The awards celebrate the incredible achievements made by international students and those who work closely with them to improve the international education sector.
The University’s International Student Experience team has been named a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Student Support (Making a home in the UK)’ category.
Recognising the need to help international students beyond Welcome Week, the University established a dedicated International Student Experience team in 2023. Since its inception, the team has supported hundreds of students in confidently navigating university life beyond their initial arrival. From running tours in Loughborough town, organising practical sessions covering subjects such as banking and healthcare, as well as offering drop-ins and 1-1 meetings, the team provides a year-round service to help international students with new challenges as they arise.
Part of their year-round programme is Brighter Winter, a scheme offering a range of sport, creative and social activities that help students build friendships while adapting to seasonal changes such as shorter daylight hours. Another successful initiative is their range of vacation programmes, such as ‘Loughborough Festivities’ and ‘Summertime Socials’, which take place out of term time when the campus is typically quieter and features a range of activities over a 30-day period, such as trips to local attractions and on-campus events.
Tim Hewes-Belton, Student Life Manager (Community and International Student Experience) at Loughborough University, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the UKCISA Outstanding Student Support Award. This wouldn't have been achieved without a lot of hard work from the team and the support of the many colleagues across the University who work with us to support our international students.
“It’s especially exciting to celebrate alongside our student-led International Students Network, shortlisted for Student Group of the Year. Whatever the final outcome, to have both recognised nationally is a fantastic achievement and something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The Student Group of the Year award recognises international student groups that provide a welcoming and inclusive community to students from diverse global backgrounds, through impactful initiatives, events or projects.
LSU’s International Student Network (ISN) represents over 3,500 students and aims to support them by delivering a year-round programme of cultural celebrations and social events designed to bring a unified community of students from around the world. Whether it’s hosting its annual International Students’ Day programme, cultural festivals, welcome events or community dinners, ISN strives to create meaningful opportunities to provide an outstanding international student experience at Loughborough. The network regularly collaborates with University teams such as LU Arts and Student Services to support this ethos.
Jess Kemp, LSU’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, said: "We are incredibly proud as a Union to see our International Students' Network recognised as a finalist for International Student Group of the Year. ISN plays a vital role in helping international students feel welcomed, supported and connected from the moment they arrive in Loughborough.
“This truly reflects the outstanding work of our student volunteers, whose dedication creates meaningful experiences and lifelong friendships for students. I’m delighted to see their hard work celebrated, congratulations!”
This achievement recognises the University’s ongoing commitment to creating a culturally vibrant student community that benefits from the inclusion of students from across the globe. The winners of the awards will be announced on 18 November 2026.