Student news

Awards recognise extracurricular success

Students at Edinburgh have been recognised for their work with societies and volunteering groups at an awards ceremony.

Image of students at Activities Awards 2017

On Tuesday 21 March, more than 400 members of the University’s societies and volunteering groups gathered for Edinburgh University Students’ Association’s Activities Awards.

The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups who help to provide diverse and exciting opportunities for the wider student body.

The Students’ Association received a more than 450 nominations for the nine different categories.

Award winners

The ‘Star Group of the Year’ award was won by the Islamic Society for its annual programme of street clean-ups, blood drives and fundraising efforts for youth homelessness. It also runs weekly events, ranging from lectures to documentary nights.

The Debates Union, which was praised for its inclusive approach to social activities by opting to ditch the traditional ‘pub-based’ social for non-alcoholic barbeques and weekly film nights, won ‘Most Welcoming Group’.

Other winners on the night included Jon Betts from Children’s Holiday Venture (CHV), who picked up the gong for ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’.

‘Student Group of the Year’ awards went to the Islamic Society, the History Society, the Harry Potter Society, EUTV and Amnesty International Society.

Extracurricular pursuits are a fantastic way to enrich your university experience and diversify yourself to employers in such a competitive graduate recruitment market.

Jess HusbandsSabbatical Officer and Vice-President of Societies and Activities, Edinburgh University Students' Association

Full list of winners

Star Volunteer

Hannah Crosby-Wood, Edinburgh Global Partnerships

Society Star

Brittany Serafin, Edinburgh University History Society

Committee Member of the Year (Soc)

Eve Thomas-Davies, A Capella

Committee Member of the Year (Volunteering)

Calum Mackie, Children’s Holiday Venture 

Best Group Event

Political Union, North American Society US Election Night Party

Most Welcoming Group

Debates Union

Best Newcomer Societies

Sexpression

Student Group of the Year – Academic

History Society

Student Group of the Year – Arts & Performance

EUTV

Student Group of the Year – Community & Campaigning 

Amnesty International Society

Student Group of the Year – Interest & Appreciation  

Harry Potter Society

Student Group of the Year – International, Faith, and Multicultural   

Islamic Society

Student Group of the Year – Politics, Skills & Finance    

Buchanan Institute

Student Group of the Year – Volunteering Groups    

Best Buddies

Star Group of the Year

Islamic Society

Related links

Edinburgh University Students' Association