Prepare For Your Arrival UK

Welcome to Heriot-Watt University UK

Congratulations and welcome to Heriot-Watt University UK! Before you arrive, complete the steps below to avoid common issues and delays for international students. If you have any questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Complete Your Pre-Arrival Checklist

Before you start on any of the steps, contact your local personal advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!

Review your conditional offer letter and make sure that you have submitted all documents listed as missing.

Once all your documents are submitted, please Get Your Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS)

As soon as you have your CAS, please Apply for Your Visa.

Learn more about applying for your student visa and student immigration information here.

Make your payment in full two weeks before you arrive to avoid enrollment delays.

1. Please visit the Heriot-Watt flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note than you cannot use a US Credit card (we are currently not processing US credit cards on Flywire).
2. Please be aware that if you do not pay your balance by the deadline as indicated on your Statement of Fees, the following may occur:
   • Late fees may be charged.
   • You may have your scholarship and/or waivers rescinded. In such cases, you will be responsible for the full cost of your program.
   • You may encounter delays or other issues enrolling and registering for classes.

Enrollment is the process of formally joining the University and becoming a Heriot-Watt student. You agree to abide by the rules of the University and to pay any fees, and we ask you to confirm that we have your correct details.

When enrollment opens, you will enroll online using Student Self Service.

You log in using your Heriot-Watt University student ID number, beginning with H followed by eight digits which you can find on any recent correspondence from us. You will also need a PIN number, which is your date of birth in ddmmyy format.

The first time you log in, you will be asked to change your PIN number. Please keep these details safe, as you’ll need them the next time you log in.

Enrolling online involves checking and updating your personal details, checking your program and fees and agreeing to our terms and conditions,

You must also upload a photograph for your student identity card. This should be a clearly identifiable passport-style photograph.

After you complete online enrollment you will need to register for your courses online. Access to course registration may vary depending on your program, as you may require guidance before making your choices.

On completion of online enrollment you will be given access to your University email and myHWU Student Portal through which you can access many other services and facilities.

Please note you can only enroll online once you have an unconditional offer.

a. Edinburgh
b. Scottish Borders
c. Orkney

Arrival Form

For all application and payment deadlines, as well as move-in and program start dates, please visit our Important Dates page. We look forward to meeting you in person!

Haven’t booked your travel arrangements yet? Check out our exclusive discounts for student flights.

After logging in to myHWU, navigate to the Online Induction.

a. Learn about Disability Services by reading this page.
b. Read about and install the SafeZone App.
c. Research setting up a bank account in the UK.
d. Learn about health care in the UK and registering with a GP.
e. Embarking on your educational journey in the United States shouldn’t come with the roadblock of finding a co-signer for financial aid. Shorelight recognizes this hurdle and has proactively partnered with premier financing organizations such as Fly Finance, MPower Financing, and Prodigy Finance. This strategic collaboration eliminates the traditional barriers international students face, such as the need for a co-signer, collateral, or an established US credit history, streamlining your path to securing educational funding.

Center for Academic Success

A website with access to virtual tutors, career advisors, and online resources to help you throughout your university studies

Do you need to improve your academic skills or study habits? Do you need help preparing for an exam or presentation? Are you confused about CPT/OPT or don’t even know what career field is best for you? Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success has friendly online academic skills and subject area tutors along with expert career advisors to help you with these questions and many more!

Maybe you would also enjoy completing a short eLearning workshop at your own pace? Those are available, too, on topics ranging from Academic Integrity to How to Make American Friends—and everything in between! If you’re short on time, try one of the live or recorded webinars.

Give your learning journey the support you need by signing up for a free account today! Here’s how:

1. Click here or scan the QR code to find our Home page.

2. Click the orange “Sign up now” button to request access.

3. On the sign up form, type your given name and family name as you are registered at your university.

4. Type any email address (personal or university, etc.). You will need to access your email to verify your address.

5. Create a password with at least one special character and 6-50 characters total.

6. Type your password again. Write it down or save it in your browser.

7. Type the full name of your university, not just the abbreviation. Your status must be checked.

8. Check the box to accept the Terms & Conditions (feel free to read those first).

9. Optional: Sign up for our newsletter by checking the last box.

10. Click the large orange button that says, “Start your learning journey.”

11. You’ll be asked to verify your email address next. In your inbox, you’ll see two emails from us. Open them and click the link to verify your email address. Check your spam folder if you don’t see the two emails.

12. You’ll receive an email within two business days to let you know that your account is approved (or if not, how to fix the problem).

13. Return to the Home page linked above (or in the email) to log in when your account access has been approved.

If you encounter any technical trouble, just use the Live Chat button at the bottom of our Home page.