press release
Published: 13 August 2026

University of Surrey 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 University of Surrey as the University of the Year for Student Experience. The news follows Surrey achieving a National Student Survey (NSS) score of 87.7 per cent in this year's survey – placing Surrey 7th* in the sector, ahead of every Russell Group university. 

Making sure every Surrey 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 University of Surrey 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, Surrey 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." 

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?

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