Mathematics with Spanish - BSc (Hons)

Heriot-Watt University

The actual campus is lovely! I really like all the greenery and nature spaces. I’ve never had to use the student support services but I’m well aware of them if I ever need them

Heriot-Watt, although officially in Edinburgh, is some distance from the city. I get to campus by driving, and it is a very convenient destination to reach by car, however it could be a little tedious to get to by public transport if you don’t drive nor already live in Edinburgh. I know other students who do already live in Edinburgh, and still have to get 2 buses to get to campus. However, when you do get here, the campus is really great. Everything feels connected, and you can access most buildings through a central building which branches off, which has cafés and the student union shop, as well as offices for student support. When looking at your timetable, the classes are represented by a combination of letters, such as “HP” or “MB”, followed by the floor they’re on and the room number (e.g. MBG32). This can seem a little daunting at first, but there is a key at the bottom of the timetable telling you what each abbreviation means, and there’s a campus map on the ‘myHWU’ app which is really easy to use. In my experience, classes that are related tend to be located together, meaning that almost all of my classes are in the same two buildings which are conveniently next to each other. This helps build a nice sense of community, as it often means you’ll see your lecturers and fellow classmates multiple times a day, going to their office or from class to class. The library is a wonderful space to be, always busy and vibrant, and located pretty centrally too. Of course, it has many books you can use to research various topics, but just as important, there’s plenty of space to find a seat and get some work done if you’re someone who can’t work very efficiently at home (like me). There are also silent study areas which you can use, and a small stand selling Costa coffee right by the entrance. Entering the library is nice and simple too - you just hold your student ID card to a scanner and the little barrier opens for you. From my personal experience, lecturers are all very pleasant and happy while teaching, and any time I’ve had a problem relating to a particular class, the lecturer has been very quick in responding to me and helping me out. Also, if any lecturers have any immediate messages they need to share, like the time or location of a class changing, it tends to be done in plenty of time so that you’re never left without important information. I would also say the university is pretty good technologically too. For example, I study interpreting, and the interpreting labs in the languages building are fantastic. Most rooms in which classes take place will have projectors and whiteboards for lecturers to make use of, and most lecturers will have powerpoints to use, and the internet at their disposal if they need it. The campus is kept very clean, and personally I have never noticed anything be in poor condition while studying here.

I love Heriot Watt University, I do think this university is best suited for people who want to get involved because there is so much to do and once you join up for things then so many opportunities come your way.