The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Category: University (Page 1 of 2)

University mental health Day

University Mental Health Day

13/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

University Mental Health Day

University Mental Health DayThe twelfth of March 2026 marked the 18th annual University Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising visibility of mental health issues among student communities, and to combat stigma associated with discussions of mental health.

Originally started by members of the University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN). University Mental Health Day has been held every March since 2008 and has grown to cover campuses across the UK, with mental health activist group Student Minds officially becoming involved since 2012.

So, to mark this year’s University Mental Health Day, we’re going to talk a little about this year’s UMHD theme and tell you about all the ways that Edinburgh Napier can support your mental health during your time studying with us.

This Year’s Theme

Every year, a new theme is selected to focus that year’s University Mental Health Day events. For example, 2024 was centred around the theme of anxiety, with an emphasis on the scenarios students encounter that can cause them to feel anxious, and discussing the techniques students can learn to manage their anxiety.

This year’s theme is human connection, focusing on the issue of university students reporting increased feelings of isolation, and the role of student communities in combatting these feelings of isolation. Despite how large the student population is, government reporting indicates that many students have experienced increased feelings of loneliness over the past few years, along with a fear that they would be judged by others if they express these feelings. This is despite the same government studies indicating that the vast majority of students wouldn’t want to judge others for feeling lonely, highlighting how important it is to reassure students of the support they can get in their own community.

University Mental Health Day at Edinburgh Napier

SMHA

Here at Napier, we have our Student Mental Health Agreement (SMHA) created in collaboration between our Counselling and Wellbeing staff and the members of the Edinburgh Napier Student Association (ENSA) to lay out the goals and activities for both teams and to guarantee the mental health services the university provides to the student population.

You can learn about the SMHA (and read it for yourself!) on the NapierStudents website.

The current edition of the SMHA has been in place since 2024, ensuring that the university offers a range of services through our Counselling & Wellbeing team to support students during their studies. These include counselling services, single session therapy services where students can discuss a specific issue they are having, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aimed at helping you tackle unhelpful thought patterns.

You can learn all about these services on the MyNapier Wellbeing, Support & Inclusion page, where you’ll also find contact details for our Wellbeing support teams and links to pages that will explain our wellbeing resources in greater depth.

Togetherall

Also, as part of the SMHA, the university provides all our students with access to Togetherall. A 24/7 online community where you’ll have access to free online support, allowing you to talk with others and receive advice in a safe and anonymous environment.

Fittingly for this year’s theme, one of the main goals of the 2024-2026 SMHA is to help nurture a sense of community and belonging in the student population through increasing participation in student-run events and student clubs/societies.

Clubs & Societies

Speaking from experience, becoming involved in a university club or society can be a great way to connect with students who have similar hobbies and interests to you. Some of the greatest friendships I have come from my own participation in different university clubs during my undergraduate studies. I’ve no doubt that many of you who aren’t currently involved in any clubs would benefit from doing so.

You can see what clubs and societies are on offer at Napier at the ENSA website. I’d also recommend the ENSA Events Calendar to see if there are any upcoming student events that might catch your interest.

The Library

Additionally, we have our Wellbeing Collection at each of our campus libraries, with books advising you on how to look after your mental, emotional, and physical health. Furthermore, several members of our library team are trained mental health first aiders, prepared to offer you support whenever you need it.

So please, if you’re ever feeling lonely during your time at Napier, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more about wellbeing on the blog with our article: Wellbeing in the library

Healthy Eating Guide for Students image of lots of healthy foods on a plate

Healthy Eating Guide for Students

02/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

Healthy Eating Guide for Students

When preparing for exams and assignment deadlines, it is particularly important to feed and fuel your body as well as your brain. Eating well and eating satiating meals is essential for boosting your cognitive function, concentration, memory and energy levels when studying – many studies have shown that eating a satiating breakfast on the day of an exam and staying adequately hydrated can boost exam performance and results.

With regards to the basics of healthy eating, you should ultimately ensure that you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. As we care about your academic career and aim to help you get the best out of your studies, we have put together this blog post on how to utilise food as fuel to help maximise your chances of achieving the best grades possible, as well as get the best out of university life and your time with us here at Edinburgh Napier University, too!

