CUBO Residence Life Star Awards 2026
We are delighted to recognise a group of exceptional individuals working in higher education across the UK and Ireland to create supportive living and learning communities in university and private student residences.
2026 CUBO Student Residence Life Stars
Winners
Student Star
Mary Bowles - University College London
Student Star
Jasper Cushing - University of the Arts London
Student Star
Nadiyah Ollite - Keele University
CUBO Best Residence Life Experience
University of Leeds
Professional of the Year
Courtney Williams - University of Leicester
Community Team of the Year
University of Limerick
Award of Excellence
Brogan Harris - University of East London
2026 Judges
Thanks to our international judging panel:
-
- Kirsten Kennedy, Associate Vice Chancellor/Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, University of Houston
- Jacob Waitere, Head of Operations, University of Auckland and Vice President of APSAA, the association for student accommodation professionals from South-East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
- Ellie Mawdsley, Platform Manager, CampusLife
- Clare Ody, VP PBSA, Brand & Partnerships, Kinetic
2026 Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Headline Sponsor: Kinetic
- Trophy Sponsor: Allwag
- Professional of the Year: ACUHO-I
Find out more about our finalists
Awards Night - 13 May 2026
The Residence Life Star Awards were presented at the Awards Dinner on 13th May 2026 during the CUBO Residence Life Conference at Burleigh Court, Loughborough University.
Hosted by former England Netball Captain and Loughborough Alumni, Ama Agbeze MBE
- Clare Ody from Headline sponsor Kinetic presented awards to CUBO Best Residence Life Experience Winners, University of Leeds
- Sarah Smith from Trophy Award sponsor Allwag presented a trophy to the David McKown, on behalf of the University of Limerick for Community Team of the Year.
- Ellie Mawdlsey from partners CampusLife presented Awards to this years Residence Life Star Award Winners, Mary Bowles, UCL, Jasper Cushing, UAL and Nadiyah Ollite, Keele University
- CUBO ResLife Group Lead, Sarah Djuric presented the CUBO Award of Excellence to Brogan Harris, University of East London
- Courtney Williams of the University of Leicester was presented the Professional of the Year Award by Helen Rylands of Loughborough University
Award Categories and Prizes
CUBO Best Residence Life Experience
Recognising the growing importance of residence life and the activities that support students living in purpose-built accommodation.
Entries should demonstrate opportunities, events or initiatives that promote health, wellbeing and an outstanding residential experience.
CUBO Student Residence Life Stars
Awarded to an outstanding student working in residence life, who won a trophy and place at this years CUBO Residence Life Conference.
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.
CUBO 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.
CUBO Community Team of the Year
Awarded to a residence life team who have implemented a successful community initiative, with proof of impact.
