Student Accommodation near Heriot-Watt University (HU)

Established in 1945, Henley Business School holds the distinction of being the first business school in the UK and one of the oldest and most respected in Europe. Initially founded at Greenlands in Henley-on-Thames with the aim of fostering collaboration and skill development between public and private sector employees, it has evolved significantly over the decades, diversifying its programs and becoming a truly international institution. In 2008, Henley Management College merged with the University of Reading, forming the current Henley Business School. Henley is a truly international institution, attracting students and faculty from over 100 countries and boasting a global alumni network of over 100,000 members in over 160 countries. Many of its programs have a strong international focus, and study abroad opportunities are often available.

Overview: Heriot-Watt is a public research university with a history dating back to 1821 (as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, the world's first Mechanics' Institute). It received its Royal Charter in 1966.

Location: The main campus is the Riccarton Campus, a large, self-contained greenfield site located on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland (EH14 4AS), about six miles from the city centre.

Other Campuses: Heriot-Watt also has campuses in the Scottish Borders (Galashiels, focused on textiles and design), Orkney (Stromness, focused on marine science/renewable energy), and international campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.

Specialisms: The university has a strong reputation in science, engineering, technology, business, and design. It's particularly well-regarded for subjects like engineering (various disciplines), computer science, mathematics, business management, actuarial science, built environment studies, and (at the Scottish Borders Campus) textiles and design.

Reputation: It's known for its strong industry links, focus on applied research, and international outlook. While specific rankings fluctuate, it generally performs well in areas like engineering, graduate employability, and its global presence.

Size: The Edinburgh campus is the largest, hosting the majority of the university's students. The university globally has tens of thousands of students across all campuses and learning modes.

Diverse and Supportive Community: Henley Business School fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds. The diverse student body creates a rich learning and social experience.

Integration with University Life: As part of the University of Reading, Henley students have access to the broader university's facilities and services, including libraries, sports centers, student unions, and social events.

Dedicated Careers and Professional Development Support: Henley Business School has a strong focus on enhancing students' employability. A dedicated careers team, often comprising careers consultants who also teach on the programs, provides personalized guidance, workshops, and events to help students with career planning, CV writing, interview skills, and networking. They also work to connect students with top organizations for job opportunities.

Active Student Community and Networking: Students can engage in a variety of clubs and societies within the wider university, catering to diverse interests. Henley also fosters its own networking opportunities through events, guest speaker sessions, and its extensive global alumni network, providing lifelong connections with professionals worldwide. The "Henley Live" online platform serves as a hub for current students, alumni, staff, and business professionals to connect and engage.

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Campus Environment: The Riccarton campus offers a self-contained "campus university" experience with academic buildings, accommodation, sports facilities, shops, cafes, and green spaces all on one site. It has lochs, woodlands, and even its own campus trails (Heritage, Discovery, Fitness, Tree).

Facilities: Key facilities include the Oriam, Scotland's National Performance Centre for Sport (with extensive gym, pitches, courts, performance labs), a large library (Cameron Smail Library), various engineering and science labs, design studios, student shop, chaplaincy, and medical centre.

Students' Union (HW Union): The Heriot-Watt University Student Union is based on the Riccarton campus. It runs student representation, provides support and advice (Advice Hub), operates social venues (like the Student Union bar/café spaces), and supports numerous clubs and societies. Students automatically become members.

Clubs and Societies: A wide range are available, run through the Student Union, covering academic interests (e.g., Computer Games Society), hobbies (e.g., Dance Club), cultural groups, music groups (classical, jazz, traditional), and international student societies (African, Caribbean, Chinese, Indian, Malaysian etc.).

Sport: The Sports Union runs numerous sports clubs competing at various levels (including national BUCS competitions). The Oriam facility provides excellent resources for both elite athletes and recreational users.

Support Services: The university offers various support services including wellbeing support (counselling, mental health advice), academic support, careers services, disability services, international student support, and financial advice.

Bus: This is the primary mode of public transport to the Riccarton campus.

Lothian Buses: Routes 25, 34, 35, and 45 run frequently between Edinburgh city centre (Princes Street, Haymarket, etc.) and the campus terminus. The journey typically takes 30-40 minutes. The N25 and N35 provide night bus services.

Skylink 300/400: Connect the campus to Edinburgh Airport and other parts of the city/West Lothian.