The 5 key elements of healthy eating

There are at least five key elements of eating a healthy diet:

Water

After all, we are made up of 70% water! Particularly, our brains and blood which is 90% water. A typical guideline for staying adequately hydrated is to drink at least 2 litres of water a day. It helps us to flush out toxins from our bodies, aid our digestion and avoid experiencing the often-debilitating side effects that come with dehydration, such as fatigue, dizziness, impaired concentration, lower energy levels and headaches. You can get roughly 30% of your required daily fluid intake by consuming lots of fruit and vegetables; however, it is recommended that you also drink lots of fluids as well, with water being the most efficient and cost-effective option. Herbal and fruit teas are also a good source of hydration.

Fibre

This is essential for your gut health, a healthy digestive system and regulating bowel movements as well as your blood sugar levels. Since a majority of your immune system is based in your gut as well, this makes fibre a stable part of keeping your gut bacteria healthy, as well as your immune health. Most of us generally do not get enough fibre in our diet – you need at least 30g to reach the recommended daily intake. Nevertheless, a diet high in fruit and vegetables can help reach this, followed by foods such as brown rice, brown pasta, wholegrain or rye bread, beans, pulses, lentils, nuts and seeds. Most of these can be incorporated into a variety of meals, such as curries and casseroles.

Fats

Fat is a fundamental element of a healthy diet – we need it for our bodies to produce hormones, which reduce inflammation. Examples of good-quality fats include olive oil, nuts such as almonds and peanuts, oily fish such as salmon and sardines, and avocados. Saturated fats are okay in moderation – these include fatty cuts of meat and poultry, butter, cream, cheese, and baked goods. These do offer some health benefits themselves, but too much can heighten your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Protein

This macronutrient is essential for maintaining muscle mass, healthy skin and bones as it acts as a vital building block which aids with growth, immune and cell function, repair and enzyme/hormone production. It also provides a satiating source of food, which keeps us fuller for longer. Some of the best quality sources of protein include the following: Milk, eggs, yoghurt, chicken, turkey, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds, fish and seafood, beef and soya (a good dairy alternative)!

Colour

As the saying goes – eat the rainbow! You should try to eat a variety of different coloured foods as they each offer a range of different benefits for your health as well as disease risk reduction. For example, orange and yellow fruits such as mangos, carrots, sweet potatoes and peaches contain carotenoids which our bodies convert into vitamin A – an essential nutrient for maintaining our eye health and vision, immunity, skin health and cell growth.

Red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables have various properties that are preventative against some forms of cancer – blue and purple ones are also thought to be preventative against dementia as well. Some examples of these fruits and vegetables consist of tomatoes, apples, black grapes, plums, blueberries, aubergine and red berries.

Then there’s green foods such as kale, spinach, broccoli and cucumber, which support your vision, keep your bones strong and can be preventative against some forms of cancer as well as blood clotting.

Recommendations

We have some great reads and recipe books if you are looking for some inspiration and to improve your nutritional intake. All of these titles can be found and requested through our LibrarySearch catalogue.

  • Cooking on a bootstrap: over 100 simple, budget recipes. Monroe, Jack (Journalist), author. 2018. Available at Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill Campus Libraries.
  • Eat Up! Tandoh, Ruby, author. 2018. Available at Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill Campus Libraries.
  • The female factor: making women’s health count – and what it means for you. Wallace, Hazel, author.; Mayson, Lizzie, photographer (expression); Food medic, associated with work. 2022. Available at Sighthill Campus Library.

You can find more recommendations in our Wellbeing Collection, and why not check out the Virtual Relaxation Space too?

By Rachel Downie

Photo by Vanessa Loring on Pexels

Man studying sitting in springtime under cherry blossoms for article Spring Dissertation Studies

Spring Dissertation Studies

25/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

Spring Dissertation Studies

The worst of the winter is behind us, and spring is almost here! That does, however, mean that you will have assignments to do. Your dissertation hand in date is fast approaching, so the library is here to help. There’s lots of information on our web pages which can help with all your information gathering and writing.

