What current students say about Heriot-Watt – a campus perspective
Student reviews for Heriot-Watt University are divided. Some describe the campus as a “haven of beauty” where the “knowledge gained has been instrumental” in their career. Others report serious concerns about teaching quality, bullying, and staff support. The university’s Google rating is 4.5 based on 598 reviews, but the mix of five-star and one-star comments suggests experiences vary widely by course and department.
A five-star review from a master’s graduate in Brewing and Distilling reads: “I just completed my master’s in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University. The school reminds me a lot of my Canadian university for my Bachelor’s degree. The school education system was terrific, and my professors were super knowledgeable. Due to COVID, I did my degree online. I wish I cou…” – the comment is cut off but reflects a positive academic experience.
Another five-star review says: “My lovely HW, your campus was a haven of beauty, and the knowledge I gained has been instrumental throughout my career. Thank you for the enduring beauty and the invaluable lessons.”
On the other hand, a one-star review from a 2025 graduate states: “As a class of 2025 graduate, I would not recommend this uni. That doesn’t mean others are better. All unis in UK seem in a dire spot. But I never felt like I got enough support from my tutors.”
A second one-star review is more alarming: “WORSE THAN PRISON. The quality of some of the teaching was poor and the choice of modules for my course was very limited. Staff and students are also often rude. Bullying is rampant and includes the homophobic abuse that I was subjected to on an almost daily basis. Harassment by staff and students i…”
These quotes are taken directly from the platform. They highlight that while some students thrive academically and appreciate the campus environment, others face significant challenges. When choosing housing, it is worth considering how close you want to be to support services, student unions, and a diverse community – factors that may influence your overall experience.
Edinburgh: a student city with a campus on the outskirts
Heriot-Watt University is located in Riccarton, about seven miles west of Edinburgh’s city centre. The campus is set in a green, spacious parkland, separate from the dense urban fabric of central Edinburgh. This offers a quieter study environment but also means that access to city amenities – shops, nightlife, cultural venues – requires travel.
Edinburgh is one of the UK’s largest student cities, home to several universities. The city centre is compact and walkable, with the Old Town, New Town, and Leith areas all popular among students. Public transport is well developed: Lothian Buses serve the Riccarton campus via routes such as the 25, 34, and 45. The journey from the city centre to campus typically takes 30–40 minutes. Cycling is also feasible, with a dedicated path along the Union Canal running part of the route. Car ownership is less common among students, and parking on campus is limited.
The city context matters for housing decisions. Living in the city centre means you are close to shops, restaurants, and other university campuses (e.g., University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier). Living near Riccarton gives you a shorter commute to your lectures but may require more planning for social and cultural activities.
Budget bands for student housing (2026/2027)
Student accommodation in Edinburgh varies widely in price. The indicative starting price for a room in one of the 34 properties listed near Heriot-Watt University is 139.3 GBP per week. This figure is indicative only – you must confirm the exact rent with the operator.
Based on the available data, typical weekly rents can be grouped into broad bands:
- Under 150 GBP per week: Rooms at the lower end of the market are often in shared flats or older purpose-built student accommodation. They may be located further from the campus or in less central areas. The 139.3 GBP figure falls into this band.
- 150 to 200 GBP per week: This is a common range for en-suite rooms in newer developments or residences in central Edinburgh. Many of the 34 properties fall into this bracket.
- Above 200 GBP per week: Premium studios, larger en-suite rooms, or residences in prime city-centre locations often exceed 200 GBP. Some include bills and additional amenities.
All prices are indicative for the 2026/2027 academic year and are subject to change. Always confirm the final rent, deposit terms, and what is included (e.g., utilities, internet, contents insurance) directly with the accommodation provider.
Walk vs transit – the trade-off for Heriot-Watt students
Choosing where to live involves balancing convenience to campus with access to city life.
Living near campus (Riccarton or surrounding areas): You can walk or cycle to lectures in under 20 minutes. The campus has its own facilities – library, sports centre, catering outlets – so you do not need to travel for essentials. However, the area is residential and quiet. For supermarkets, nightlife, or a wider range of restaurants, you will need to take a bus into the city centre (about 30 minutes). Rent near campus may be slightly lower on average, but options are fewer.
