Lewes Student Council Feedback 25/26

You said: Closing times & hot food later in the day

Update:

Most students are in lessons after the 2:15pm closing time. While the main kitchen closes then, the Costa coffee shop remains open for sandwiches, snacks and toasties. Extending hot food service would require additional staffing, which could increase food prices.

You said: Queues are too long

Update:

Queues can be long, especially at peak periods. Card payments can slow service slightly, which contributes to waiting times.

However we are always looking at ways to reduce the queues where we can and will happily look at any suggestions that are put forward

You said: Food is overpriced

Update:

We are a non-profit organisation, so costing is done at a minimal to ensure good quality food. We also have free breakfast & soup at lunchtime to help make sure everyone is catered for.

You said: More vending machines and fair pricing

Update:

Vending machines are managed by external suppliers, who set their own prices. We will raise this point for discussion with them.

Requests for additional machines have been forwarded to college management for review. Please let us know where you would like any new vending machines to be located.

You said: Canteen menus displayed clearly and in advance

Update:

Menus are put up weekly on the screens, and weekly on an A frame, we also have daily menus on the counter.

You said: Breakfast offered for longer

Update:

Breakfast is set to end at a time when most students will be in class at 9.30am, it maybe that student perhaps could come in earlier to take advantage of the free breakfast?

You said: Dietary options & variety

Update:

• All meat served is Halal (except pork)

• Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available

• Fresh soup is made daily with different flavours

• More salads - we have previously bought in or made salads, which have not always sold, also this would be more ideal in spring and summer months as many people would prefer hot food when it’s cold.

• A wide range of breakfast items is already provided, including vegan options

• The team will continue to review variety based on demand

You said: Salads, fruit and lighter options

Update:

Salads and fruit have been offered previously but were not always popular, which led to food waste. With a new supplier in place, the team will look at reintroducing these items, particularly in warmer months.

You said: Cold sandwich area variety (toasties/pasta)

Update:

We have a large variety of sandwiches, however we have and will be providing toasties to our coffee shops for a warm snack option, also pasta salads we can indeed try again, these were not very successful previously but as spring is just around the corner it is an option to reintroduce.

You said: Seating and space

Update:

The canteen can become very busy. Additional eating spaces and seating options (indoors and outdoors) are currently being explored.

You said: Diverse breakfast (fruit, water)

Update:

We feel we offer a good range of breakfast items already i.e. toast, butter, jam, cereal, croissants, yoghurts, vegan yoghurts, tea, coffee & hot chocolate. We are more than happy to provide a cup of water on request.

You said: More fruit and veg

Update:

We have previously had fruit bought in however it isn't always popular, and we have previously only been able to buy in bulk to which we then have high wastage, we of course can look to getting some in again as we now have a new fruit & veg supplier. 

You said: Wi-Fi unreliable across campus (especially Performing Arts Centre (PAC))

Update:
Improving campus Wi-Fi is a current priority. Government funding has been secured to upgrade the network, including new cabling, upgraded equipment and additional Wi-Fi access points.

Work is already underway, with cabling being installed across campus. New equipment is being procured, and additional Wi-Fi access points will start to be installed from February half term. At Lewes PAC, electrical work is in progress ahead of installing three new access points, with completion expected by the end of March. These improvements should lead to faster, more reliable connectivity across campus.

You said: Important websites are being blocked

Update:
Internet safety filters are in place to protect students and meet safeguarding requirements, which means some websites may be blocked automatically. However, course-related websites can usually be approved.

If you need access to a site for your studies, please speak to your tutor, who can request that it be reviewed and unblocked where appropriate.

You said: Outdated IT equipment / PCs needing upgrades

Update:
The college is currently developing a long-term plan to replace and upgrade computers and other hardware across campus. Implementation will take place as funding becomes available, with priority given to areas of greatest need. 

You said: Requests for specialist equipment (e.g. game development equipment)

Update:
Specialist equipment requests are reviewed through curriculum teams. Departments can apply for funding for the next academic year or request equipment through IT, and requests will be supported where funding allows.

You said: Organisation of digital tools (email, platforms, communications)

Update:
This sits outside the remit of IT Services. Feedback will be shared with the relevant teams to explore whether improvements can be made to how digital systems are organised and accessed by students.

You said: Digital campus map / college app requests

Update:
These suggestions fall outside IT Services’ direct responsibilities. Your feedback has been passed on to the appropriate teams for consideration as part of wider campus communication and student experience improvements.