Library Search

We have an extensive book stock, which can be requested using Library Search and many different titles on how to plan and write a dissertation. Books which are not at your home campus can be requested using the Click and Collect service and collected from the Click and Collect shelf at your chosen campus. Library Search also gives access to electronic articles to help with your studies. There are database and journal search functions and facets to allow you to refine your searches by date, format, etc.

Other libraries

If you know there is an item you are interested in looking at and it is available at another university, then the Sconul Access scheme may help. This allows you to borrow books from or have reference access to other university libraries, and applications can be made through the Sconul Access website. It may also be useful to become a member of the National Library of Scotland. With access to millions of print and digital items, it is certainly worth searching here for information, and it is easy to join.

Inter library loans

Unable to access a book or journal article through Library Search? Is it too far to travel to another university? You could try requesting the item from our interlibrary loan service, and we will try to source it from one of our partner libraries. Articles and book chapters are supplied electronically, and print books will be sent to the campus of your choice.

Subject librarians

Taken a look at the Reference Guidelines, but still need some help with referencing? Our subject librarians can assist, and they also have in-depth knowledge of databases and literature reviewing. They have prepared LibGuides for each school, full of useful information and links. Subject guides provide access to subject information by school, and Research guides offer tips on how to develop research and digital information skills.

Training and events

Check out Training and Events calendar  to find out if there are any sessions you may find useful.

Opening hours and contacts

Libraries are currently observing term time hours with 24 hour opening at Merchiston campus for those who need a suitable place to work at any time.

To contact your subject librarian or for general library enquiries: My Librarian

Out-of-hours assistance is also provided by the NorMAN service: Out of hours

For general library enquiries and information:

Wellbeing

At this time important to take care of your wellbeing as you may be working hard for long periods of time. Creating a work routine and setting achievable goals can help with your work schedule. Make detailed plans and stick to them remembering to take breaks, keep active and eat well and get enough good quality sleep. Here in the library we have several books in our Wellbeing Collection to provide all the information you need to look after yourself ranging from healthy eating to stress management.

Each campus library has a Relaxation Space where you can take some time out if you are working on campus. There are jigsaws and colouring sheets to help you de-stress and our Virtual Relaxation Space can be accessed from outwith the university. It offers links tips on mindfulness, breathing exercises, relaxing music and more!

Sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is also important. Lack of sleep can affect you and some of the consequences of this are:

  • Irritability
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Increased anxiety
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Lack of creativity
  • Negative impact on your overall mental health

Staying awake for 18 hours can have the same effect as a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05%, which is the same as the Scottish drink drive limit. Staying awake for 24 hours can equate to a BAC of 0.10% which is well over it so for getting off to sleep the following tips are worth considering:

  • Consistency-try going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time each morning
  • Make sure your bedroom is quiet and at a comfortable temperature.
  • Remove electronic devices an hour before you want to sleep.
  • Exercise during the day.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine or large meals before sleeping.
  • Structure your day and plan ahead of your exams, assignments and due dates and activities so you don’t end up cramming or working late into the night.

Always remember help is at hand:

For research advice and to contact your subject librarian: Subject Librarian

For help with academic writing and skills: Improve your academic & study skills

For mental wellbeing: Counselling & Mental Wellbeing

We wish all our students the best of luck with their submissions and exams.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more on Study Help in our post: Academic skills and study support

Scottish Women in Science image of woman scientist

Scottish Women in Science

11/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

Scottish Women in Science  

To celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day, let’s celebrate some amazing Scottish female Scientists.

Scotland has a rich history of scientific achievements, and Scottish women have played a pivotal role in shaping these accomplishments. From groundbreaking discoveries to innovative research, these remarkable women have defied societal norms and overcome countless obstacles to leave an indelible mark on the field of science.

Historical Scottish Women Pioneers in Science

Even in times when opportunities for women were severely limited, Scottish women managed to push the boundaries and excel in various scientific disciplines. One such pioneer was Mary Somerville, who became a renowned mathematician and astronomer in the 19th century. Her work in celestial mechanics and her influential book “The Mechanism of the Heavens” significantly contributed to our understanding of the universe.