Living in the city centre (e.g., near Potterrow, McDonald Road, Haddington Place, Haymarket Yards, Snt Straits Meadow): You will have a longer commute – typically 30–40 minutes by bus to the Riccarton campus. The bus is reliable, but peak times can be busy. In return, you live in the heart of Edinburgh, with easy access to the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh College of Art, and all city attractions. You can walk to shops, cinemas, pubs, and cultural events. Rent tends to be higher, especially for central locations.
Transit specifics: The Lothian Buses service from the city centre to Riccarton is frequent. A student bus pass (e.g., Ridacard) is available at a discounted rate. The campus also has a train station (Curriehill) about a 10-minute walk away, with trains to Haymarket and Waverley – but service frequency is lower than buses. Cycling via the Union Canal path is a scenic 40-minute ride.
Your choice depends on your priorities. If you value a short walk to your lectures and prefer a calm environment, consider housing near Riccarton. If you want to immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s student life and are willing to commute, a city-centre residence may be better.
How to shortlist accommodation – using the given nearby residences
The housing platform lists 34 properties near Heriot-Watt University, with an indicative starting price of 139.3 GBP per week. From that list, five sample residences are provided: Potterrow, McDonald Road, Haddington Place, Haymarket Yards, and Snt Straits Meadow. All five are located in central or near-central Edinburgh, not adjacent to the Riccarton campus. They serve as examples of city-based options to consider.
Potterrow – A large purpose-built student accommodation in the city centre, close to the University of Edinburgh’s main libraries and George Square. It is well connected to bus routes heading west to Riccarton.
McDonald Road – Located in the Leith area, a vibrant neighbourhood with independent shops and cafes. The residence is near the Leith Walk bus corridor, with many services to the city centre and onward to Heriot-Watt.
Haddington Place – Situated on Leith Walk, this residence is close to supermarkets, the Omni Centre cinema, and bus stops. Commute to campus would involve one bus (e.g., route 25) with a typical journey of 35–40 minutes.
Haymarket Yards – Next to Haymarket train station, this residence offers excellent rail links if you prefer the train to Curriehill, plus many bus routes. Haymarket is a major transport hub, and the area has a mix of shops and eateries.
Snt Straits Meadow – The name may be a typo or alternate spelling; it appears to be a residence in Edinburgh. Without specific location details, you should verify its address and transport connections.
When shortlisting, consider the following criteria:
- Commute time: Look at the bus routes and journey times from each residence to Riccarton. Use the operator’s website or transport apps for live schedules.
- Budget: Check the weekly rent, deposit, and whether bills are included. The 139.3 GBP figure is a starting point; actual prices will vary.
- Room type: Decide between shared flats, en-suite, or studio. En-suite rooms in city-centre residences often cost 150–200 GBP per week.
- Contract length: Most student accommodation offers 44- or 51-week contracts. Ensure the dates align with your academic calendar.
- Cancellation policies: Understand refund terms and whether you need a guarantor.
Always read the operator’s terms carefully and ask about any hidden fees. Since the sample residences are all in central Edinburgh, they suit students who prefer city life. If you want to be near campus, you would need to filter the 34 properties for those in the Riccarton or Currie areas. The platform’s search filters should allow you to adjust by location.
Remember: the indicative price of 139.3 GBP per week is a reference point, not a guarantee. Confirm all details with the accommodation provider before signing a contract.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to commute from central Edinburgh to Heriot-Watt campus by bus? A: The journey by bus from the city centre (e.g., Potterrow, Haymarket) to Riccarton campus typically takes 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route. Buses run frequently along corridors like the 25, 34, and 45.
Q: Are there any study-related facilities near the city-centre residences? A: Yes, city-centre residences like Potterrow and McDonald Road are close to the University of Edinburgh libraries and study spaces. Many students use these facilities for evening and weekend work. However, for Heriot-Watt-specific resources, you will need to travel to the Riccarton campus.
Q: What is the typical rent for a room near Heriot-Watt in the 2026/2027 academic year? A: The indicative starting price for a room among the 34 listed properties is 139.3 GBP per week. Most en-suite rooms in central Edinburgh fall between 150 and 200 GBP per week. Prices vary by location, room type, and included services. Always confirm the final rent with the operator.
Data as of March 2026.
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