The SU Awards 2025 are just around the corner, and it’s your chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible students and societies that make the Hallam community thrive. Whether you’re part of a society, a student leader, or someone who's made an impact behind the scenes, there's an award with your name on it.

Keep reading to see what awards are up for grabs, with tips and tricks to help you craft a winning nomination!

Social Society of the Year

Who can apply?

This award goes to a social society that’s made a positive impact on its members by providing diverse and engaging activities that create a welcoming community. Think about societies that have brought people together through their events, regular meetups, or inclusive practices.

What could I include?

• Activities, events or initiatives that cater to different interests.
• How you’ve created a sense of belonging through regular meet-ups, team-building or mentoring schemes.
• Efforts that have made everyone feel welcome like accessible events, diverse representations, or safe spaces.
• Any strong/positive member involvement, feedback or recognition.

Start nomination for Society of the Year

Academic Society of the Year

Who can apply?

This award celebrates an academic society that offers meaningful development opportunities, from study sessions to industry networking events, while encouraging a supportive environment.

What could I include?

• Activities, events or initiatives that cater to different interests (i.e. guest lectures, study sessions, skill-building workshops).
• Show how your society helped members grow—through mentoring, leadership roles, or networking events.
• Efforts that have made everyone feel welcome like accessible events, diverse representations, or safe spaces.
• Include feedback, success stories, or achievements that reflect your society’s positive influence.

Start nomination for Academic Society of the Year

Event of the Year

Who can apply?

If you or your group have hosted an event—whether online or in-person—that brought people together in a creative, impactful way, this is your category. Joint events between societies are also eligible.

What could I include?

• Describe the event’s theme, unique features, and standout moments.
• Share how you brought fresh ideas to life and overcame challenges.
• Show how the event engaged participants, built connections, or benefited the community.
• Mention any teamwork between groups that made the event a success.
• Include feedback, attendance numbers, or any unexpected wins that exceeded expectations.

Start nomination for Event of the Year

Leader of the Year

Who can apply?

This award goes to a student leader who’s demonstrated strong leadership, inclusivity, and collaboration, making a positive difference in the Hallam community.

What could I include?

• Highlight how they inspired others, led a team, or took initiative on projects.
• Share examples of working with others to plan successful events or initiatives.
• Show how they made spaces welcoming and supportive for all students.
• Mention events or opportunities they delivered that improved student life.
• Include feedback, growth in participation, or any standout achievements.

Start nomination for Leader of the Year

Community Impact Award

Who can apply?

Open to individuals or groups that have made a meaningful impact in the local community through volunteering, fundraising, or student-led initiatives.

What could I include?

• Share how your efforts helped improve the local area, whether through charity or support initiatives.
• Highlight successful campaigns, events, or hours volunteered that made a difference.
• Show how students got involved and benefited from the initiative.
• Mention any long-term changes or contributions that positively affected the community.
• Include feedback or measurable results from your efforts.

Start nomination for the Community Impact Award

Inclusivity and Diversity Award

Who can apply?

This award is for those who’ve actively promoted inclusivity and diversity in the student community.

What could I include?

• Showcase initiatives that celebrated different cultures, backgrounds, or identities.
• Share efforts that made all students feel valued, respected, and supported.
• Mention projects or policies that promote fairness and accessibility for everyone.
• Include feedback, increased participation, or any positive changes that reflect your success.

Start nomination for the Inclusivity and Diversity Award

Sustainability Award

Who can apply?

Awarded to students or groups that have shown a commitment to sustainability, whether through academic projects or green initiatives on campus.

What could I include?

• Share how you’ve integrated sustainable practices into your course or projects.
• Showcase any events, campaigns, or actions that contributed to a greener Sheffield or beyond.
• Mention any lasting changes or sustainable solutions you’ve helped implement.

Start nomination for the Sustainability Award

Rep of the Year

Who can apply?

If you’re a lead or course rep who has gone above and beyond to support peers and amplify student voices, this award is for you.

What could I include?

• Highlight how you’ve provided guidance, support, or resources to your peers.
• Share examples of how you’ve listened to concerns and acted as a strong advocate for students.
• Showcase initiatives or campaigns that led to positive improvements within the university.
• Mention any additional steps you took beyond your role to make a difference.

Start nomination for Rep of the Year

Industry Engagement Award

Who can apply?

This award recognises students who’ve engaged with industry through work experience, internships, or placements, applying their academic knowledge to real-world settings.

What could I include?

• Share work experience, internships, or placements secured outside of your course.
• Highlight how you proactively sought opportunities to build professional connections.
• Showcase how you applied academic knowledge to industry settings.
• Mention how these experiences contributed to your personal and professional development.

Start nomination for the Industry Engagement Award

Inspirational Individual Award

Who can apply?

Awarded to a student who has shown resilience and determination in the face of personal or academic challenges, inspiring others through their journey.

What could I include?

• Share personal or academic challenges faced and how you pushed through.
• Highlight moments where you demonstrated determination and a positive attitude.
• Mention how your perseverance has motivated or inspired others.
• Show how you stayed focused on your goals despite setbacks.

Start nomination for the Inspirational Individual Award

Whether you’re attending to support your friends or hoping to take home an award, the SU Awards 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss!

Nominations are now open! So, if you know someone who fits the bill—or if that someone is you—don’t hesitate to nominate them. This is your chance to showcase the amazing work you’ve done and celebrate the vibrant Hallam student community.