Another trailblazer was Elizabeth Blackwell, who became the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States in 1849. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Blackwell faced immense challenges and discrimination in her pursuit of a medical career. Her determination and resilience not only opened doors for women in medicine but also paved the way for future generations of female physicians.

In the field of medicine, Dr. Elsie Inglis revolutionised healthcare by establishing the Scottish Women’s Hospitals during World War I. Her tireless efforts saved countless lives and challenged the prevailing gender norms of the time.

Modern Scottish Women Making Strides in the Scientific World

Professor Linda Bauld is a public health expert, Bauld has been instrumental in shaping Scotland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research on public health behaviour and interventions has had a significant impact on policy both in Scotland and internationally.

In the realm of environmental science, Professor Sheila Rowan has made groundbreaking discoveries in gravitational wave detection. Her research has opened up new possibilities for studying the universe, earning her international acclaim and recognition.

The primatologist and neuroethologist Professor Dame Anne Glover is a world-leading expert on animal behaviour and cognition. She has served as Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government and has received many honours and awards.

Scientists of Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University is home to many talented women scientists who are making significant contributions in various fields.

  • Prof Yvonne Kuipers, Professor of Midwifery, has over 20 years of experience in women’s reproductive health. She has conducted research on a variety of topics, including home birth, traumatic childbirth experiences, and midwifery-led care.
  • Dr. Fiona Lees, Professor of Occupational Therapy, is an expert in disability studies. She has conducted research on a variety of topics, including wheelchair use, falls prevention, and social care.
  • Prof Emma Hart is a professor of computational intelligence here at Edinburgh Napier. She is known for her work in artificial immune systems (AIS), evolutionary computation and optimisation.
  • Dr. Clare Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology and is a passionate advocate of equality and inclusion

These are just a few examples of the many accomplished women scientists working at Edinburgh Napier University. Their research is making a real difference in the world, and they are inspiring the next generation of female scientists. In addition to these individual researchers, Edinburgh Napier University is committed to supporting women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) more broadly.

The university has several initiatives in place to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in science. Such as the EQUATE Scotland program, which provides mentoring and support to women in the built environment, engineering, technology, and science sectors.

Celebrating the Achievements of Scottish Women in Science

Scottish women have played a vital role in shaping the scientific world. Defying societal expectations and making groundbreaking discoveries. From the pioneers of the past to the trailblazers of today, their contributions have paved the way for future generations of scientists. It is crucial to celebrate and recognise their achievements, while also working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. By supporting and empowering Scottish women in science, we can ensure that their remarkable legacy continues to inspire and drive scientific progress for years to come.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of Scottish women in science by sharing their stories and advocating for gender equality in STEM fields. Together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive scientific community.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Women in Science here.

 

Fancy Doing a Edinburgh Napier University Postgrad?

Fancy Doing a Edinburgh Napier University Postgrad?

02/11/2025 / / 0 Comments

Fancy Doing an Edinburgh Napier University Postgrad?

You may be a student with us who is coming towards the end of their studies and university journey, or you may be a student who has just graduated and is wondering what the next chapter in your career pathway is going to look like. What if we told you that your university career does not have to end here? A postgraduate degree or a Master’s course is essentially a qualification that can be undertaken once you have obtained an undergraduate degree. It allows you to gain specialised knowledge and skillset within a specific area or field of study. Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of postgraduate degree courses and qualifications – all of which tie in with our five prominent schools: The Business School, School of Applied Sciences, School of Arts and Creative Industries, School of Health and Social Care and School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. Find out more about postgraduate courses and degree programmes we offer on our Courses webpage.

Fun Fact

Fun fact: Edinburgh Napier University graduates and alumni are offered a 20% discount on tuition fees for any Master’s or postgraduate course of their choice. There are, of course, many more reasons why doing a postgraduate qualification with us can be beneficial to your career progression, employability and skills enhancement.

