What to expect at the Awards
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. This isn't about getting drunk. The drinks are there as refreshments, but can also help to break the ice and relax you as you meet new people.
The drinks reception usually takes place outside if weather permits.
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.
Before you sit down, check the table seating plans at the front of the hall. This will tell you which table to sit at. You'll be expected to sit in the same seat to eat all three courses.
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!
Tips for talking to new people
Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with the people around you. Dinners like this are all about networking and chatting, and you're likely to be sitting with people - including staff - you've never met before. Make eye contact, ask questions, and give open answers to questions asked of you. Having a good conversation with a new person is all about finding out new things, sharing opinions and experiences, and forming connections. Avoid giving one-word answers or letting the conversation be one-sided.
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.
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! Here are a few basic tips to get you started.
Starting the meal: Wait to begin eating until everybody at your table has their food at each course.
Cutlery: The cutlery placed above your plate is for dessert. Don't touch it until then. As for the cutlery at the sides of your plate, start at the outside and work inwards.
Bread: The bread is to be eaten with the meal if you choose. It's best to break pieces off and butter them as you go.
Napkin: Place your napkin on your lap until the end of the meal, when you can fold it and leave it on the table.
Finishing your courses: When you have finished eating, place your cutlery together at the bottom of the plate (like 6:30 on a clock). You can leave your plate where it is. Whilst stacking plates is helpful in some situations, in a large-scale setting like this, the waiters will have a method to collecting used plates which stacking might disrupt.
Pouring drinks: If you're pouring wine or water for yourself, see if the people around you would like some too. Avoid overdoing it on the wine while the dinner and ceremony is taking place.
Menu meanings
Something on the menu you don’t quite understand? From French terms to fancy language, we’ve explained some of the trickier menu items below.
Terrine: A terrine is a type of starter dish, where meat and flavourings are combined and set in a loaf-shaped dish. It is usually served in slices.
Chutney: A savoury jam-like condiment.
Brioche: A popular type of enriched bread, with a slightly sweet flavour.
Chantenay: This is simply a variety of carrot.
Coulis: A smooth and runny sauce, usually made from fruit. In this case it is made from peppers.
Torte: A torte is a type of cake, typically more rich and dense than other varieties.
Compote: A chunkier fruit-based sauce.