Getting started
Welcome to Information Services
A warm welcome to all new students from Information Services.
The information on this page will direct you to key areas on our website so that you can get yourself set up and organised ready to start your studies. You will also receive an introduction to Library and IT resources and services during Welcome Week. Find out when yours is scheduled from your enrolment and induction timetable.
If you can't find the answer you are looking for, please Contact us.
IT Essentials
As a student at Heriot-Watt University you will have access to a range of services, such as free and discounted software, cloud file storage, printing, and Microsoft Office365. Check our IT Essentials guide for more information.
Once you have completed the enrolment process you will be issued with a confirmation letter which provides your HWU username and password. Allow up to 24 hours after enrolling for your account to be activated. Change your password to something you will remember that meets our password policy.
- WiFi
- Canvas (the Virtual Learning Environment)
- Other IT Essentials, such as Software, File storage, Printing, Microsoft Office365 and KeyServer
- Library resources.
Note: your email is in the format abc123@hw.ac.uk and your username is abc123.
You will need to set up Multi-Factor Authentication to access most services.
Library Essentials
Each School has a dedicated Academic Support Librarian. Their Subject Guides have detailed guidance on finding information and resources for your subject.
You have access to a wealth of information whilst at University. As well as our print materials our subscriptions provide access to over 480,000 eBooks, 170,000 e-Journals and around 230 databases.
You can access our materials and find user guides from Find Resources.
Support for your studies
We provide you with support to help you with the transition to University and develop the skills you will need to succeed at university and beyond.
Check our Skills Development guide for a full list of what we offer.
The Skills Hub is a series of online guides and live classes on IT, information and study skills. Topics include
- Academic writing, including paraphrasing and using sources.
- Citing and referencing and avoiding plagiarism.
- Exam preparation.
- Office365, including Excel and Word.
- Reading and note-making.
- Time management and study strategies.
Last year 98% of students would recommend the Skills Hub class they attended to others.