Hustings Week is back in full swing, and for freshers it may seem a little bizarre! In each hall, half of their committee will be stepping down. This gives new students the opportunity to take their place and get involved in running hall events, from big socials to welfare events and charity projects.
Hustings Week typically begins with creating a campaign poster. Whilst some halls prefer manifestos, others take a sillier approach through recreating film or TV posters. From then, candidates are set challenges by the off-coming reps to complete within the week. These are recorded and combined into a campaign video at the end of the week and shown to the hall. A voting period then commences where hall residents get to vote on who they believe would be best for the role. If you don’t believe anyone is the right fit for the role, you can vote to reopen nominations, and new candidates will get the chance to apply.
So, what kind of challenges could you be set? This varies across roles, and since the off-coming reps set them, some may be more ‘out there’ than others! Here are a few examples of challenges seen this year:
- Spend the night sleeping in the lift.
- Wear a different costume to lectures every day.
- Carry a bowl with you all week.
- Introduce yourself to every flat in your hall.
- Take a photo with every hall road sign.
Here is a summary of roles students can run for during the Hustings period.
Vice Chair and Treasurer: Second in command includes taking minutes at the weekly committee meetings, helping the chair with their workload alongside managing the finances.
Welfare: Promoting an inclusive and welcoming hall and hosting events focused at improving student wellbeing. Also, the main point of contact for students needing support as they can sign-post you to the right resources and university services.
Social: In charge of organising and planning events such as balls, punch parties and any other socials. They work with external events companies to run engaging socials throughout the year.
Media and Stash: Running the hall’s various social media accounts and capturing content at hall events, IMS games and ODEs. Also, you are involved in designing merchandise for freshers and other events!
Sport: Organising teams and individuals to take part in IMS games and ODEs alongside promoting any sporting events taking place.
CAS: Campus and sustainability, raising awareness and promoting sustainability through events such as blackouts.
Action: Promoting and attending the halls weekly action projects and encouraging students to get involved. These are voluntary events throughout the year such as food drives, gardening projects and visiting care homes.
RAG: Responsible for the fundraising of the hall through creating and promoting charity events to the hall, donating the money to charities they have researched.
Societies: Collaborating with LSU societies to put on events with the hall.
Enterprise: Promote the LSU’s entrepreneurial activities across social media.
Taking part in Hustings is not only a fun week and often a highlight of the Loughborough experience. It is also a great way to get involved in something you’re passionate about, to have a say in how your hall is run and the events they host, including the 2026 Fresher’s week. These roles also provide you with some amazing experience and look great on your CV. If you are interested, this won’t be your only chance! A second Hustings week will take place in February as additional roles will need to be filled. If you fancy it and are interested in making your hall the best it can be, go for it!
