Back in-person for the first time since 2019, the CUBO Residence Life Conference drew a record 110 delegates to The University of Sheffield, with another 111 joining online. Mental health and diversity were the big themes in a wide-ranging programme. We heard from Unite Students how these are inextricably linked, and how the recent ‘Living Black at University’ report can be a catalyst for real change.
Keynote speaker Anthony Burnett from Kick It Out talked about 'Creating Inclusive Communities' using examples of tackling discrimination of all kinds through the lens of professional and grassroots football.
Other sessions also spoke to change. The Acuho-i led ‘Exploration of the UK Paraprofessional Role’ by Dr. Kevin Conn from New York University and Katie Boone, Ed.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University, a comparative study of residence life models in the UK and USA, suggested how to raise the profile of residence life careers in the UK. Nottingham Trent University and UPP's new residence life model and Sodexo’s personalisation of residence life delivery were great case studies of innovative university-private provider partnerships. Mel Loizou from Fish Climb Trees showed us how to build rapport and a bonded team quickly with the use of “life maps”, while Oliver Harrison from Campuslife gave valuable tips on how to better support international student wellbeing pre-arrival and in those vital first few weeks at university.
An overview of the latest drugs trends from Liam Watson from Drugstraining.com alerted us to what’s coming next, how it’s marketed and how to make students aware of the risks. Sally Olohan MBE of the University of Westminster and Jenny Smith from Student Minds, outlined how to more effectively support student mental health in halls, while Sheffield SU’s Welfare & Sustainability Officer, Anesu Matanda Mambingo, shared how residence life can support the sustainability agenda.
Highlight of the conference for many was hearing from the Residence Life Star Awards student winners on how we can make residence life programmes better for students – by developing student-led activities, involving students in communications and putting more focus on community building as the heart of residence life and its impact on student wellbeing and academic success.
Our awards night presented by James Greenwood and Melissa Browne recognised the relentless hard work of student staff and professionals from across the sector with Luci Cockayne at The University of Manchester being awarded the Res Life New Professional of the Year! There was even a cheeky K-pop performance by the Sheffield Students' Union K-pop society.
Nicola Boone, Regional Manager, Homes for Students
Conference Images
