Undergraduate students
You’re so close to starting your journey at Heriot-Watt and we’re here to support you at each step of the way.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Campus accommodation open to applications | 3 March 2025 |
| Campus accommodation deadline | 23 June 2025 |
| Enrolment open | June 2025 |
| Get Ready for Success @ HWU* | 26-28 August 2025 |
| Arrivals Weekend for campus accommodation | 30-31 August 2025 |
| Welcome Week | 1-5 September 2025 |
| First week of timetabled classes | 8 September 2025 |
*Many students find the move to university challenging and Get Ready for Success can help to make the transition easier by allowing you to find out about the University in advance. Participation is free and Get Ready for Success runs over three days at the Edinburgh Campus from Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 August, just before Welcome Week: 1 to 5 September 2025.
Get ready for University life: what to pack and plan
Tech and getting connected
Visit the enrolment page for guidance on how to enrol as a student and in your classes. Your academics and support staff will outline any other tech that you need to know about during Welcome Week.
MyHWU is your student portal which you can access from the website or app – we recommend the app so that your key resources are all easy to access.
You will need a laptop or tablet during your studies. We do have a laptop loan scheme if you required this.
What to pack
Living on campus
The Watt Living website is packed with blogs and packing guidance from students who have been in your position.
To help you pack you can also check what is included in rooms at the Scottish Borders campus, as well as the traditional and contemporary rooms types at the Edinburgh campus.
Accommodation
Public transport and getting around
Edinburgh
Bus
Buses are operated by Lothian buses and run from campus to the city centre every 10 minutes. Remember under 22s are eligible for free bus travel across Scotland.
Train
Curriehill train station is a 20 minute walk from campus, and the buses stop near Haymarket and Waverley train stations. There are also cycle routes to the city centre and bike storage on campus.
Car
Students with cars can either utilise the Hermiston Park & Ride or park on campus.
Scottish Borders
Buses to the town centre do stop near campus, or walking in can take 30-45 minutes. There’s a car park on campus which is shared with Borders College. Remember under 22s are eligible for free bus travel across Scotland.
Campus facilities
For commuting students
Whether you live in the city centre or will be commuting from home during your studies, we know you’ll have some specific questions to make planning your time and getting to campus easier.
Timetable
Teaching takes place Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm but the amount of teaching time varies by programme. On Wednesdays, teaching finishes by 2pm to allow you to take part in sports and other interests. You can use the timetable explorer to get an idea of your class times, but they will be subject to change.
The winter and summer breaks have already been set and you can view these on the academic calendar for 2025-2026.
Food on campus
At the Edinburgh campus there are microwaves in your School’s crush area and the central food court. There’s also a hot and cold water tap in the library. This is in addition to the catering outlets and shop.
At the Scottish Borders campus there’s a microwave in the Lounge in the High Mill Building, as well as the canteen and coffee shop in Borders College which is available to all students.
Computers and getting connected
There are computers available for your use in the library, GRID and other study spaces around campus.
There are also lots of places you can charge your phone or other devices, whether this is in the study spaces, the catering outlets, Student Union or in your School’s crush area. These are also great places to relax and socialise.
Lockers
At the Edinburgh campus there are lockers in the Student Union building and changing rooms in Oriam if you’re participating in sport or going to the gym.
For international students
Pre-arrival checklist
Visit our Living in the UK page to learn about banking, healthcare, working in the UK, and access a checklist so you can avoid any issues or delays when you arrive.
Visas and immigration
Check if you will need a visa to study in Scotland. If you’re studying here for up to six months you may not need a visa, but you will likely need Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Our visa advice and compliance team have put together guidance on visa requirements.
Travelling with an eVisa
Access up to date travel information from the UK Government.
If for any reason your airline is unable to check your permission to travel (your eVisa) or you have been unable to access your eVisa, you can ask them to contact the UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub.
Alternatively, if you are unable to demonstrate your permission to travel to your airline, you can call the passenger support helpline on 0800 876 6921 at any time. Calls are free of charge. If you cannot call UK 0800 numbers, use +44 203 337 0927. You may have to pay - check with your phone provider. This service cannot help with general visa advice or technical issues. You can contact UKVI for questions about your eVisa, UKVI account or sharing your immigration status.
Students should also check their immigration permission is correct before travelling and if there are problems this UKVI page gives advice on what they can do.
Flights and arrival
If you’re arriving by plane, we recommend flying to Edinburgh Airport as its only 30 minutes to the Edinburgh campus and 1 hour to the Scottish Borders campus. Staff and students from the University will be at Edinburgh Airport 30-31 August to greet you and help you find the best way to campus.
Cultural integration
As a new international student, you'll be joining one of the largest international student cohorts at a Scottish university.
There are opportunities to socialise with those from specific cultures and countries through student societies, events and our Chaplaincy. There will also be an international student welcome event in your first week so you can meet peers and get advice from our friendly teams to help you settle in.
What to expect during Welcome Week
Induction takes place during Welcome Week, 1 to 5 September 2025 and is an organised programme of welcome and introductory activities you will participate in as a new student joining a particular programme of study. It is mandatory as we want to ensure you are connected, clear on expectations, and have had a chance to meet your lectures and fellow students before teaching starts.
There will also be a range of social activities during the daytime and evening that are free and open for all students, whether they live on campus or commute. They will be listed on the student events calendar and on Canvas.
Watt Welcome Fair
Watt Welcome Fair is the main event of the week, where you’ll find all student societies, sports clubs and University services under one roof. Watch the highlights video from last year.
Getting prepared for your first few weeks
Example timetable
Use the timetable explorer to check your classes.
Student Union
Discover the 60+ student-led societies, events and opportunities to engage with your Student Union.
Sports Union
Learn about the 30+ sports clubs available to you regardless of your sporting ability.
Oriam
Scotland's national performance centre for sport based on the Edinburgh campus.
Residence Life
Our Residence Life team is here to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of all resident students living on the Heriot-Watt campus.
Part-time work
There are a host of part-time, term-times roles available on campus. We’d advise signing up to Unitemps and checking out the roles in the Student Union.
Preparing for your studies
Check out the tips and resources available to help you manage your studies.
Develop your skills
Our friendly teams in the library and Careers Service host workshops, events and drop-ins to develop different skills. There are online resources on the Skills Hub.
Your support services
Named contact
Your Personal Tutor or Student Advisor will be there throughout your whole student journey.
Student Success Advisors
Get support from the team of recent Heriot-Watt graduates.
Chaplaincy
Open to all students regardless of their faith.
Disability service
The disability service provides you with advice and guidance and assess support needs.
Counselling
Access support and information to help you deal with difficulties you may face.
Visa advice
Get support in applying for a student visa and any other student immigration queries.
Student Wellbeing Services
Access a wide range of support, guidance and activities to help with your wellbeing.
Student Service Centre
Located on the Edinburgh campus, the centre offers drop-in and bookable appointments to help with with enrolment, issuing of ID cards, support with student finance, visa advice, and more.