St Andrews scoops new student experience award

The University of St Andrews has picked up a new award for its sector-leading teaching quality and student experience, being named University of the Year for Student Experience in the new Daily Mail University Guide due to be published tomorrow (Friday 6 September).

St Andrews was singled out by the Mail Guide for its sustained performance at the top of the National Student Survey which measures student satisfaction with the quality of teaching and academic support.

St Andrews Students’ Association President Cam Brown said the new award recognises efforts made to ensure St Andrews students have the best possible experience whilst studying at the UK’s top university.

He said: “As a student and now as President, I’m constantly inspired by how the University and the Students’ Association come together to create a home where every student feels they belong. It’s not just about the world-class education—we’re part of a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring community where everyone has a place.

“With over 140 societies, 50 sports clubs, and 500 academic representatives, our students are involved at every level, shaping their own experience. And our traditions—whether it’s the Pier Walk, Raisin Weekend, the Gaudie or the May Dip—aren’t just events; they’re the threads that weave us together, creating memories that last a lifetime.

“Our consistent top rankings in student experience aren’t just numbers—they reflect the heart and soul of St Andrews, built by the tireless dedication of the University, the Students’ Association, and our students themselves. This is our story, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of it.”

Alastair McCall, Editor of the Daily Mail Guide, added: “St Andrews is one of the serial winners in British – and global – higher education over the past 20 years. That might seem strange to say for an institution that has survived for more than 600 years: it has clearly been doing something right for much longer than that, “

“But the past two decades have seen the university come to the fore as a serious alternative to Oxford and Cambridge for those seeking the very best higher education on offer within these shores.

“Strong competition for places from home and abroad has accompanied the university’s rise to prominence – and a place to study here is among the most highly prized.

“The university does not disappoint. Sustained success in the annual National Student Survey has proved difficult for most of the UK’s top universities. Only St Andrews among universities at the top table has been able to combine both the highest academic standards with ratings from their students that consistently confirm that excellence.

“St Andrews is the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Experience 2025 off the back of this year’s outstanding results in the National Student Survey. St Andrews students rated the university more highly than anywhere else for everything from course organisation and learning resources to student feedback being valued and acted upon. Evidence of a 600-year-old university showing its students that it has still got something to learn from them. How good is that?”