You said: More indoor and outdoor seating

Update:
We recognise the need for more places to sit during breaks and are reviewing the amount of available breakout space across campus. Outdoor furniture will also be assessed as the weather improves to ensure there is enough seating for students and staff.

You said: The lift is broken in Performing Arts Centre (PAC)

Update:
The PAC lift has now been repaired. Lifts are complex machinery and so do break down from time to time. They also need specialist engineers to fix them. Our aim is to reduce the repair time on our lifts, where possible, through better support from our lift companies.

You said: Bathrooms are unclean

Update:
We monitor the cleanliness of our toilets, and the frequency of cleaning varies to meet the use of them. New signs have been put up in the toilets providing a direct reporting route should the toilets be found to be substandard.

You said: Toilets not working

Update:
There are occasions when toilets become blocked due to excess paper and we prioritise unblocking these, and sadly we’ve experienced some cases of vandalism that cause toilets to be taken out of service. Repairs to this type of damage take longer.

You said: More bins outside

Update:
The number of waste bins in our external areas has been checked, and we are confident there are sufficient. Studies have shown that increasing the number ironically leads to greater littering. Longer term we have aspirations for more widespread installation of recycling bins in our external areas, to make it simpler for our community to make the right choices.

You said: Lockers in more buildings

Update:
The Performing Arts building has received some more lockers, and we will look to include more in our improvement programme. Please let us know if you are aware of a particular area or department than needs more.

You said: Water damage / roof leaks

Update:
Our aging estate has been a massive challenge for us over the last few years, and we are unlocking funds to carry out some major work to solve some of the long-standing issues such as this. We have increased the frequency of roof drain cleans and are installing edge protection to our roofs to make accessing them safer for our Estates Technicians. The frequency and quantity of leaks in the Cliffe entrance area have decreased dramatically in recent times, because of the improved maintenance regime. 

You said: Air conditioning & heating issues

Update:
The oldest boilers in Cliffe are over 35 years old and have served us well, but they have become unreliable and parts are increasingly hard to source. In 2025 we replaced half the boilers in the Cliffe building, and this year we have funding earmarked to replace the other half. Very few of the College’s buildings have air conditioning and use large numbers of windows for ventilation. This means they can be hot in the heat of the summer. Sadly, retrofitting air conditioning to old buildings is not always possible, and where it can be done it is extremely expensive to install and operate.

You said: More sheltered outdoor space

Update:
This request is themed across Lewes and Eastbourne campuses, and we are looking into how we may provide more covered spaces.

You said: Barriers / queues at entrances (security)

Update:
Our entrance security lanes in Cliffe serve an important function, in highlighting when unauthorised people try to access our building. We ask staff and students to have their lanyard handy to help keep the lanes running smoothly, but we also know that they do not operate as swiftly as some newer models we’ve seen. We will see if our lanes can be adjusted to allow those following to present their card sooner, rather than having to wait for the lane wings to close before presenting your card.

You said: More vending machines around campus

Update:
We’re keen to meet this need but would like to hear from students as to where may be best for the extra machines.

You said: Performing Arts building security

Update:
We have surveyed the entrance area to the building, and we want to make it more secure. We are liaising with the East Sussed Academy of Music to agree how we can transition to a more secure building whilst allowing authorised access to all who need it.

You said: Clearer signage for smoking/vaping areas

Update:
This will be improved by our local Estates team.

You said: Vaping in bathrooms

Update:
Due to the need for privacy, we are not able to constantly police the bathroom/toilet facilities for misbehaviour. Staff do try to encourage good behaviour in vaping and smoking by encouraging students to use the dedicated shelter, and we hope students are able to support this and encourage each other to use the shelter too.

You said: More water fountains

Update:
We have four fountains in Cliffe, one in Performing Arts and one in Firle, which should be enough, but if there is a big gap without one somewhere please let us know where. We know the fountains sometimes get damaged or break, and we keep them in service as much as possible.

You said: More study rooms in more buildings

Update:
Extra study space has been requested at Eastbourne too, and we are looking into how we may provide it. Hopefully we will be able to share some of our plans with you soon.

You said: Noise in study rooms (e.g. 336, 326)

Update:
Study rooms are intended to support independent work. Students are encouraged to respect quiet expectations so everyone can focus. Staff will intervene where necessary, but peer support is also important in maintaining a positive study environment.