Student Discounts: Students aged 5-21 living in Scotland are eligible for the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme. Other students can purchase student Ridacards for discounted travel across the Lothian network or use pay-as-you-go capping with contactless payment.

Train: The nearest train stations are Curriehill (approx. 18-minute walk) and Edinburgh Park (requires a connecting bus or tram). Edinburgh's main stations, Waverley and Haymarket in the city centre, are easily reached by bus routes (like the 25) from campus.

Cycling: Cycling routes connect the campus to the city centre and nearby areas like Edinburgh Park. Secure bike storage is available on campus.

Car: The campus is easily accessible from the A720 City Bypass (Calder Junction) and the A71. Parking is available on campus in designated car parks (students typically use A, B, G, H, J, I). Permits may be required, and parking rules are enforced. Parking is free but operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is very close (approx. 10-minute taxi/Uber ride). It's also reachable via Skylink buses or by taking a tram/bus to Haymarket and then bus 25.

On/Adjacent to Campus:

Pentland Hills Regional Park: Directly accessible from the south side of the campus, offering extensive walking and hiking trails with great views over Edinburgh and the surrounding area.

Campus Trails: Explore the university's own marked trails (Heritage, Tree, Discovery, Fitness) around the Riccarton grounds, including the loch and woodlands.

Oriam: While primarily a sports facility, it often hosts events and is a significant landmark.

Edinburgh City Centre (easily reached by bus):

Edinburgh Castle: Scotland's iconic historic fortress.

Royal Mile: The historic spine of the Old Town, running from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore its closes (alleyways), shops, pubs, and St Giles' Cathedral.

Palace of Holyroodhouse: The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Adjacent is the Scottish Parliament building and Arthur's Seat.

Arthur's Seat & Holyrood Park: Climb the extinct volcano for panoramic city views.

National Museum of Scotland: Covers Scottish history, nature, science, and world cultures (free entry).

Princes Street & Gardens: Main shopping street with gardens below offering views of the Castle. Nearby is the Scott Monument and the National Galleries of Scotland.

Calton Hill: Offers iconic views of the city skyline, home to several monuments.

Neighbourhoods: Explore the historic Old Town, the elegant Georgian New Town, the village atmosphere of Stockbridge, or the lively Grassmarket area.

Other Nearby Attractions:

Edinburgh Zoo: Located further west towards the city centre from campus.

Murrayfield Stadium: Scotland's national rugby stadium.

South Queensferry: Picturesque town under the Forth Bridges (accessible by train/bus).

On-Campus Accommodation: Heriot-Watt has approximately 2,000 residential places on the Riccarton campus. This is a very popular option, especially for first-year students.

Halls: Various halls offer self-catered rooms, primarily single occupancy. Options include traditional en-suite rooms (e.g., Robert Bryson, Lord Home Halls) and contemporary en-suite rooms in flats (e.g., Christina Miller, Muriel Spark, Anna Macleod, Mary Fergusson Halls) with shared kitchens. Studio flats are usually reserved for postgraduate students.

Guarantee: The University typically guarantees an offer of accommodation (on or off-campus) for new, full-time undergraduate students meeting application deadlines.

Off-Campus Private Rentals: Edinburgh has a large student population and a competitive rental market. Areas with good bus links to the Riccarton campus are desirable for Heriot-Watt students.

West Edinburgh (Closer to Campus): Areas like Gorgie, Dalry, Slateford, Chesser, and Haymarket offer good bus connections (routes 25, 34, 35 pass through or near these areas) and are popular student locations. They provide a mix of tenement flats and some newer builds. Travel time by bus is typically 15-30 minutes.

South/Central Edinburgh: Areas like Bruntsfield, Marchmont, and Tollcross are popular student districts with lots of amenities but involve a longer bus journey (potentially 30-45+ minutes on routes like the 34 or 35).

City Centre: Offers convenience for amenities and nightlife but is generally the most expensive option. Direct bus routes (like the 25) provide access.

Further West: Areas like Currie, Juniper Green, and Balerno are closer to campus geographically but may have less frequent bus services or fewer student amenities compared to city locations.

Private Student Halls (PBSA): Numerous large, modern private student accommodation buildings exist across Edinburgh, particularly around the city centre, Fountainbridge, Gorgie, and Leith. Examples include iQ Fountainbridge, The Mill House (Gorgie), Vita Fountainbridge, Brewers Court, Beaverbank Place etc. These usually offer en-suite rooms or studios with bills included but are often significantly more expensive than university halls or traditional shared flats.

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