6 reasons why you should take part in student surveys

There's one particularly important survey happening this term called the Student Barometer. It's for all students, whether you're an undergraduate, master's student or doing a PhD, runs every year and asks you about your experiences of everything about being a student here.

So why should you bother taking it?

1. It's a good way to feed back to UCL about your experiences

We want to hear how university is going for you - if you love your lecturers or hate your timetable, think London is fantastic or really can't stand the coffee on campus, tell us about all of it.

2. You could win a prize

Last year a Bartlett student won £1,000 and we gave away loads of Amazon vouchers to students across UCL who took the Student Barometer. This year you could win the £1,000 again, or one of 30 Amazon vouchers of £100.

3. We read ALL the responses

Our student surveys team analyse the data and categorise all the comments, making sure that the right people get to see them. So if you say something about your halls, it will be sent to the accommodation service. If you mention disability support, that team will get to see your comment. Just make sure you're careful not to identify yourself as it's important that your responses stay anonymous.

4. We're starting to make real changes from surveys

We've not been very good at collecting all your feedback together and acting on it in the past, but this is changing now. Last year we read through all the responses - 5,795 of them! - and as a result of what you said, we set up a dedicated group to look at UCL student accommodation. We also launched a project to improve your timetable.

5. The Provost wants to hear from you

In his recent Provost's perspective, Professor Michael Arthur said, "Student surveys are central to the success of our university. Put simply, your opinions drive change at UCL."

6. Taking surveys is actually pretty fun

You can find the survey link in your inbox (it was first sent to you on Monday 2 November) and we sent a reminder on Wednesday. You'll have to be quick though, the survey closes next Friday 27 November.

Rebecca Allen, Student Experience Data Manager, Office of the Vice-Provost (Education and Student Affairs)