As your Union, we know how important it is to make sure our work reflects what matters most to you. Our Union Priorities help us focus on the changes you want to see, and helps keep student feedback at the heart of everything we do.

Our priorities cover both the work we do as a Union and the changes we want to see the University make. By working in partnership with University staff, we want to turn your feedback into practical improvements that benefit you and future Surrey students.

This year, our priorities focus on five key areas: education, wellbeing, campus experience, belonging, and employability. So, what will we be working on?

Education Shaped by Student Feedback

Ever wondered what actually happens after you give feedback about your course? We want to make sure you can see the difference your voice makes.

This year, we’ll be highlighting the changes achieved by Course Reps and sharing more updates from your elected Officers, helping you see how student voices are influencing decisions across the University.

We’ll also be asking the University to publish a clear action plan for improving assessment and feedback, so you know what’s being done to address your concerns.

Alongside this, we’ll be promoting our new Course Rep feedback platform to help students, Course Reps and academic staff work together to make positive changes.

Empowering Student-Led Wellbeing

We know that university life can be exciting, but it can also be challenging at times.

Making sure you know where to turn for support is an important part of helping you get the most out of your time at Surrey. We’ll be working to make our advice and wellbeing services more visible and accessible, including student-led peer support services like Nightline and Welfare Watch.

We’ll also be asking the University to improve communication about mental health support, helping you find the right support earlier.

By working together with the University, we want to better understand the issues affecting Surrey students and make sure wellbeing support reflects the diverse needs of our student community.

Student-Centred Campus Experience

Campus is a huge part of your Surrey experience, from study spaces to the places where you meet friends and socialise. We want to make sure it works for you.

We know you all have your favourite spots on campus! That’s why this year, we’re creating more opportunities to meet your Union Officers and staff across Stag Hill and Manor Park through our Union2U campaign, making it easier to get involved and have your voice heard.

We’ll also be pushing for the University’s campus masterplan to put students first, including a clear plan for the future of our Union building.

Accessibility is another key focus, and we’ll be working with the University and students in our Equality Networks to identify practical improvements that make campus spaces more accessible and inclusive.

Fostering Connection and Belonging

Feeling part of a community can make a huge difference to your university experience. We want to help all of you find your passions and your people. 

Our Clubs and Societies are a big part of what makes student life special, and we’ll be encouraging more students to get involved, particularly those who may be feeling isolated.

We’ll be asking the University to develop a clear action plan to improve the commuter student experience, with practical changes and more opportunities for personal connection. 

We also want to strengthen academic communities by bringing students, Course Reps, departmental societies and staff together.

Whether you live on campus or commute to university, we want you to know we're at the heart of your Surrey life by helping you feel connected.

Preparing Students for Life After Surrey

We want you to leave Surrey with the skills, experience and confidence to take your next steps after University. 

Every year, thousands of you take part in Union opportunities where you’ll develop valuable skills. Whether you’re building skills through volunteering, leadership roles or part-time work, or our Clubs and Societies, we want to make those skills easier to recognise and communicate to future employers.

We’ll also be asking the University to expand placement opportunities, and to work with us to promote Destination Success, our programme of free employability workshops. 

What Happens Next?

These priorities set out what we’ll be working on this year, from improving the opportunities available to you to making sure your voices are valued.

We’ll be working alongside the University to deliver as many of these priorities as we possibly can! Your feedback plays an important role in shaping our work, and we want you to be able to see the difference it makes.

Want to find out more? Keep an eye out for updates from your elected Officers and find out more about our Union Priorities to see what we’re working on this year!