Laptop Loan Scheme

Long-Term Laptop & Mi-Fi Unit Loan Scheme

In addition to the IT services available on campus, Heriot-Watt University can assist students who find themselves in financial difficulties. Students can request a laptop and/or mi-fi unit on a long-term loan from the University. Mi-Fi units are wireless routers that act as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to connect your devices to the Internet. The loans are focused on those who do not have a device, or their current device does not support teaching requirements. Funding for the laptops is provided by the Scottish Funding Council.

The laptops and mi-fi units are available to those students who are:

  • Care experienced,
  • Estranged,
  • Have caring responsibilities,
  • Are in receipt of a UK body bursary or grant,
  • Asylum seekers,
  • Have dependants.

How it works

  1. Complete the Application Form.
  2. The Student Services team will be in touch to:
    • Confirm whether or not your application has been accepted.
    • Inform you which laptop and/or accessories you have been assigned to collect.
  3. Collect your laptop and/or mi-fi unit from the main reception in the library from 08:30 – 20:00.
Long-Term Laptop Loan - Terms and Conditions

By borrowing a laptop and/or mi-fi unit, you are agreeing to the below terms and conditions:

  • Laptops and mi-fi units on loan remain the property of Heriot-Watt University. We reserve the right to recall the equipment if required.
  • You are responsible for the safety and security of the laptop and accessories whilst the equipment is on loan to you and must not be transferred.
  • Theft, loss or damage to the laptop or accessories may result in charges for repair, or replacement costs.
  • You must report any damage, theft, or loss of the laptop or mi-fi unit to the IS Admin team (ISAdmin@hw.ac.uk) as soon as you become aware of a problem.
  • At the end of the loan period, you will be required to return your laptop and/or mi-fi unit to the Library Service Desk at the Cameron Smail Library.
  • Failure to return the items on time will result in a fine until the item is returned.
  • You will be expected to return the laptop at the end of each academic year to allow the IT team to service your laptop to ensure the laptop is running to full capacity. Full instructions on booking a service will be emailed to your university email account at the end of each academic year.
Short-Term Laptop Loan - Terms and Conditions

Students can borrow a laptop from the main reception at the library for up to 14 days. All laptops come with a power cable and carry case.

By borrowing a laptop, you are agreeing to the below terms and conditions:

  • You must return the laptop and accessories to the Customer Service Desk in the library between 08:30 – 20:00 before the end of the loan period.
  • Laptops cannot be automatically renewed and should be returned to the service desk before the loan period of up to 14 days.
  • Failure to return the laptop and accessories on time will result in your library account being locked until the item is returned.
  • You are responsible for the safety and security of the laptop and accessories whilst the equipment is on loan to you and must not be loaned to anyone else.
  • You must report any damages or faults with the device immediately to the library service desk.
  • You must not download any software onto the device. If you require additional software which is not already installed on the device, please access the software remotely through Key Server.