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 | March 2026 |
| Campus accommodation deadline | June 2026 |
| Enrolment open | 4 August 2026 |
| Get Ready for Success @ HWU* | 1 - 3 September 2026 |
| Arrivals Weekend for campus accommodation | 5 - 6 September 2026 |
| Welcome Week | 7 - 11 September 2026 |
| First week of timetabled classes | 14 - 18 September 2026 |
*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 in August, before Welcome Week: 7 to 11 September 2026.
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
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.
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 2026-2027.
For international students
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.
What to expect during Welcome Week
Induction takes place during Welcome Week, 7 to 11 September 2026 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.
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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.
Unitemps
How to apply for a job through Unitemps at Heriot-Watt University.
Manage your studies
As a continuing student at Heriot-Watt you will find all the information you need to Manage Your Studies in this section.
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
Personal tutors
At Heriot-Watt your personal tutor is your first point of contact if you need advice on any issue, both academic and non-academic, and can refer you to other support services, where relevant, for non-academic matters.
Student Success Advisors
Heriot-Watt University advice and support for students from recent graduates
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh campus.
Disability Service
Contact the Edinburgh Campus Disability Service for advice, guidance, and support that enables you to fulfil your potential as a Heriot-Watt student.
Counselling
Heriot-Watt can offer you counselling, support and information to help you deal with the difficulties you may face while studying with us.
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.