Last week’s Have Your Say event was everything we hoped it would be lively, thought-provoking, and full of brilliant conversations about what really matters to Heriot-Watt students. From cost-of-living worries to the role of AI in learning, the discussions were honest, insightful, and inspiring.
Have Your Say: Students Spoke, and We’re Listening 💬
Last week’s Have Your Say event was everything we hoped it would be lively, thought-provoking, and full of brilliant conversations about what really matters to Heriot-Watt students. From cost-of-living worries to the role of AI in learning, the discussions were honest, insightful, and inspiring.
We turned Zeros into a relaxed, café-style space where students could drop in anytime between 12 and 2, grab a free cuppa, and chat about their experiences. And chat they did! The turnout was incredible, students from different schools and backgrounds came along to share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Even the University Principal stopped by to join the conversation, which just goes to show how much your voices matter across the whole campus community.
What We Heard
It’s clear that one of the biggest priorities for students right now is the cost of living. From food prices to transport and housing, these challenges are being felt across our community. We hear you loud and clear so we know where our focus should be.
Another big theme was connection or more specifically, finding ways to make socialising easier and more natural. Students told us that while events are a great way to meet new people, it can still be hard to build lasting friendships, especially in academic settings or after first year. That’s why we’ll be looking at new ways to create spaces and activities where students can connect more easily.
And then, of course, there was the AI debate. Should it be banned? Regulated? Encouraged? The verdict from students was pretty unanimous: AI isn’t the enemy, it’s a tool. Used responsibly, it can make studying more efficient, creative, and accessible. Banning it outright would only hold students back, and your feedback will help shape how we continue these conversations with the University.
What’s Next
Events like Have Your Say remind us why student voices are at the heart of everything we do. Every idea, suggestion, and question shared helps shape the priorities we campaign for and the changes we push for across campus.
So, if you came along, thank you. You made a difference just by showing up and speaking out. And if you missed it this time, don’t worry, there will be more! Keep an eye on our channels for future Have Your Say sessions.
Because your voice doesn’t just matter, it moves things forward. And we can’t wait to hear what you’ve got to say next. 💙