Urban Spatial Science MSc student wins £500 New to UCL jackpot

The New to UCL survey opens in the first term of each academic year, for new UCL students at all levels of study. The feedback from this survey, including results and comments from students, is instrumental in helping our academic departments and support services create an even better welcome experience for future students. 

The You Shape UCL webpages feature examples of how feedback from New to UCL and other surveys has inspired improvements in the overall student experience.

For example, after hearing feedback that Welcome ended too soon and late-arriving students struggled to find ID card collection points or campus tours, the Welcome Team extended their presence on campus. They now remain visible during the first two weeks of teaching, providing guidance and support to help new students navigate campus and access essential services. 

Students who take part in the annual survey are automatically entered into a prize draw, with a grand prize of £500.  

The most recent jackpot was won by Xinyi Feng who is studying for an MSc in Urban Spatial Science at the UCL Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA).  

We spoke to Xinyi after she won the jackpot, and she told us that when she won the prize, she felt like she was living in a story rather than real life. 

Once Xinyi received her jackpot, she decided to treat her friends to a lovely dinner.

“The friends I know here have supported and helped me a lot and I thought it was a good way to celebrate our friendship.

Xinyi now plans to put the rest of her winnings to fund her dream trip to Iceland.  

How has your experience been of studying at UCL so far? 

“It’s been great! The facilities here including the course and the teachers are great, and I have access to so many resources which helps me to enhance myself and that makes UCL a great place to study.” 

How do you feel about giving feedback at UCL? 

“I think it is a wonderful way to contribute and help improve services across the university. It’s also a great way to record your experience, when you complete these surveys, you get to reflect on your learnings.”  

Why your feedback matters 

We are committed to treating students as full partners in shaping their education and providing an array of opportunities to share feedback and ideas. 

A brilliant welcome for new students is only possible when shaped by their feedback. The comments and scores from the annual New to UCL survey help us pinpoint areas for improvement while recognising what’s working well - Amy York, Head of Student Welcome and Induction.

The 2025-26 New to UCL survey will open in Term One for new students at all levels of study. Eligible students will be contacted via email with an invitation to give their feedback.