The 2017 National Student Survey (NSS) has launched for all Sussex undergraduates graduating this year.

The survey, run on behalf of the UK government, asks final-year students across the UK to rate their university experience and is conducted by the external polling company Ipsos-MORI.

What is important to remember is that the survey is used to assess the quality of your degree as a whole. Therefore, if you decide to take part, you should think back over your three years at university when responding and not just the past few months.

We want you to think back to your entire degree. In your time at Sussex, you've lived, learned, studied and most probably changed. Think back to when you first started - the anxiety you may have felt when you arrived on campus for the first time; the feeling inside the lecture hall; or the stresses of deadlines.

Together, they all add up to a very unique Sussex experience. Now what will you pass on to those following in your tracks?

By giving a few minutes of your time, you can help to inform students who plan to enter university in 2018-19 about the quality of your course (and Sussex) and help them to decide what and where to study.

If you choose to take part in the survey, you can claim a free £5 lunch voucher to spend in Sussex Food outlets on campus, and £5 print credit.

However, this year you will also be given the opportunity to donate your £5 food voucher to charity. Boxes will be placed in school office where you will be able to simply post your food voucher so that it is donated to the following three charities:

Young Peoples BME Project – BMEYPP - a youth led organisation which aims to provide support and empowerment for Black, Asian, Arab and Mixed Heritage young people aged 11 to 25 in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas.

Brighton Housing Trust - combats homelessness, creates opportunities and promotes change for people in Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne and Hastings - as well as elsewhere in Sussex.

Sanctuary on Sea -  a movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.

This year you will also be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a £250 Graduation prize package where, if you choose, you will be able to spend your prize on gown hire, guest tickets or photography – the choice is yours!

Once you have completed, or opted out of, the survey, show your confirmation email to the Library service desk or at your School Office to claim your voucher.

We know that this is a busy time for you, so please do not feel that you need to rush to fill in the survey. It remains open until the end of April – you should take your time to give your considered feedback.

You will be sent an email by Ipsos-MORI in the week beginning Monday 6 February, inviting you to complete the NSS.

However, if you want to find out more about the NSS please and read our pages here: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/nss/