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Students in the sunken garden opposite the Cameron Smail Library

Welcome to Heriot-Watt University

Step-by-step guidance from accepting your offer to starting your first class. Select each step to find out what you need to do, when, and how. Work through them in order so you don’t miss anything important.

Your key steps

If you are an undergraduate student you can accept your offer through UCAS. The deadline for you to respond to your offers will be displayed on your UCAS Hub account. Please ensure that you respond by the deadline stated.

If you are a postgraduate student you can log in to your application account to check the status of your application and accept your offer.

If you are an international student, we recommend that you check visa requirements and consider your student finance options early. You may also receive emails from the University with requests for specific information.

Undergraduate students

Find out how to start your Undergraduate student journey at Heriot-Watt. We’re here to support you at each step of the way.

Postgraduate students

What you need to get started in your postgraduate degree at Heriot-Watt University. We’re here to support you at each step of the way

Resources for your first few weeks

You’ll be taking lots in during your first week so here are some key links and resources that you want to save now to make things easier.

Canvas

All information on your course will be published on Canvas.

Student A-Z guide

If you’re not sure where to go for help you can refer to the student A-Z guide.

Student Portal

Once you have enrolled you can use AskHWU on the myHWU Student Portal to have any questions answered.

Student events calendar

All social events will be published on the student events calendar.

Student Union

The Student Union run events, provide support and representation, and manage over 30 student-ran societies that you can get involved with. There will be taster sessions at the start of the semester.

Sports Union

At the Edinburgh campus, the Sports Union have over 60 sports clubs for all levels of ability with free taster sessions at the start of the semester. Many clubs train at Oriam, Scotland’s National Sports Performance Centre, and it offers student membership options.

Accommodation arrivals information

All the steps you need to take before and after you move into campus accommodation.

Edinburgh Campus information

Summary of accommodation, facilities, transport and student life.

Scottish Borders Campus information

Summary of accommodation, facilities, transport and student life.

Orkney campus information

Summary of nearby accommodation options and transport.

Accommodation at Orkney Campus

There are no halls of residence or University leased flats at the Orkney Campus, but our Orkney Professional Services Staff are happy to help you find private accommodation locally.

Maps and directions

You can get to Orkney either by air or by car/bus/train and ferry. While in Orkney there is a regular bus service between the two main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness.