The BIG SU Survey provides students with an opportunity to tell us (the Students' Union) how you really feel, so that we can ensure our future work represents you how you actually need it to. PLUS you can win prizes for taking part!
We know that as a student, you may be asked to fill in numerous surveys. But how many actually make a difference to student life at Roehampton and give you a chance to win prizes at the same time?
Well, we have a survey for you that is definitely worth completing...
The BIG SU Survey
The BIG SU Survey takes place at the end of each academic year and provides students with an opportunity to tell us (the Students' Union) how you really feel. It captures student feedback and satisfaction levels across all key Roehampton SU measures including our services, democracy, spaces, events and more. Whether it's something going well, or if there's an issue that needs solving, let us know what you think so that we can ensure our future work represents you how you actually need it to.
Not only that, every student who gives us feedback is in with a chance of winning some exciting prizes
Prizes include:
- Gadgets
- Vouchers
- Up to £1500 in cash prizes
- and more!
On Friday 5 June, we announced our first prize winner. Congratulations to Diana Williams for winning a Google Fitbit!
We will announce a Prize Winner every Friday this month - so stay tuned, it could be you!
Does my feedback actually work?
Yes! We analyse every piece of feedback, and then we work throughout the year to put as many of your suggestions in place. Sometimes the change happens quickly, other times it may be a much slower ongoing process, but we always do our best to advocate for students' needs.
But there's no point in simply telling you this - we'll show you some examples!
Events and Inclusivity
In 2025, many of you told us you wanted more variety in the events we provide. "Not everyone connects with the same stuff, mixing it up could help bring more people together."
Students wanted more frequent events and social opportunities, such as a mixture of on and off campus, and diverse events that actually represent the student body.
This year we expanded our events programme, including an increase of free and daytime to help with the cost of living and accessibility.
Examples of some of events added this year:
- Crafternoon sessions - Wholesome, low sensory and creative craft workshops in The Hive Café. These are free, take place during the day and anyone is welcome to attend. All art supplies are provided, so students don't have to worry.
- Cultural Celebrations - Events like 'Holi Fest' and 'Celebration of Cultures' allow many international and diverse students to feel welcome, and give the whole community a chance to learn something new, embracing different cultures that they may not have before.
- Off-campus Trips - We offered students opportunities to visit places like Oxford, Brighton and Bath, allowing students to explore different parts of the country that were separate to London. By booking a coach and providing on board snacks, our trips came at a lower price than what public transport would have given.
- Masquerade Ball - An evening/late night event. The 'Bridgerton' theme gave students a clearer idea of what the event entailed - rather than simply a 'club night'. There was a build up in the weeks prior, with free ballroom dancing lessons and sustainable Mask Making sessions. We also recognised that many students are struggling in the cost-of-living crisis, so a Clothes Swap pop-up was organsied for those who could not afford to buy a brand new formal ballgown or suit - also promoting sustainablity.
We also ensured that events were advertised on multiple platforms, such as the SU Instagram, weekly student emails, events webpage, student portal, digital screens on campus, posters and flyers - so that students should be able to find out what was available.
Up to the end of April 2026, 397 events have been listed on our Native events page (223% increase against the previous year)
Support and advocacy
Students called for more support and advocacy from the SU around issues such as finances, accommodation and mental health.
"The SU should prioritize addressing the high cost of living on campus. The Union should amplify student concerns and advocate for more affordable options."
Examples of how we have worked (and continue to work) on this:
- At The Hive Café, we focused on cheaper prices and introduced deals such as the £5 Meal Deal, Coffee & Cake and the Soup-er Saver.
- Laundry pricing has now been included in accommodation contracts off the back of SU advocacy and work.
- SU President, Joshua, has been working with accommodation on a shared rooms pilot scheme.
- We've held more FREE events for students, so that those who cannot afford to always spend money on tickets can still feel a part of our community.
While we have achieved much more than previous years, there is always ongoing work that we will continue to do to improve support for you.
Feedback and Open Forum
Students told us they wanted the SU to provide more frequent opportunities for feedback, and for the SU to communicate the updates and wins from these.
SU President, Joshua, introduced Open Forum - a monthly 'town hall styled' meeting where students had a space to talk about whatever they needed face to face. These were greatly attended, with many student opinions being voiced and heard. We often shared the processes and results from these on both news articles on the website and the weekly all student newsletter email.
Examples of wins:
- Southlands 24/7 Study Space
Issue: Students reported being turned away from the designated 24/7 study space (QB046) by security staff at night, despite its formal designation.
Action: SU President raised at Senate (February 2026). Senate asked Estates and Southlands to confirm arrangements with security team.
Outcome: Security and Southlands teams now fully briefed. Students confirmed at March Open Forum that access is no longer being refused.
- Maintenance Requests
Issue: Students reported that maintenance request timelines were unclear, causing anxiety particularly for disabled and neurodivergent students.
Action: Raised at Estates Committee by SU. SU requested that SLA information be made visible at the point of ticket creation or on the ServiceDesk.
Outcome: Maintenance SLA now incorporated into ServiceDesk, visible to students when submitting requests.
Open Forum also gave the SU the chance to build campaigns on what students actually needed throughout the year - including the Roehampton Bus Survey and the ongoing campaign around transport in the Roehampton area.
Investment in the student group committee experience
Members of Student Group Committees told us they felt that they needed quicker and more accessible contact with SU staff to help them run their Student Groups with ease.
How we worked on this:
- We introduced Freshdesk to increase the speed we can process queries from student groups (such as risk assessments and room bookings etc.)
- We added more staff capacity into that area, so there was a larger team to deal with queries.
- New policies and processes were created to streamline the service, and an introduction of new group constitutions and risk assessment templates provided more clarity and support.
These meant that students could access what they needed to run their student groups successfully.
The work doesn't stop there.
We always want to find out more ways to improve your experience at University of Roehampton. This is where you and the BIG SU Survey come in. The survey only takes you around 5 minutes to complete (basically, how long it takes to make a good cup of tea!) Once you're done, you'll be in with the chance to win some prizes - and who doesn't love winning prizes?
We are here to make student life better, but we can't do that without your feedback to tell us how you really feel. So, let's work together to make sure student life at Roehampton is the best it can be!
Deadline to complete the survey is Tuesday 30 June at 23:59 - so don't miss your chance!