- Libraries:
- The main library is on the Riccarton campus and holds 120,000 books, which seems fairly limited for a university of this size. However, there are over 5000 volumes on electronic format and we did not hear any abnormal complaints from students regarding this. There are also numerous specialist libraries in the city, and at least one at each of the university's other sites, The Scottish Borders Campus and the School of Art. The library opens late every night of the week until 9:00pm.
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- Computing:
- In terms of numbers the computer facilities are good, with one computer for every 5 students. However, some students complain that there could be more frequent updates to the software and hardware. There are three rooms in the computer centre and two in the library holding over 1000 systems.
From October 2001, there will be two 24hr computer labs, however, the downside of this is that the University is raising the rent for all students to cover this. Each bedroom has telephone (with free internal calls) and they do have internet access. Connection to the high speed college network was lost, due to the deal made with NowNet, who installed the system and now charge for the service.
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- Sports:
- The sports facilties at Heriot-Watt are considered excellent. They include The Nautilus suite, with cardiovascular equipment and free weights, there's also an indoor climbing wall, & basketball court. A TV lounge with a healthy foods snack bar during the lunch period completes the set.
The campus houses the National Squash Centre and the National Tennis Centre, with the only indoor clay courts in Europe. There are acres of playing fields for rugby, football, etc. There is a floodlit playing field and running track, two gyms, some driving nets (golf) and there was supposed to be a swimming pool. The history behind the story is a benefactor promised the money, the foundations were laid and then the money dried up. The foundations got covered and every year or so the university
claims it'll get round to finishing it off. This hasn't happened yet and with all the current work for the football academy, tennis centre and the new course in sports physiology its not likely to appear for a few more years at least.
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- Future Plans:
- The University offers the only degree in the country for Brewing and Distilling. With a series of recent grants from large companies (including large Japanese brewers) the university aims to increase its research and knowledge in this field. Great!!
In Association with Midlothian plc, the University are building a Football Academy, and new sports facilities will be built as well as improving those that already exist.
There are merger talks at the moment with the Edinburgh College of Art. Just wait and see how this turns out.
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- Disabled Students:
- The campus was only completed in its current form in 1992, so disabled access is not as bad as some universities. However, even the modern buildings pose some problems. The Student Association has good access, and there is some disabled accommodation. Any problems: see the Special Needs Adviser.
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- Student Welfare:
- The university has a good range of welfare services including a health centre with doctors, nurses and a dentist. There is also a specialist sports physiotherepist and doctor. The Student Association provides a drop in welfare service.
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- Parking:
- Loads of car parks but permits are needed for most. There are two very large non-permit car parks which I have never seen totally filled, however they are quite a walk from most Halls of Residence.
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- University Shops:
- There is a general shop selling all the basics and a travel agency. For anything else, it is worth a trip into town.
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- University Bookshops:
- Second hand books do go on sale in the Student Association. Otherwise there are bookshops all over the city.
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- Banking:
- There is a branch of the Royal Band of Scotland on campus, and a Bank of Scotland cash machine.
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- Transport Policy:
- Everything is on campus so there aren't any university run services. However, there are buses that run into the centre of Edinburgh around every 20 mins during the week and cost around a pound. Taxis into the centre of town are also affordable and take only 15 minutes.
There is a villagelink bus to the Gyle shopping centre (Safeways/M&S/WHSmiths/Dixons/etc) from Tuesday to Saturday.
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- Green Areas:
- Everywhere!!
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