On behalf of Heriot-Watt University Students’ Association (HWUSA) I would like to welcome you to Freshers Week 2008!!!!

Your time at Heriot-Watt will be some of the most exciting and fun years of your life and we’ve planned a massive party to get you started… So much lies in store for you! Freshers’ week is about meeting new people and getting settled in, whilst having fun at the same time. We’ve hopefully got something for everybody so make sure you come down to the Union as often as you can.

Freshers Week will take place this year from the 6th – 14th September and is going to be very special! There are a massive range of entertainments each evening, with everything from ceilidh to comedy, club nights to live bands and film nights to pub quizzes – all with great promotions. But there’s a lot more to Freshers’ Week than the evenings. Go to the freshers’ fayre and check out all the societies and sign up for random mailing lists so that you know what’s happening on campus over the next year. During the days we’ve got a load of information sessions, tours, sports and day trips lined up for you – Edinburgh Zoo, the coach tour of Scotland and a trip to the Edinburgh Dungeons to name just a few. For full details about all the day and night events, come back after 21st July when we will be releasing the 2008 programme.

There is so much going on in freshers week it can get a bit much at times. For many people its your first taste of freedom and living away from home so make sure you look after yourself. If you are ever feeling a bit down or homesick don’t hesitate to come into our Advice and Support centre and have a chat. (it gets a bit much for everybody at some point or other). During the week there are also lots of Freshers Helpers around so just have a chat if you are worried about anything. We are here for you, so make the most of us.

A few pieces of advice before you begin…leave your door open when you’re in your room, it’s the best way to get to know your neighbours. Don’t judge people before you really know them. There are loads of weird and wonderful people out there that will be completely different from anyone you’ve ever encountered before now…but that doesn’t mean you won’t get on with them like a house on fire. And finally, in the words of last year’s legendary president Liam Burns: “ be yourself, know your limits and remember… no body likes a spewer!” …(these words were just so true I had to include them!)

Ruth Bush
HWUSA President