You said: More plugs (power/USB)

Update:
We would like to clarify exactly what is needed (e.g. power sockets, USB charging points). Please provide more details so we can assess what improvements are possible.

You said: Water damage in Performing Arts Centre (PAC) (walls/rooms)

Update:
These repairs are outstanding following some persistent roof leaks, and we have them on our condition report for prioritisation. As mentioned above, we’ve been making the roofs safer to access, and are helping prevent water build up and leaks by clearing the roof drains more regularly. PAC has an unfortunate design that does not allow safe spill over in a storm; water builds up and comes into the building instead. We are considering how it may be possible to modify the roof design to overcome this, but it’s quite a complex job.

You said: More academically beneficial enrichments

Update:
We appreciated this feedback and will review the enrichment programme to include more academically focused opportunities. This may include subject masterclasses, revision workshops, guest speakers, careers talks and skills sessions such as study skills, employability and university preparation. Curriculum areas will also be invited to suggest enrichment activities directly linked to their courses.

You said: Student newsletter / news channel

Update:
A weekly Student Notices / What’s On bulletin is already produced, highlighting enrichment activities, events and opportunities. This is published on My Student Life, shared by teaching staff, posted weekly in the Student Rep Google Classroom, and displayed on screens across campus.

We are always keen to improve communication and welcome suggestions for additional or alternative ways to share information (for example social media channels or a student-led newsletter) to ensure opportunities are easy to find and don’t get missed.

You said: Gym use / timetable

Update:
We are currently gathering information about gym availability and will share a clear timetable with students once confirmed, so everyone knows when the facility can be used.

You said: More football opportunities

Update:
Regular football sessions are currently offered on Mondays and Thursdays at lunchtime. We recognise interest in additional opportunities and are exploring ways to expand provision, such as extra sessions, informal kickabouts, small-sided games to meet demand and provide more ways to get involved.

You said: Better timetabled enrichment times

Update:
Enrichment scheduling will be reviewed with timetable teams to reduce clashes with lessons and prioritise times that work best for most students, such as common free periods or lunchtimes.

You said: More trips (preferably subsidised)

Update:
Curriculum areas and enrichment leads will be encouraged to plan more trips and experiences linked to learning and wellbeing. Where possible, funding opportunities and group discounts will be explored to help keep costs affordable and accessible.

You said: Outside sports area

Update:
Demand for more outdoor activity space has been noted. Options are being explored to better use existing outdoor areas and develop dedicated recreation zones. Short-term improvements may include marking out multi-use spaces or providing portable equipment.

You said: Student-planned fundraisers/events

Update:
We are keen to support more student-led events and fundraising. Since our last meeting, students have successfully organised three fundraising activities, including a Clothes Swap/Sale and two cake sales, promoting both community involvement and sustainability.

Following a recent guest speaker visit and student feedback, we are also exploring the creation of a student-led “Lotus Flower Society” to coordinate future fundraising and awareness activities for the charity. Ongoing guidance, promotion and practical support will be provided to help students plan and run their own initiatives.

You said: Clothes swaps / fairs

Update:
We will continue to trial sustainable, low-cost events such as clothes swaps and pop-up fairs during the year. These events support affordability, sustainability and community building, and may be linked to themed weeks or student societies.

You said: More pool cues

Update:
Since our last meeting, several new pool cues and replacement tips have been purchased to improve equipment availability in social spaces. Please continue to report any damaged or missing items so they can be repaired or replaced promptly.

You said: Train discounts

Update:
Discounts are available directly from the rail providers and bus companies. There are numerous train discounts in place as well as different bus ticket options.

• Students 16 and 17 can get 50% off train fares with a 16-17 railcard. These are not time restricted and can be used at peak and off-peak times

• Students can use a 16-25 railcard for some discounts (Also available to mature students in full time study)

• The Brighton Unizone train ticket is a discounted train ticket giving students unlimited travel between selected stations. Tickets currently available are weekly £22; monthly £84.50, quarterly £253.30.

• There are other railcards available depending on an individual’s circumstances such as disabled persons railcard, senior railcard etc. Some do have restrictions.

• Students are encouraged to purchase weekly or monthly tickets rather than daily tickets depending on the number of days they attend college as daily tickets can work out more expensive.

