Caoimhe Sweeney

Caoimhe Sweeney- Vice-President

I’m really looking forward to being Vice-President this year and want to create an even more energetic and active environment at SBC. This is the second year of our co- location with the Borders College and we want to continue to build a strong and successful relationship with them, while keeping the best interests of our students at heart. There is a lot to do this year and with a strong team of School Officers, Freshers’ Helpers and your own involvement in the Association, I think we’re going to achieve a lot and have great fun in the coming year!

What I would like to achieve

Most importantly, this year, I want to make sure we have a designated area within the Union, solely for Heriot-Watt students, where you can sit, relax and eat, or even have a drink if it’s been a stressful day! It’s vital to have somewhere you can chill-out with fellow students and make new friends after classes and lectures.

This year, I really want to kick-start the societies and build upon the existing ones. Societies are such a great way to meet new people and it’s important to take time out of your busy schedules to spend time on a hobby or something you really enjoy. So whether it’s the Fashion Show society, a volunteering or sports society, sign up at the Freshers’ Fayre during Freshers’ Week. If there’s nothing there that interests you, don’t be afraid to set up your own society and the Association will give you all the information and support you need.

When most students arrive at Heriot-Watt, they will be placed in 1st year halls on campus. As a previous tenant myself, I can promise you will have an experience like no other! It is an always enjoyable and often crazy place to live, where you can create great friendships that will last throughout your time here. You will only stay a year in these halls and to enhance this experience further, I would like to establish some inter-halls competition between the four blocks! This would involve naming the blocks, having reps from each and holding fun activities throughout the year (keeping score of course!). With your help, this will bring a real sense of community to your block, helping you to get to know everyone.

With our other, mostly male-dominated, Heriot-Watt University sitting just outside Edinburgh in Riccarton, I want the two campuses to interact much more this year. This will include us heading over for events such as their hugely successful Beer Festival and Las Vegas night. Towards the end of the second term, they also host the Volunteer Oscars. This black-tie event is great fun and recognises students’ achievements in volunteering across both campuses.

Get involved

Getting involved in the association and activities is the best way to get the most out of your university experience. You can join a society, volunteer or become a class rep etc. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and make your voice heard.

I’ll be around campus to offer you advice and support throughout the year and any Freshers’ Helpers you recognise will be happy to help if they can. Feel free to pop in to the office behind the Union canteen at any time: VPSBC@HWUSA.ORG or 07511413966