Student support

Coming to university is one of the biggest moves you'll ever make. The years ahead will be fun, exciting and fulfilling but there may be times when you'll need some help and advice. We have a range of support services with friendly, approachable staff that are there to listen and provide you with the advice, support and information you need throughout your time at with us.

Student Support is an important first port of call for practical advice and support on all kinds of issues including settling into university life, money, accommodation, disability and personal safety. We can also help if you get into difficulties by providing support and counselling to make sure you get the most out of your time at Heriot-Watt.

For more information, please visit our Student pages.

Disability Service

Our campuses are modern and well equipped for those of you who have a disability. If you have disclosed a disability prior to the start of your course, staff in the the Disability Service will meet with you to provide ongoing professional advice and support throughout your time at University.

The Disability Service can provide support and advice with study skills if you have a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, in addition to assistive technology to help students overcome any barriers to learning.

Each School within the University has at least one contact staff member who has particular responsibilities for disabled students. The Disability Advisor liaises regularly with these staff members and also with mentors and tutors to co-ordinate the support for all disabled.

For more information, please visit the Disability Service pages.

Health and wellbeing

We understand that your physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing are important in helping you to make the most out of your time at university. Staying healthy, both physically and mentally, means you can remain focused on your studies, achieve your full potential and enjoy the experience of being a student. Our Student Wellbeing Services provide a range of support, guidance, counselling and coaching sessions to help students to be their best.

Careers and Graduate Futures Service

The University's award winning Careers and Graduate Futures Service provides one of the most extensive and comprehensive careers education and professional development programmes of any higher education institution in the UK. The Careers and Graduate Futures Service can also help you to find part-time work and vacation employment.

For more information, please visit the Your career pages.

Support for widening participation

Heriot-Watt University is committed to widening participation in higher education and offering the opportunity for university study to students from a diverse range of backgrounds. You can find out more about who we support and what we can offer on our widening participation  pages. 

In addition there are a number of groups who we can provide additional support to throughout their studies: -

• Students joining year two or three of a degree after completing an HNC or HND at a Scottish college
• Mature students who have completed a SWAP access course
• Students who have formerly been looked after and accommodated in local authority care including foster care (see support for care experienced students)
• Estranged students – someone who no longer has the support of their family due to a breakdown in their relationship which has led to ceased contact (see support for estranged students)
• Students with caring responsibilities – anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support (see support for students with caring responsibilities)