Final-year undergraduates at Sussex are invited to share their experiences through the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, which is now open. 

The NSS is a UK-wide survey of final-year undergraduate students and is an opportunity to reflect on your time at Sussex. Your feedback helps future students make informed choices about where and what to study, and supports the University to improve teaching, support services and the student experience. 

Give feedback and support a charity 

For every Sussex student who completes the survey, the University will donate £1 to charity. Students can choose from the following charities: 

By taking part, you can help support important causes while also influencing positive change at Sussex. 

Free T-shirt for taking part 

As a thank you for taking part in the NSS, students who show proof of completion can also collect a free, exclusive University of Sussex t-shirt from NSS Helpers at the Student Centre or the Library 

The organic cotton T-shirts are produced by Rapanui, a UK-based print-on-demand supplier using factories powered by renewable energy. Rapanui uses a circular model, meaning the T-shirts can be sent back and recycled into new products once they are worn out. You can scan the QR code inside your T-shirt label to find out more. 

Win a graduation package worth £150 

All students who complete the NSS online will also be entered into a prize draw to win one of 10 graduation packages worth £150. 

Each prize includes: 

Winners will be selected at random by Ipsos. There is no link between how you respond to the survey and your chance of winning. 

Please note, the prize draw is only open to students who complete the survey online. Students who complete the survey by phone are not eligible. 

Why your voice matters 

Your responses help shape the future student experience at Sussex and across the UK. The results: 

By sharing your experience, you are helping to improve Sussex for current and future students. 

Who can take part 

You are eligible to complete the survey if you are: 

How to complete the survey 

Ipsos, the survey provider, will email eligible students around 30 January 2026 with a personal survey link. 

You will need your eight-digit student number to complete the survey. It usually takes around five minutes to answer the core questions. You may also be asked to complete two optional questions designed by the University, which are not shared externally. 

Once you have completed the survey, Ipsos will not contact you again. 

Confidential and independent 

The NSS is managed by the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England, and delivered by Ipsos. 

Your responses are confidential and anonymised before the University sees them. Sussex cannot see who has completed the survey or view individual responses. 

Participation is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part, you can opt out using the Ipsos website. 

No inappropriate influence 

It is important that your responses reflect your genuine experience. Sussex will not: 

If you believe you have been subject to inappropriate influence, you can contact the NSS helpline or the Office for Students. 

Spirit of Sussex Award 

Completing the NSS counts for five points in the Co-Creation and Evaluation category for the Spirit of Sussex Award. 

Find out more 

You can read more about the NSS and view frequently asked questions on the National Student Survey website. If you wish to amend your comments or request deletion of your data, you can contact Ipsos by email. Any changes must be made by 30 April 2026.