The Students’ Union Awards are back for 2025, with an in-person awards ceremony and dinner to celebrate our prestigious winners.
The evening is set to feature a drinks reception and three course dinner, as well as performances from some of our talented students. After the winners are announced, there’ll be a party with a DJ and dancing until the event ends at 23:00. You can find more details of what each element of the event involves below.
The evening is all about recognising and celebrating the people that make the University of East London so great – not only our winners, but all our nominees too.
Whether you’re a nominee, a nominator or just a supportive friend, we’d love for you to join us as we honour the staff and students who contribute so much to our University community. It’s going to be a brilliant evening, and the perfect way to end the term in style.
Residential Life will also be joining us to present their annual awards – don't miss out!
Drinks
The drinks reception and some wine or soft drinks at the table is included in your ticket. You can buy more drinks from the bar if you want. Cards only. Last orders will be at 22:30.
Dress code
The dress code is formal. Think smart shirts and trousers, dresses or suits, or whatever your cultural/national equivalent is. (No jeans, trainers, etc. - it's fancier than that.) Or you could go all out with black tie or equivalent!
Menu
When you buy your ticket, you'll be asked to select items from the following menu.
Starter
- Norfolk Chicken and herb terrine with onion chutney and toasted brioche (allergens: wheat, egg, mustard, milk)
- Oak smoked Salmon, pickled cucumber, horseradish cream and crostini (fish, wheat, milk, sulphite)
- Pea, broadbean and cream cheese tart with dressed leaves and Balsamic dressing (sulphite, wheat) (vegan)
Main
- Thyme-roasted chicken fillet with dauphinoise potato, roasted carrot and curly kale, pan jus (milk, mustard, celery, sulphite)
- Butternut squash and lentil wellington, pepper coulis, kale and carrot (wheat, sulphite, celery)
Dessert
- Lemon drizzle cake with Chantilly cream and fruit compote (wheat, egg, milk)
- Fruit plate
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What to expect
If you've never been to a formal event before, don't worry - the Students' Union Awards are the perfect introduction to that world! Here's what to expect from each section of the event.
Drinks reception:
At the beginning of the event, you'll be given a free drink to enjoy as you stand or walk around and chat to different people. It's a great way to network informally, and to get prepared for the main event.
Dinner:
Once the drinks reception is finished, you'll be called into the main event space where there will be a welcome speech before you are served a three course dinner. The dinner is a great opportunity to chat more and meet new people. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with the people around you.
There will be pauses between your starter, main course and dessert, where there'll be performances and presentations of the awards. Please show respect for the performers, presenters and award winners and keep quiet while they're on stage. But feel free to clap and celebrate afterwards! Some more free wine will be provided on the dinner tables, but you'll also be able to purchase drinks of your choice whilst in the event venue. Worried about dining etiquette and table manners? Don't be. You could do a little research beforehand, or simply take cues from the people around you!
Drinks, dancing and DJ:
One the awards ceremony is finished, don't leave yet! We'll spend a few minutes changing the layout of the space, and then our DJ will kick off the party section of the night! Get on the dancefloor and celebrate until the event ends at 23:00. You'll be able to buy additional drinks until the bar closes at 22:30.