Rohan Veit

3rd year

Rohan, from England, is studying Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence.

What made you choose Heriot-Watt University?

On results day I went through clearing creating a shortlist of potential places that I wanted to go. Heriot-Watt came up and so after some brief research I discovered that it ranked very highly in the field that I wanted to go into (Computer Science), even outranking some of my previous choices. I created a shortlist of all my potential options and weighed up their pros and cons. Among the benefits for Heriot-Watt were its high ranking and location in Edinburgh where I had previously visited and really enjoyed. However, its long distance from home made it seem like a daunting choice. In the end I chose Heriot-Watt and have been confident in my decision ever since.

What programme are you studying and what's your experience been like so far?

I am a third-year student in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence. The courses have widely varied from discrete maths to algorithms to web-design providing a wide range of topics, some of which I have taken a strong liking to. We use many different technologies including Raspberry Pi's and the MACs Linux devices, personally, my favourite courses so far has been Programming Languages and Foundations due to the quirky and engaging lecturers.

How did you find transitioning from high school to university?

Transitioning from Sixth form to university especially amidst Covid was a daunting change to begin with. The final summer before all of my friends heading off to separate universities was very fun and memorable before being the first to leave due to Scotland's earlier term dates, this felt like a large step but once I had settled in and gotten into the rhythm of going to lectures, working and going out, I was so engaged in my new environment I hardly noticed a difference.

What was your first impression of the university when you arrived?

I distinctly remember seeing the Oriam looming above the trees for a good distance away before reaching The Avenue after the long ride in my dad's car. I remember seeing the road stretch out in front of us framed by the hotel, the tall trees and the Oriam on the left. It took us a small while of navigating the campus before we were able to find my accommodation but being able to see just how far the buildings spread was awesome to see.

How did you find settling in at university?

I remember being approached by a Student Union rep almost as soon as we'd arrived who introduced himself and offered to help me move my boxes up to my room. Once my dad had helped me unpack and organise my room, I saw on the Student Union Instagram page that there was a welcoming event at the Student Union that evening so I got ready and went to that and shortly met a group of people who would end up becoming my friends for the next three years! The next couple days I spent exploring Edinburgh with my dad and going to freshers events in the evening and meeting new people.

What extra-curricular activities have you gotten involved with?

During the freshers society fair I checked out a bunch of clubs and societies, having played handball in secondary school I decided to go to the taster session for that which was lots of fun. I also decided that I would try go to pool society and learn how to play, I met lots of friends there and ended up sticking with that society and going on many of their social nights.

What was it like living on campus?

Living on campus first year was great for meeting new people and getting my bearings around campus as well as the wider area. One of my main memories was catching the N25 after a night out and the bus being full of other Heriot-Watt students, all on their way back home too, all having a good time. Staying on campus also meant that I had access to lots of great studying areas, such as the foyer area that oversees into one of the engineering workshops, I found it cool being able to study while watching them using the various machines. Another fond memory I have of living on campus was walking through the central forest each day on the way to my morning lectures as well as seeing the construction and opening of the National Robotarium.

Where are you living this year? What's it like?

This year I'm living in Dalry which is convenient as the 25 bus to uni comes right by where I stay meaning its only a 20-30 minute journey in. I get to live with my friends and living in town means I'm near anything I could need, including a supermarket as well as the local cinema which I regularly visit with my friends. I also play rugby a few times a week and it makes getting to that (and the pub after) much easier!

Another benefit to living in town is that, as a student, I was able to apply for SCONUL access to the University of Edinburgh main library which turned a 25 minute bus to the Heriot-Watt library into a 5 minute walk across the meadows to that one instead.

What's your experience of living near Edinburgh?

Living near Edinburgh has meant I've had a near endless list of things to do in terms of experiences. Some of my favourites have been visiting the meadows in summer to have a kick around or spending hours in the National Museum of Scotland and still not seeing everything! My one standout highlight though are probably the road trips I would take with my friends where we'd go to one of the local tourist attractions like the Kelpies. Despite this I still have loads more I want to get round to such as climbing Arthurs seat or going to Loch Lomond.

Did you travel home often?

As I'm from Cambridgeshire I tried to travel home somewhat sparingly, mostly going home for holidays and birthdays, but I didn't really feel homesick as I made sure to stay in close contact with my family over Facetime and meeting the friends that I now have definitely helped too. If I do want to get home I can normally check a few websites (like Skyscanner or Trainline) and find a decently priced trip for whenever I need.

What advice would you give to someone looking to move away from home for university?

Definitely check the activities in the local area and see what events your university is hosting to meet new people and get involved with as many different societies and clubs as possible. If you're in Scotland also make sure to get your hands on a Young Scot card as soon as possible so you don't miss out on the free buses too!