Getting started with Information Services
Welcome to Information Services
A warm welcome to all new students and staff from Information Services.
You will need your Heriot-Watt username and password to access most of our resources and help pages. If you have not already done so, please see our Getting Connected guide to get set up.
The information on this page will direct you to key areas, so that you can get yourself set up and organised ready to start your studies or work at HWU:
IS Essentials
Campus libraries, study spaces and opening hours
The University offers a wide variety of great places to study - whether you want to study alone or in a group, in silence or in quiet discussion, during the day or at the evenings and weekends. If you are within travelling distance to a HWU campus library, you are welcome to visit.
See Campus libraries and study spaces and Opening Hours for more information about what is available on your campus.
A virtual tour of the Edinburgh campus library is also available.
Library resources
You have access to a wealth of information whilst at University. As well as our print materials our subscriptions provide access to over 825,000 eBooks, 170,000 e-Journals and around 230 databases.
Use our Resources page to find out what you have access to. Find out more:
In addition, each School has a dedicated Academic Support Librarian. Their Subject Guides have detailed guidance on finding information and resources for your subject.
IT Essentials
Check our IT Essentials guide for more information, including:
- Free software.
- PC Labs (Keyserver map).
- Long and short laptop loans.
- Printing/copying/scanning.
- File Storage.
Student Support
We provide support to help you with the transition to University and develop the skills you will need to succeed at university and beyond.
The Skills Hub is a series of online guides and live classes providing help with Study, Assignment, Exam, Library, Referencing, IT and Digital Skills. 98% of students would recommend the Skills Hub class they attended.
One-to-one or small group support is also available from one of the Effective Learning Advisers or Librarians.
Staff and Research Support
Training is available in our IS Training Hub, or you can make an appointment to speak to one of our teams:
For other areas of IS support see the IS Hub or ask ISHelp to be directed to the most appropriate team.
Next steps
You should also receive an in-person introduction to Library and IT resources and services.
If you can't find the answer you are looking for, please Contact us.
Related content
New students
The first stop for all new Heriot-Watt University students enrolling for the new academic year. Welcome to Heriot-Watt!
Induction and Enrolment
Find out what the induction and enrolment process involves, and where and when you should enrol as a new student at Heriot-Watt University.
Teaching timetables
Find the teaching timetable for your Heriot-Watt University campus, courses and programme in your department.
Information Services Induction
Details of student and staff inductions to Information Services.
Skills Hub
The Skills Hub is a collection of guides and classes to help you to develop the essential skills that you will need at university and beyond. Read our online guides, book onto our live classes, or make a one-to-one appointment.