The HEPI–HEA Student Academic Experience Survey 2014 continues the series of similar surveys conducted for the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) since 2006, and this year has been undertaken in partnership with the Higher Education Academy (HEA). The survey investigates the learning and teaching experiences of students, including satisfaction with courses, reasons for dissatisfaction, experience of different-sized classes, total time spent working, perceptions of value-for-money, institutional spending priorities and, this year, we have added a focus on student wellbeing. Both first-year and second-year students studying in England in 2014 are now subject to the new fees regime and this is an opportune moment to explore any evidence of the impact of the recent changes on their expectations, perceptions and experience.