Benefits of doing a Postgraduate course with us…

  • It can make you a stand-out candidate in terms of employability and career progression. The specialised knowledge and transferrable skills which you can gain from undertaking and completing a postgraduate degree is often very attractive to potential employers whether you are looking to enter a specific career field or progress within an area which you may already work in. It can open many promotional opportunities in the workplace for you, or alternatively, give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a new field or area if you are only just getting started with your career journey, or maybe even looking to retrain and change careers or direction. Many postgraduate courses that we offer are vocational and offer work placement opportunities as part of their course curriculum, which can ultimately give you the opportunity to acquire invaluable experience in a specific industry or field which can be an effective talking point in CVs, job applications and future interviews. In general, pursing and completing a postgraduate or Masters qualification demonstrates and shows dedication, commitment and ambition, and that you embrace new challenges and opportunities to progress – all of which can make you a stand-out candidate in job applications, interviews and the hiring process overall.

 

  • Network Building Opportunities. Doing a postgraduate or Master’s qualification is also great for networking and can sometimes even lead to paid employment or positions being offered within the specific company or industry that your assigned work placement was. Building expertise and a specialised knowledge in a specific area or subject also opens many doors in terms of integrating into a specific academic community or industry. You will often liaise and interact with academics and lecturers who can provide you with guidance and encouragement with your studies as well as exploring your options after university and future pathways. You will also come across many fellow students during your postgraduate course or Masters degree as well, where a chance to build a specialist and professional network may arise!

 

  • Building expertise in a specific field or industry. You may be a student who has just graduated from an undergraduate course, either with us or a different academic institution entirely. There may be a specific area or subject in your field which you feel you barely scratched the surface of and would like to study in further depth. A Master’s degree or postgraduate course usually provides the perfect opportunity to pursue a more specialised knowledge within a specific area or field of study and research. A higher level of independent study, in-depth research and analysis is often expected from individuals who choose to undertake a postgraduate or Master’s. This may sound overwhelming at first, but it provides a great opportunity for you to get stuck in with delving into a topic or subject area that interests you to an extent more than you would at the undergraduate level. This can often lead to further study and the chance to pursue a PhD, should research and academia be where your key interests lie.

 

  • Postgraduate study and Master’s programmes are often quick progression routes. While an undergraduate course can take up to four or more years to complete, a master’s or postgraduate qualification will often only take a year or two at most. This offers a relatively fast and time-efficient route to gain a qualification and transferable skillset to progress in your chosen career path, whether you are a new graduate waiting to start their career in a specific field, looking to advance within your current field or change direction entirely.

Postgraduate Information Event…

If this blog post has made you consider pursuing further study, whether it be a postgraduate degree or a Master’s course, we have a Postgraduate Information Event coming up on Thursday the 20th of November 2025. You can find all the information you need about enrolling on and what it is like to undertake a postgraduate course here. You will have the chance to speak to academics and staff about the degree programme you have an interest in pursuing, as well as advice regarding funding, admissions and student support available. You will also have the opportunity to talk to current postgraduate students about their experience at Edinburgh Napier University.

 

You can find more information and register by going to the link here.

 

By Rachel Downie

SUniversity support

Wider Uni Support

26/09/2025 / / 0 Comments

Wider Uni Support

 

Edinburgh Napier University libraries can assist you with a range of different queries such as questions about books and how to borrow them, journals, databases, study room bookings, printing and photocopying, scanning, connecting to the Wi-Fi, and many, many more relevant queries regarding how to make the best use of our library resources and support services. Nevertheless, we may not be able to assist you with all queries related to your studies and student life in general, but we will certainly do our best to point you in the right direction and show you where and how to find the relevant teams to assist with your query.

 

Employability and Careers…

 

If you are an ENU student and starting to think about life after university and considering what career paths are most desirable and open to you, our Employability and Careers team are here to help! They can support you with a variety of different aspects of career planning and job finding such as building your CV, writing an effective cover letter, organising work experience and placement opportunities, and putting together job applications. Our Employability and Careers service can also help you find a part-time job that fits in with your studies and offers a range of different resources to help support you with this. They also offer resilient skills training and workshops which can aid with your personal development and career progression by helping to enhance your professional effectiveness, productivity and personal resilience. Looking to start your own business? The Bright Red Triangle is a community and hub of innovation within Napier which can help young entrepreneurs to build and develop on their business idea, social enterprise or charity. These services are entirely free for ENU students, staff and alumni and offer individually tailored advice regarding business and entrepreneurial matters.

