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Life on campus

ISC students live and study on the university campus

The campus is designed for the career focused, socially engaged, sports playing individual, who also happens to love being close to one of the finest and most attractive cities in the UK.

Set in 380 acres of mature meadow and woodland to the west of Edinburgh, the campus is just six minutes from Edinburgh airport, and some 20 minutes from the city centre by car. 4,500 students study on this modern, spacious and green campus. It is situated in the conservation area surrounding the city and enjoys a quiet and extremely attractive location.

The academic and central services buildings surround a tranquil loch (or lake). See a map of the campus.  

Convenient for the city centre

Heriot-Watt combines all the advantages of a campus-based university with proximity to Edinburgh – one of the world’s finest cities. There are regular bus services into the heart of the city from the campus so there is nothing to stop you exploring all that Edinburgh and the surrounding areas have to offer. Read more about local transport.

The International Study Centre

The ISC is where the Undergraduate Certificate and Pre-Masters programme are taught. The ISC will be central to your first year at Heriot-Watt. Staff at the International Study Centre also organise extra-curricular activities for its students and will make sure you make the most of your experience at Heriot-Watt as an international student. 

The Students' Association

There’s so much more to university life and the student experience than simply getting a degree. Heriot-Watt Students’ Association helps you to have the best possible experience while you are here and offers advice and support.

The Students’ Association is run by students to ensure that all students are properly represented. You will be encouraged to get involved in the work of the Association by joining the huge group of student volunteers who help out with everything from supporting students with welfare issues or writing for the student news magazine, to setting up an entertainments venue or representing students to the University’s management.  

Life beyond lectures

Students have access to a great variety of sports clubs and student societies. The campus is renowned for its quality of sports facilites and many of the University's students are top sports achievers. The Students' Union runs a full programme of weekly entertainment. Music is also an important part of life at Heriot-Watt. Read more about sports and leisure facilities on campus.

Welcome from the Head of Centre

Head of Centre, Sandy Tippett

"My job, as Head of Centre, is to support students and the ISC team in any way I can to help you achieve your goals. Together with the Centre Administrator and ISC tutors, we will ensure that you quickly settle into your new environment.

Of the 7,000 students on the Edinburgh campus, 30% are international, so you will have opportunities to meet people from all over the world. There are lots of societies to join in your leisure time, including ones specifically for international students. This will help you meet people and give you a chance to practise your English!

We very much hope you will enjoy your time with us and I look forward to personally welcoming you to Edinburgh".

Sandy Tippett,
Head of the Heriot-Watt University International Study Centre 

Facilities for all your needs

The campus and its associated facilities are designed to accommodate all of your possible requirements, be they academic, social, sporting, cultural, religious, transport or health related. Services include:

- Accommodation Office (managing the 1600 study bedrooms on campus)
- Student Welfare Services
- International Student Advisers
- Careers Service
- Disability Adviser
- Health centre
- Chaplaincy

Read more about staff and support at Heriot-Watt.

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Heriot-Watt University International Study Centre
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 339333 Fax: +44 (0) 1273 339398