Student Administration & Support Services

The Academic Registry is responsible for a range of academic administrative services in relation to students, staff and courses at all the University campuses. The site includes information on tuition fees, examinations, graduation, senate, learning and teaching, quality assurance, as well as specific information for international, undergraduate and postgraduate students. A useful set of links to student services can also be accessed from this site.

The accommodation service allocates places on campus. There are approximately 4,500 students studying at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh campus and just over 1800 residential places are available. The majority of these places are allocated to new students. This site holds information on our accommodation options and charges, our policy for allocating accommodation, and our procedures for applying. A useful guide on visitor accommodation is also accessible here.

The Archive, Records Management and Museum Service is part of Corporate Affairs and Management Services. We preserve, manage and provide access to the University's archive, art and artefact collections. We promote their use by staff, students and the public in research and scholarship; and in displays and exhibitions. In addition, we operate a records management appraisal, storage and retrieval service for administrative and academic departments to help the University make the best use of its resources and ensure that important events of the present are recorded in the archives of the future.

Blackwell's Bookshop allows you to order books online and offers a searchable database.

The Careers Advisory Service provides impartial and confidential careers advice and guidance to students and graduates. Our role is to help you to identify career goals and to develop the skills required to find employment. We provide a comprehensive information and vacancy service to assist you with your career planning.

Heriot-Watt's Sports Academy and the Centre for Sport and Exercise provide a supportive environment to help develop individuals at all levels from recreational physical activity through to elite sports performance. The Sports Academy includes an indoor Astrodome, physiotherapy and rehabilitation suite, six full-sized UEFA football pitches and a Sports Science and Sports Medicine Centre. The Centre for Sport and Exercise includes three multi-purpose sports halls, three floodlit tennis courts, climbing wall, squash courts, Nautilus suite, and Cardiovascular suite. Our sportsmen and women represent their country internationally in many sports including athletics, karate, sailing, squash and swimming.

The Chaplaincy is open to everyone and welcomes those who are religious and those of no faith. The Chaplain, run by the Chaplain, Honorary Chaplain, Student International Visitor, Secretary and two student residents, has a variety of uses including church services, social functions, staff fellowship meetings, music practice, baptisms and weddings, as well as a place for contemplation and prayer.

Core personal possessions insurance cover for students staying in Halls and some leased flats is arranged by the University with Endsleigh Insurance. Students may need extended cover for some items, however. To confirm your address and review your cover, visit the Endsleigh site. Contents insurance policies from Endsleigh are specifically designed to cover students personal possessions whether they are living in halls of residences, shared houses or student flats.

The University Health Service provides a full and increasing range of general medical and dental facilities under the UK National Health Service. A team of community specialists provide services on a sessional basis such as psychiatric nursing, midwifery, dietetics and health visiting. Private health services including physiotherapy and optometry are also offered on a sessional basis.

Guidance and support for international students is provided by our International Students Advice Office (ISAO). They can help you with practical advice such as setting up a UK bank account, driving in the UK, registering with the police for visa renewal, local travel arrangements, the details of embassies and consulates in Edinburgh and much more. The International Student Guide also provides much of the information that you will need.

The University has Libraries at the Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Dubai Campuses. This website includes information on all three libraries and the services that they offer. Information on borrowing, ordering, printing, enquiries, inter-library loans, regulations and periodicals can all be viewed here. Access to a number of databases and other electronic resources is available through this site.

The Martindale Library serves students and staff based based at Heriot-Watt University's Scottish Borders Campus at Galashiels. It is an integral part of the University's Library and IT networks, the headquarters of which are at the main University Campus in Edinburgh. In 2003 Borders College relocated its 'care' courses to the Campus, and the Library has provided a home for the College's growing collection of resources in the 'Borders College Collection'.

An enjoyment of music, from both the performers and audience perspective, contributes to the very special atmosphere at Heriot-Watt. You'll find all you need to know about our wide range of musical activities - from classical to traditional Scottish here.

Heriot-Watt University's online payments facility is available so that fees and International Deposits for postgraduate students can be paid quickly and efficiently by credit or debit card.