• Information is available on My Student Life and the college website about the various travel discounts and the bursary funds. Bursary students are given information about travel discounts when they apply and with their award letters. 

We will look at the current ways we promote the various discounts available and find different/new ways to raise awareness for all students.

You said: Financial support for transport

Update:
Eligible students can apply for financial support (Bursary) from our various funds. The money available is limited and funds close once fully allocated.

When awarding travel, it is based on the cheapest form of travel taking into consideration available discounts. We frequently find students don’t have railcards and don’t buy the cheapest tickets, often buying expensive daily tickets instead of weekly which can then mean the award runs out.

We currently award students 100% of travel with a maximum award of £2,500 per student per annum provided they live 1.5 miles or more from campus.

Awards are based on the costs as at the beginning of the academic year and in year increases cannot be guaranteed due to the limited funds available.

Our biggest expenditure from the bursary is travel support.

You said: Pupil Premium system reform suggestions

Update:
Pupil Premium funding applies to schools rather than colleges. However, feedback about financial support is valuable and will be shared with relevant teams to ensure students are aware of the support available in further education.

You said: Bursary support for students aged 18+

Update:
We have various bursary funds available for all students including students 18 + and those on Higher Education courses subject to the various eligibility criteria of each fund and depending on the course they are studying.

You said: More funding for adult learners

Update:

There are various fee waivers and entitlements available to adult learners depending on the course and individual circumstances. These are set by the government. We have various bursary funds for adults subject to meeting the eligibility criteria and funds being available.

You said: Earlier communication from the college

Update:
We understand that students would like information about events, changes and opportunities as early as possible. We will continue to review how and when communications are shared to give students more notice wherever feasible.

You said: Clearer, more consistent communication

Update:
Improving clarity and consistency is a priority. Key updates are shared through official channels such as email, tutors, My Student Life and digital screens across campus. We will continue working to ensure messages are easy to understand, timely and not duplicated unnecessarily.

You said: Single app to combine timetable, emails, work, ProPortal, communications, meals and events

Update:
We recognise the benefits of having everything in one place. While different systems are currently used for specific functions, this feedback has been shared with relevant teams and will be considered as part of future digital developments and improvements to the student experience.

You said: Better tutor communication

Update:
Tutors play an important role in sharing key information with students. Feedback will be shared with curriculum teams to reinforce the importance of regular updates during tutorials and to ensure important messages are communicated consistently across courses.

You said: Morning radio-style announcements

Update:
This is an interesting suggestion for building community and sharing daily information. We will explore whether there are practical ways to provide more visible or engaging daily updates across campus.

You said: Student absence reporting should be easier

Update:
We recognise that reporting absence should be straightforward. Current reporting routes will be reviewed to ensure they are clear and easy to use, and further guidance will be shared with students if needed.

You said: More qualified mental health specialists

Update:
Student wellbeing is a priority, and the college provides access to trained wellbeing staff and support services. We continually review provision to ensure students can access appropriate help when needed and will explore opportunities to strengthen specialist support where possible. Students who need support are encouraged to contact The Wellbeing team, who can provide confidential advice and referrals to appropriate services.

You said: More support for international students

Update:
We recognise that international students may have additional needs when settling into college life. Support is available through Student Services, including guidance on practical matters, wellbeing and adjusting to studying in the UK. We will continue to review how this support is communicated and explore ways to further enhance provision so international students feel welcomed, supported and able to succeed.

You said: More workshops for interviews

Update:
Careers & Employability Sector Leads work closely with each curriculum area and will look to provide additional workshops focused on interview skills. These sessions aim to help students build confidence, practise techniques and prepare effectively for job, apprenticeship or university interviews.

You said: More experiences (local businesses, work opportunities, interview preparation)

Update:
Opportunities such as employer encounters, work-related experiences and preparation activities are shared regularly with curriculum teams, who in turn share this information with tutors and students.

To improve awareness, these opportunities will also be promoted on My Student Life and included in the weekly Student Notices, helping ensure students know what is available and how to take part.

You said: Clarity of ALS processes

Update:

Awaiting response from team

You said: Make library a separate quiet area (not mixed with study room)

Update:

The library team has confirmed that long-term plans for the space will address the concerns raised. There is an intention to relocate the library to its own dedicated area, separate from the open study space. The proposed design will also include a small number of enclosed or designated study areas within the library itself. This will create a quieter, more focused environment for reading and independent study, distinct from busier general study zones.