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The Union
We’re so much more than just a place for a cheap pint. We also have swans and a loch on the doorstep…Seriously though, the student union is your hub on campus for student life.
We represent you at every stage of your university life and are run for students by students. You’re automatically a member when you join so you can look forward to using all our great services right away. From societies to events and from food & drink to representing you, we are your student union. Find out more about our different areas below...
Societies & Volunteering
Societies and volunteering are a great opportunity to get involved and to meet new people with similar interests. We have loads of societies, over 60 in fact! From techno to pole dancing and from sign language to medieval society, we’re sure you’ll find something that takes your interest. Whether you’ve done it before or want to try something completely new, university is the perfect opportunity to give it a go!
Don’t see a society that takes your fancy? Why don’t you start one?
You’ll see a number of societies at our Fresher’s Fair and you can check out the full list here.
We also have a range of ways you can volunteer with us. Everything from being an Officer to helping run our events (like the ones you will see in Freshers Week).
The Freshers Fair is the best place to start - look out for our volunteer group stalls.
Eat / Drink / Shop
Hungry? Thirsty? Out of milk? The Student Union has you covered!
Libertys café – based within the SU building, it’s a chilled out place to enjoy a Costa Coffee and a cake in between lectures. It’s the perfect place to start your day too with great deals on breakfast rolls. Or have a relaxed lunch with paninis and comforting homemade meals like pasta and soup all available.
Geordies – For when only a cheeky pint and burger will do, head down to your student union bar! There’s much more than that though, you’ll find a giant screen and four plasmas so it’s ideal for watching the big game. Hang out with your mates and play some pool or table football in the games room. Or get together for a cheap meal with fresh and tasty meals including pasta, nachos and burritos.
Zeros – Our on campus nightclub will be at the heart of loads of Fresher’s parties so make sure you dust off your dancing shoes ;)
The Shop – conveniently located in the University’s Hugh Nisbet Building, whilst we may not be Asda, the shop does provide lots of the essential groceries you need especially if living on campus. Need something for lunch on the go? There’s a wide selection of sandwiches in our meal deal as well as pastas and salads.
All these Union outlets are completely not for profit, so every penny you spend with us goes straight back in to funding your Student Union. It’s a win win!
Change Things
You are at the heart of everything we do. So if you’re not happy with something, tell us and we’ll try and change it. (Within reason!) If there’s something bothering you about your course or how the university does something, you can contact your Union to help sort things. Did you know for example the Union recently has helped to increase the amount of study space on the campus?
Every year we hold elections so you vote in the student officers and executive members who represent you at the union. So you really can change things.
Be Represented
Whoever you are, once you’re holding a Heriot-Watt student card, we are here to represent you! From here on campus to wider local and national issues, we make sure students have their say. We also have strong equality representatives for LGBT, ethnic minorities, postgraduates, international, women and disabled students. You can find out more about how they represent you and how to join our equality groups on our website.
Get Help
University life isn’t always plain sailing and that’s okay. The Union is here to lend a hand if you need help at any stage. We have our amazing Advice Hub on campus where you can get free and impartial advice from our student advisors if you’re having any problems settling in for example. They can also signpost you to other places for support and provide information on university policies.
The Union also helps you to lead a healthy lifestyle so look out for things like mental health week and wellbeing week throughout the year. Including loads of freebies like condoms and exam stress packs. Because everybody loves free things!