UEL has come second bottom in the country in a student satisfaction survey.

The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey asked 13,000 undergraduates in the UK how they rated their university on quality of provision in 21 areas, including teaching and social life on campus.

Graham Curtis, UEL’s pro vice-chancellor of learning, teaching and student experience, said: “The University of East London is investing both money and resources into improving the student experience at both of its campuses.

“In fact, ‘to provide an outstanding student experience, integrating intellectual, social, artistic and sporting opportunities’ forms a key part of the university’s new strategy.”

A total of 68 UEL students took part in the survey.

They were asked to rate their university on a seven-point scale in the 21 categories.

UEL polled an overall satisfaction rating of 61 per cent, above only University of Westminster with 60 per cent.

The university rated worst in the categories of sports facilities, student union and social life with satisfaction ratings of 3.7, 3.9 and 3.9, respectively.

Mr Curtis said that UEL was “investing substantially” in sport.

The university is building a �21 million SportsDock facility at its Docklands campus, which is due to open in early 2012.

He added that facilities had been upgraded further with a fully refurbished student centre at the Stratford campus this year along with a bar and learning space at its Docklands site.

Residential services have also been improved, he added, with their opening hours extended.

UEL’s best rating was on its library services and opening times with a score of 6.2 out of a possible 7.

Mr Curtis said further substantial investment was being made in UEL’s library services, which are open 24/7.

The pro vice-chancellor said: “We have in place a range of student committees and surveys which allow students to provide feedback and are used to promote improvements to the student experience.”