You can find out more about how to contact our Employability and Careers Team or book a one-on-one appointment with them through our Careers Support My Napier webpages. Please note that our careers services and support is still available to ENU alumni for up to two years after graduating.

 

International Support…

 

Our Visa and International Support team can help all our international student community with queries regarding a range of different matters such as immigration, visas and visa applications. Regarding visas specifically, they can also give specialist advice on matters concerning applications both within and outwith the UK, visas for employment in the UK during and after your studies, letters for immigration purposes, visas for graduation attendance and attendance tracking of student visa holders. The Visa and International Support Team also frequently work in collaboration with our Admissions Team to ensure that all immigration and travel advice is up-to-date and consistent for new and returning students at Edinburgh Napier University.

 

You can find out more about our Visa and International Support Team and general support for new, returning and graduating international students on our International Students My Napier information webpages. If you would like to get in touch with the Visa and International Support Team, you can contact them directly by phoning 0131 455 2272 or by emailing internationalsupport@napier.ac.uk.

 

Accommodation…

 

The three main student accommodation buildings for Edinburgh Napier University students are Bainfield, Orwell Terrace and Slateford Road. Altogether, they provide a place to live for over 1,200 students across the city of Edinburgh with modern facilities which are maintained and supported by our Accommodation team at Edinburgh Napier University. Although there is a wide variety of information available on our My Napier Accommodation webpages that can cover a majority of general accommodation queries such as applications, rent payments, flat viewings and moving in (or out), our accommodation officers and support team can also help with any questions you may have and can be contacted via email or telephone. We also have a Accommodation FAQs page with advice covering flat contents, what to bring, Wi-Fi, laundry and washing facilities, reception hours and travel.

 

You can find a list of contact details for our Student Accommodation team on our My Napier Contact the Accommodation Team webpage.

 

IT Support and Service Desk…

 

Have you tried turning your device on and off again? Sometimes, this may be the solution, but that may not aways be the case and could be an issue with a university-managed device or software that requires investigation. This is where our IT teams come in – IT support from our IS Service Desk is available 24 hours in the day, seven days a week. Online resources can also be provided to help you get the best use out of our IT systems and equipment. Our Service Desk and IT team can also assist with you issues regarding Wi-Fi connection, setting up your MFA (Multi-Factor Authenticator) and getting logged into the Edinburgh Napier App. You can also visit our campus library helpdesks at any of our three campus libraries or JKCC helpdesk at Merchiston if you would like to speak to our IT team in person regarding technical issues you are having with a university managed device, network, laptop or software.

 

You can contact our IS Service Desk team by emailing ISServiceDesk@napier.ac.uk or alternatively contact them by phoning 0131 455 3000. Outwith the hours of 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Friday, IT support is provided through our NORMAN helpline where you will receive a reply from the email address e59.servicedesk@normanmanagedservices.ac.uk.

 

Finance…

 

Our finance team can provide guidance and support with a range of queries regarding tuition fee payments, student loan applications and how to access a wide range of funding to assist with circumstances and matters such as living costs or childcare expenses. They can also provide help and advice if you are worried you may not be able to pay your tuition or accommodation fees and even help you to set a budget to manage all outgoings and expenses you may have.

 

You can find contact details for our Finance Team in our Who to contact webpage in the finance section of our My Napier webpages.

 

By Rachel Downie

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check the mynapier webpages and our recent post on library support

 

 

 

ENSA Napier

ENSA: Your Students’ Association

22/09/2025 / / 0 Comments

ENSA: Your Students’ Association

To all Napier students old and new, welcome (back!)

We wanted to give you a brief overview of ENSA (Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association). And how you can use the services we provide to make the most of your time at Edinburgh Napier.

Firstly, if you don’t already know, ENSA is a not a university department, we are an independent charity representing Edinburgh Napier’s students.

We are based in our office at B34 in Merchiston. But have advice offices at both Sighthill and Craiglockhart too. And now have shared use of the Upper Apex at Merchiston and the Hangout (the seating area just across from the Cafe) at Sighthill. We will be holding events in both spaces. Creating a less formal space for students to spend time.

