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National Student Survey (NSS) 2025

Get a free, exclusive Class of 2025 t-shirt when you complete the survey before Wednesday 30 April 2025.

National Student Survey

Why does my feedback matter?

Your feedback is the key to shaping your university experience. In the past few years, your feedback has driven positive changes, making the University better for everyone.

Watch our short Instagram Reels below to see how we have been acting on feedback from previous National Student Surveys across your whole student experience.

Sexual Misconduct Survey - the key information

We want to let you know about an important survey that will be distributed in February regarding experiences of sexual harassment and misconduct among final year students across England.

The Sexual Misconduct Survey seeks to understand whether university students have experienced either sexual harassment and/or sexual violence since they became a student, either within their university setting, or at other sites or events unconnected to the university.

The Survey will be offered for completion at the end of the NSS, but it is entirely optional and you do not have to take part or answer any questions you don't want to.

How will the information collected be used?

Your survey answers will help to build a national picture of the incidence of sexual misconduct experienced by students in Higher Education and help universities develop tools to tackle this serious issue.

Who is running the Sexual Misconduct Survey?

This confidential survey will be conducted by Ipsos, an independent research agency. It is commissioned on behalf of the Office for Students (OfS), the regulator of higher education in England. The OfS protect the interests of students by working with universities and colleges to ensure a high quality learning experience where students can thrive and feel safe. See the student guide to harassment and sexual misconduct - Office for Students for more information about their work in this area.

The OfS also commission Ipsos to conduct the National Student Survey (NSS) on their behalf. We recently wrote to you on 19 December 2024 to tell you all about the NSS and why your voice is so important to us. Visit the NSS website for more information.

If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned here please do reach out to one of our support services: Centre for Wellbeing, Sexual Violence Liaison Officers and Report + Support are all here to help.

How to take part

To make taking part in the Sexual Misconduct Survey simpler, the survey will be offered to you by Ipsos after you have completed the NSS, which will be sent to you on Monday 3 February.

This survey is entirely optional and you do not have to take part or answer any questions you don’t want to.

In February, Ipsos will invite you to complete the NSS and provide you with a unique link to the survey. Once you have completed the NSS, you will be invited to opt-in to complete the sexual misconduct survey immediately afterwards. You will not be contacted about the Sexual Misconduct Survey separately.

You cannot complete the Sexual Misconduct Survey if you have not completed the NSS. 

The Sexual Misconduct Survey is completely confidential and you will not be identified

This survey, like the NSS, is a task carried out in the public interest.

Personal data is held in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. All your responses will remain strictly pseudonymised and at no point will you be identified. Any personally identifiable data will be securely deleted by Ipsos after the survey closes and will not be shared with any third parties

If you would prefer not to be shown the Sexual Misconduct Survey, you can opt-out by emailing Ipsos (thestudentsurvey@ipsos.com). More information about this process, including how and why Ipsos use your data, can be found under Section 11 of the OfS privacy notice.

The data used for the Sexual Misconduct Survey is drawn from the data collected for the NSS. If you wish to know more about NSS data and processes, please view the privacy notice.

Why is the Sexual Misconduct Survey important?

Whether or not you have experienced misconduct, your voice is extremely important to us and your answers will help the OfS to understand the incidence of sexual misconduct in Higher Education and help universities develop tools to tackle this serious issue. We recognise that sexual misconduct is a sensitive subject and really appreciate your input.

If you are affected by any of the topics mentioned here please do reach out to one of our support services: Centre for Wellbeing, Sexual Violence Liaison Officers and Report + Support are all here to help.

If you have any questions, please email Sam Uzzell (s.uzzell@surrey.ac.uk) or alternatively email Ipsos (thestudentsurvey@ipsos.com).

Is there support available for me?

There are a range of services available for students who would like to seek advice and support related to sexual misconduct.

Sexual Violence Liaison Officers

The University of Surrey and the Students’ Union have four Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs). SVLOs are trained to listen and discuss the options with you that are available through external services as well as university services and you can talk to them about recent or non-recent incidents.

Students' Union

Your Students' Union Support Zone can offer impartial and confidential support on a range of wellbeing topics. You can arrange a chat or seek advice by contacting your Sam Buss, your VP Support, or emailing ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk

Report + Support

Abuse, bullying, harassment, hate crime and sexual misconduct are never ok. Use Report + Support to report something to the University, either using your name or anonymously. 

In an emergency, you can also contact Campus Safety or call 999 if you are off campus.

Centre for Wellbeing

The Centre for Wellbeing is there if you would like to talk through a personal, emotional or psychological issue.

Surrey Solace Centre (SARC)

The Surrey Solace Centre offers free support and practical help to anyone in Surrey who has experienced sexual violence and/or abuse.

MySurrey Help

We have a range of useful articles on MySurrey Help, including advice related to sexual assault and relationship abuse.