Students share their thoughts on campus wellbeing, shopping and accessibility
Posted on behalf of: Better Campus Team
Last updated: Friday, 7 February 2025
Students sat on benches on grass with trees either side and tents and outdoor seating behind them
The results are in, here’s what students told us in the latest Student Spaces Survey
At the end of last year, nearly 900 students took time to tell us what they think about campus in the 2024 Student Spaces Survey.
Their feedback gave us a great insight into what they love, what they’d like to improve and what they’d like to see on campus. From where they go for a wellbeing moment to their priorities when shopping, here’s what they had to say…
Wellbeing and activities
Most students choose the Library or Student Centre when in search of a wellbeing space and 26% said they are member of a University sports club or society, with 32% using the sports facilities on campus and 24% having a SussexSport membership.
The most popular answer when asked how they feel about the choice of sports facilities was “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied” (45%), with the gym fitness rooms and sports halls being the most popular facilities.
When asked about adequate space for activities on campus, 85% replied positively and 87% said the spaces are fit for purpose. However, most are unsure how easy booking these spaces is.
Getting around campus
Most respondents “somewhat agree” (54%) or “strongly agree” (26%) that campus is easy to navigate and find it “very” (39%) or “somewhat” (48%) accessible.
They highlighted the value of digital and physical maps, clear signage and directional boards across campus as well as social support, in making navigating campus a positive experience, and noted there is room for improvement in all these areas.
A student said: “The availability of helpful staff and student ambassadors has been a great support when I had questions or got lost”.
Shopping on campus
The top three factors influencing their supermarket choices are price (84%), location (71%), and convenience (53%).
They used words such as ‘convenient’, ‘small’, ‘busy’, and ‘expensive’ to describe campus supermarkets. When asked about one thing they would change, their answers focussed on affordability and, if they could improve one thing, most students highlighted pricing and space size.
Popular recommendations included expanding product options like international, halal, and vegan items, along with affordable essentials. Many also indicated they would like to have more bakery and café options on campus, a cinema, and more social enterprises and local businesses.