Orkell is a comprehensive database of legal information compiled and continually updated by leading lawyers. Information is available in three different formats: an Answer - a short 'bite' of information, usually in the form of a question and answer; a Factsheet - a downloadable document with an overview of the law which is more detailed than an Answer; and a Document Template, a downloadable document style. Short answers are free of charge. Longer responses require registration with the site and payment.

Pinocchio's Nursery is a privately owned childcare service housed in a bright and airy purpose-built nursery on the Edinburgh Campus. It provides childcare services to University employees, students and the general public. Pinocchio's provides a positive welcoming environment where children feel free to be themselves in a safe and secure setting. The Nursery provides a broad and balanced curriculum and encourages children's individual development and progress.

Royal Bank of Scotland offers personal, private, business and corporate banking, both online and in store.

The Sport and Exercise, Science and Medicine Centre (SESMC) offers a fully integrated approach to the treatment of injuries, rehabilitation, physiological assessment and the prescription of training programmes. Based in the Centre for Sport & Exercise, the Centre has a number of very well qualified, highly experienced staff. The Centre offers and impressive range of sport science and medicine services including strength and conditioning, physiological assessment, sports and exercise psychology, nutrition analysis and advice, advanced hypnotherapy, injury diagnosis, assessment and treatment, podiatry, massage therapy and optometry.

The Sports Union is situated upstairs in the Centre for Sport and Exercise and is run by students. We have 32 clubs to offer at varying levels of competition. From beginner to expert, there is a place for everyone.

The Recruitment and Admissions Service is on hand to provide advice and support to prospective applicants, their parents and advisers, at every stage of the process or applying to University. We provide all the information and opportunities you need to ensure that you are able to make the right choice. We'll be available to support you through the application process and to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. A recent national survey found that over 94% of students at Heriot-Watt believed they had selected the right course - one of the highest figures in the UK.

Student Welfare Services provides a counselling service covering personal matters. For students with special needs and disabilities, a team of special needs advisers is available for advice and support. Student Loans and the Hardship Funds are administered from our office. You can find information on accommodation, student counselling, managing your money, disability and learning difficulties here.

Heriot-Watt University Students' Association exists to encourage a student orientated approach to every aspect of University life and to create an environment in which students feel safe and able to participate. The Students' Union building houses a bar, a cafe/bar, catering facilities and a venue hosting a range of events every week. There is also a Students' Association Shop located in Core next to the bank and sells everything you could need to live on or off campus at incredible prices. Our Advice and Support Centre provides help with accommodation issues, personal troubles, academic problems, financial difficulty and more.

Technology & Research Services (TRS) is the research development and commercialisation department for Heriot-Watt University. TRS develops collaborative links between industry and academia, through collaborative research, technology licensing, the delivery of training and consultancy services. It provides research support and commercialisation services to Heriot-Watt University staff and students.

Founded in 1854, the Watt Club is the oldest alumni association in the UK. The Watt Club now incorporates Heriot-Watt University's Alumni Association and has branches as far afield as Australia, Norway and the USA. The Watt Club historical records are available for consultation in Heriot-Watt University Archive, and include the very first minute book of 1854. Membership of the Watt Club is automatic on graduation and free to all graduates of Heriot-Watt.

University Information & Computing Services (UICS) provide, maintain and support the corporate IT systems, which are available to all staff and students of the University. All staff and students must be registered with UICS in order to use the corporate IT facilities. News and events for staff and students, and details of IT courses can be accessed here.

VISION is Heriot-Watt University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is a web-based integrated teaching and learning environment. Online Module development and navigation is accomplished through a consistent and easy-to-use web browser user interface. A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is an online resource that supports a range of learning contexts, ranging from conventional, classroom implementation over blended learning approaches to distance learning.

All University staff and students are allocated a unique Heriot-Watt email address on registering for access to computing facilities. Staff must fill in a registration form; students must go to a PC Caledonia lab and use the self-registration facility. You can access your university email account from any computer (anywhere in the world) with Internet access. The recommended browser is Internet Explorer 6. Non-Microsoft browsers, e.g. Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari will work, but fewer features will be available. You should take note of the conditions of use and good practice guidelines to avoid improper use of this service.