Tamara Brett

5th year

Tamara, from London, is studying Civil Engineering.

What made you choose Heriot-Watt University?

I first visited Heriot-Watt University on an open day and was given a tour around campus. My initial thoughts of the campus was "This place is stunning!" Heriot-Watt campus has that perfect mix of modern facilities and natural beauty. I also knew that Heriot-Watt is excellent for STEM subjects and knew I would be well supported throughout my Civil Engineering Degree. Getting a solid foundation in the field was a big deal for me.

As someone who loves sports and plays in the Heriot-Watt Football club, having top-notch facilities like Oriam on campus was a huge plus to continue playing competitively and keeping fit alongside my studies.

What also really got me excited was Edinburgh itself. The city is just buzzing with history and culture, and there's always something cool going on. Heriot-Watt had everything I was looking for – great academics, a stunning campus, and being in Edinburgh was just the icing on the cake!

How did you find settling in at university?

Settling into university was definitely a bit of a challenge for me. Being far from home and not knowing anyone initially made it tough. It took about a week for me to start feeling settled in.

One thing that really helped was reaching out and talking to everyone in my accommodation. I made it a point to strike up conversations with my flatmates, and it turned out to be a great decision. Even though we came from different places - some from England, some from Scotland - we all clicked pretty quickly. Having them around made the transition a lot easier.

Taking that time to connect with people and make life-long friends really made a big difference in making university feel like home.

What's was it like living on campus?

Living on campus was a fantastic experience for me during my first year at university. Sharing a space with four other people was surprisingly enjoyable. It's comforting to have people around you're living with, especially when you're away from home.

One of the best things about living on campus was how quickly you got to know everyone. Whether it was my flatmates or people from neighbouring halls, there was always someone to chat with or hang out with. The social spaces on campus were also a big plus. Whether it was the common room in our building or the various facilities around campus, there was always somewhere to relax and socialise.

What's it like on campus?

Living and studying at Heriot-Watt University has been an incredible experience, largely thanks to the exceptional facilities available to students. The library here is brilliant, offering a lots of resources and study spaces to suit every need. Whether you prefer a quiet corner for focused study or a collaborative environment, there's a spot for you – personally, I love working in places like GRID and The Piece, which offer unique atmospheres to socialise and work.

The sports facilities at Heriot-Watt are great! From gyms to well-maintained sports fields and courts, there's something for every athlete or fitness enthusiast. Being able to stay active and pursue my passion for sports right on campus has been a major plus for me.

When it comes to academic spaces, Heriot-Watt doesn't disappoint either. The lecture theatres are well-equipped, with large projections making it easy to follow along with presentations. What's more, there are special labs tailored to specific programmes – for instance, as a student in Civil Engineering I've had access to specialised labs for testing concrete and computer labs with all the necessary specialist software. These resources have been invaluable in enhancing my learning experience.

What's your experience of going into Edinburgh city centre?

My experience of heading into Edinburgh city centre has been nothing short of fantastic! During my first year, I did all the touristy things – checking out the castle, wandering down the Royal Mile, and walking up Arthur's Seat. But beyond the tourist attractions, Edinburgh's city life is where it's at. The nightlife is great, especially on Wednesdays when Heriot-Watt Sports Union Clubs have their socials. There's just something special about going out with your teammates after a game. And speaking of hitting the town, there are loads of bars if you're not into the whole club scene. Whether you're craving craft cocktails or just a pint of the local brew, there's something for everyone.

Going on walks in nature around Edinburgh is amazing, especially along the seven hills. There's just something so refreshing about getting out into nature and taking in those stunning views of the city. It's the perfect way to clear your head and recharge your batteries after a busy week of classes and socialising.

Did you travel home often?

Yeah, I made it a point to head home every holiday break. Typically, I'd catch a flight to London – it's only about an hour and a half to Gatwick, then a quick 20-minute train ride from there. It's an easier journey when I'm traveling light. But sometimes, especially if I've got loads of stuff to lug back and forth, I'll opt for the train, even though it's a bit of a longer journey, around 5 to 6 hours. The best part is, if you plan ahead and book your tickets early, it's pretty affordable either way.

One of the highlights of being in Edinburgh is when my friends from home come to visit. It's awesome having them around because I get to show them all my favorite spots in Edinburgh and introduce them to my uni friends.

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

If you're thinking about moving away from home for university, my biggest piece of advice would be to embrace the experience wholeheartedly. It can be a bit daunting at first, but trust me, it's worth it!

First off, make sure to take advantage of all the resources and facilities your university has to offer. Whether it's the library, sports facilities, or specialised labs, these are all there to support your academic journey.

Secondly, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make new friends. Whether it's bonding with your flatmates, joining clubs and societies, or attending social events, forming connections with others will make your university experience so much better. If you have a sport that you've always wanted to try but never got a chance to in Secondary School- try it out, you can meet amazing friends- I currently live with two of my friends from Football!

When it comes to traveling back home, plan ahead and book your transportation early to save money. Whether you're flying or taking the train, it's always good to have your travel arrangements sorted out in advance.

It's also normal to feel a bit ‘out of place' at first, especially comparing yourself those in your halls that go home every weekend to their family. However you learn to look after yourself better and eventually University feels like another home.

Lastly, don't forget to make time for yourself during busy university life. Explore your new city, try new things, and cherish the moments spent with both your uni friends and those who visit from back home.

Overall, moving away for university is an exciting adventure full of opportunities for growth and exploration. Embrace it with an open mind and a positive attitude, and you'll make the most of your experience!