Student support

Coming to university is one of the biggest moves you'll ever make. The years ahead will be fun, exciting and fulfilling but there may be times when you'll need some help and advice. We have a range of support services with friendly, approachable staff that are there to listen and provide you with the advice, support and information you need throughout your time with us.

Personal support

Our Student Wellbeing Services are here for you, whenever and however you want to use them. They can provide practical advice and support on all kinds of issues including settling into university life, money, accommodation, accessibility and safety.

They can also help if you get into difficulty by providing support and counselling. All of our counsellors are accredited professionals qualified to provide emotional support and guidance, and the service is free.

We want you to have dedicated support at the University. Depending on what you are studying, you will be assigned to either a personal tutor, or a student advisor and an academic advisor.

A personal tutor is your first point of contact for any academic or non-academic issue. A student advisor provides non-academic, student life advice and support, while an academic advisor provides academic support.

For more information, please visit our Student Wellbeing Services pages.

Disability support

Our dedicated staff in the Disability Service will provide ongoing support to those who need it. You can get in touch before you begin your studies so we can ensure the right support is in place for you. Our modern campuses are well equipped if you have a disability or additional support needs – this includes learning difficulties such as dyslexia, physical disabilities and mental health problems.

For more information, please visit the Disability Service pages.

Healthcare

Our Edinburgh Campus has an on-campus NHS Health Centre that provides medical, nursing and dental healthcare. Students at our Scottish Borders Campus will be able to register with local practices. All students in Scotland have access to free NHS prescriptions.

Safeguarding your future

Heriot-Watt SafeGuarding Services provide a vital role in safeguarding the University’s students and staff. They operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, delivering a strong care and support service to the entire Heriot-Watt community.

Spiritual and social wellbeing

Our Chaplaincy centre is open to everyone from all backgrounds and cultures. It hosts a variety of student faith groups and discussion groups. There is an interdenominational worship service every Sunday and separate prayer rooms for Muslim worship. The Chaplaincy hosts a Tuesday soup lunch, Wednesday evening meal and Thursday coffee and cake session, open to all.

Maths and English Gyms

The Campbell Maths Gym

The Campbell Maths Gym is available to support all Heriot-Watt students across all our campuses to strengthen their mathematical and statistical skills and to boost their mathematical confidence. Our team of experts provides free, friendly support via drop-in sessions, one-to-one appointments, workshops and online resources. We have on-campus and online support, making maths fit your schedule.

English Gym

Our English Gym offers academic English literacy skills support for all Heriot-Watt students. We offer online modules, workshops and one-to-one support to help with tasks including assignment and report writing, critical thinking and reflection, editing and proofreading

Support for widening access

Heriot-Watt University is committed to widening access in higher education and offering the opportunity for university study to students from a diverse range of backgrounds. You can find out more about who we support and what we can offer on our widening access pages.

In addition there are a number of groups who we can provide additional support to throughout their studies: -

• Students joining year two or three of a degree after completing an HNC or HND at a Scottish college
• Mature students who have completed a SWAP access course
• Students who have formerly been looked after and accommodated in local authority care including foster care (see support for care experienced students)
• Estranged students – someone who no longer has the support of their family due to a breakdown in their relationship which has led to ceased contact (see support for estranged students)
• Students with caring responsibilities – anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support (see support for students with caring responsibilities).