up to five years' experience in the role, who wins a trophy and place at the 2027 Acuho-I Conference, funded by CUBO and Acuho-I up to $3000.

Community Team of the Year

• Awarded to a residence life team who have implemented a successful community initiative, with proof of impact.

Res Life Award of Excellence 

• Awarded to an outstanding Res Life team member or manager of university-owned accommodation, who has demonstrated excellence in their role.

2026 Judges

• Our international judging panel will be announced shortly!

Key Dates

• Tuesday 31 March - Deadline for entries
• Wednesday 13 May - Winners celebrated at CUBO Residence Life Stars Awards Night during the CUBO Residence Life Conference in Loughborough

Rules of Entry

• Nominees must be currently working in residence life roles in student accommodation in the UK or Ireland. Nominees for Residence Life New Professional must have no more than five years’ relevant experience.
• Nominees must be nominated by their employer.
• Maximum two nominations per institution/PBSA organisation
• Maximum 500 words per entry using the entry form provided
• Entries must be submitted by Tuesday 31 March 2026.

How to Enter

Submit your nominations using the buttons below. You’ll need to submit an entry for each nomination (max 1 per institution, per category). Please provide quantitative evidence where possible to support the objectives and statements provided.

Awards Night - 13 May 2026

The Residence Life Star Awards will be presented at the Awards Dinner on 13 May 2026 during the CUBO Residence Life Conference at Loughborough University. We look forward to an evening of fun and celebration of residence life programmes and teams!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CUBO Residence Life Star Awards are sponsored by: