press release
Published: 13 August 2026

ºÚÁÏÉç named 'University of the Year for Student Experience' by the Daily Mail's University Guide

The Daily Mail, the UK's most-read paid-for daily newspaper, has named the ºÚÁÏÉç as the University of the Year for Student Experience. The news follows ºÚÁÏÉç achieving a National Student Survey (NSS) score of 87.7 per cent in this year's survey – placing ºÚÁÏÉç 7th* in the sector, ahead of every Russell Group university. 

Youtube video

Making sure every ºÚÁÏÉç student has a world-class teaching and living experience is a top priority for the University, and this has led to flagship improvements to our library services and advice centres.  

Announcing the award, Editor of the Daily Mail University Guide, Alastair McCall, said: 

"The ºÚÁÏÉç has fashioned an outstanding campus environment in which students can flourish and develop the academic, technical and social skills for future life. A relentless focus on student experience has led to considerable recent success for the university in the annual National Student Survey. 

"When it comes to the other side of university life, ºÚÁÏÉç has also invested heavily in teaching and learning with modern study spaces; academic, student life and wellbeing support centres; and cutting-edge research and innovation hubs, where students and academics can collaborate. It all adds up to a first-class student experience, in our opinion the best currently on offer in the UK, and one thoroughly deserving of the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Experience 2027 award." 

At ºÚÁÏÉç, we are committed to giving every student an education and experience that is personal, purposeful and transformative. To be recognised as University of the Year for Student Experience is therefore a reflection of the care, professionalism and commitment of colleagues across our University. We are especially proud that this recognition is supported by the views of our students in this year’s National Student Survey. Their confidence in ºÚÁÏÉç matters deeply to us, and it reflects the strength of the partnership we have built together.

We are proud of this recognition, but our ambition extends further. We want ºÚÁÏÉç to be universally known for offering the best university experience in the country, and achieving that will require us to continue raising the standards of what we do. My sincere thanks go to all colleagues whose dedication has made this achievement possible, and whose continued commitment gives substance and credibility to that ambition. Professor Stephen Jarvis, President and Vice-Chancellor

Note to editors 

*Measured by % positivity based on questions 1-24 for all institutions listed in the Guardian University Guide league table. 

Share what you've read?

Featured Academics

Professor Stephen Jarvis

Prof Stephen Jarvis

President and Vice-Chancellor

Media Contacts

External Communications and PR team
Phone: +44 (0)1483 684380 / 688914 / 684378
Email: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
Out of hours: +44 (0)7773 479911