Heriot-Watt University Scottish Borders Campus - Student Life

Housing: Halls and university-owned flats (cheap but go quickly), often for 4 years; privately rented accommodation through welfare and noticeboards. A few large married quarters.

Eats: Refectory food reasonable (meal from £2.20), with a good choice and vegetarian option.

Drink: Union with cheap beer and spirits (from £1.40 a pint). Some good local pubs incl Wetherspoons. Tennents good local brew.

Nightlife: Clubnights, film, quiz, games etc and alternative nights; regular visits to Riccarton campus for social events. Multiscreen cinema in town.

Locals: Quite friendly. No no-go areas for students.

Sports: Badminton, tennis, basketball, football, rugby. aerobics, on site; swimming pool in town centre.

Travel: Regular local bus to Edinburgh.

Financial help: Good access and hardship funds - well distributed and easily accessible. Short to medium term loans available from SRC.

Annual living costs: The minimum amount students say you need to live on each year (covering all living expenses but excluding tuition fees) is £4000 (in uni accommodation), £4500 (in private accommodation).

Jobs: Local restaurants, supermarkets; lots of flexible bar work. SU employs students as bar staff and door stewards. Some holiday work in local mills.

Best features: Facilities.

And worst: The girls say there is a lack of men!

More info: Enquiries to Vice-President Galashiels SRC on Tel: 01896 892170, Fax: 01896 892183, email: upgalaahw.ac.uk

Past students: Sir Russell Fairgrieve MP. Lord Sanderson, Sir Alan Smith.