We’re now going to give you a brief overview of ENSA’s areas of work – and how YOU can get involved!

ENSA REPRESENTATION

ENSA exists to both represent the students at Edinburgh Napier University and to facilitate students representing themselves to the university. This is done in a variety of different ways.

Every year the students of Edinburgh Napier elect our 3 Sabbatical Officers, who work with ENSA staff to fulfil their election manifestos and to represent Napier students to key decision-makers at the university. You can find out more about your 3 presidents, Evans, Chika and Ryan, and the work they’ll be doing this year, here.

If you want to get involved in student politics yourself. We have several ways to do so!

Student Council is the place where students come together to debate issues, propose solutions and create positive change.  And if you want to have a say in your education and represent students academically why not become a Programme Rep. Programme leaders will be looking for volunteers at the start of term!

ENSA representation

ENSA ADVICE

ENSA offers Edinburgh Napier students free advice on a range of education and welfare rights issues. We have offices at all 3 campuses and a team of 4 trained, professional advisers to provide students with up-to-date, practical advice, helping them to make informed choices.

ENSA Advice is independent of the University which means that we can give you the best advice possible when it comes to issues. The service is also completely confidential, and the team will not share any information without your consent.

Our Advice service can help you with:

  • Academic appeals
  • Extenuating circumstances and “Fit to Sit”
  • Academic and non-academic misconduct
  • Fitness to practice
  • Complaints
  • Issues with courses
  • Housing
  • Other welfare matters
  • Money advice (student funding, fees, benefits and budgeting)

Students can book appointments online or in person at napierstudents.com/advice

 

ENSA Advice

EVENTS and CAMPAIGNS

Obviously, one of the biggest events in ENSA’s calendar, Welcome Week, is just around the corner, but we also hold many events throughout the year, both on-and-off campus, featuring everything from club nights to cultural celebrations, craft sessions and more.

A lot of events have a focus on student wellbeing, including our Movember and Feel Fab Feb campaigns, and our World Mental Health Day event coming up in October. You can read about how the university and ENSA work together to support student mental health in our recently launched Student Mental Health Agreement.

We also hold regular Give-It-a-Go sessions to encourage students to try new things and encourage a focus on sustainability through regular clothes, book and household items swaps along with other environmentally focussed activities.

The academic year finishes on a high with our all-day Varsity event against QMU and our Societies and Sports Awards Ball, and we offer students the chance to give positive feedback to their lecturers and tutors via our ENSA Excellence Awards.

Events like these all aim to help students make friends and create a sense of community and belonging. So please do come and join in!

SPORTS and SOCIETIES

We have over 30 sports clubs and over 40 societies, providing something for everyone whether you’re into Dance or Dungeons and Dragons, Rugby or Rock and Metal! Whether you want to try something new, or meet people who share your passion, joining a sports

club or society is a great way to make new friends, and get involved in a whole host of events and activities.

Most of our Sports Clubs and Societies run taster sessions at the start of term so why not browse their upcoming events and get involved!

ENSa

By Catherine Jones (ENSA)

 

Trimester Two

Edinburgh Napier University Open Days

19/09/2025 / / 0 Comments

Edinburgh Napier University Open Days

 

Commencing tomorrow is our first Edinburgh Napier University Open Day of the year for any potential students wishing to join us for 2026 (and maybe even beyond that)! Open Days are a wonderful opportunity to explore different university campuses, speak to academics and staff about course options as well as the student experience, and pick up plenty of flyers and leaflets to read up on and make the big decision of which university to study at. You can also find out about accommodation options, student finance and other specialist facilities – most accommodation buildings even offer you the chance to see inside the building and the flats within them as well! It is a great way to get a feel for where you may choose to study and even the city your chosen university will be situated in. If Edinburgh Napier University is one of your top choices and has the exact course or course options which you are looking for, read on to see the when’s, the what’s, the where’s and the who’s of the upcoming ENU open days this year, and why you should attend if Edinburgh Napier University is where you are considering enrolling as a student.

When are the upcoming ENU Open Days?…

 

There will be an open day taking place tomorrow at Edinburgh Napier university – Saturday the 20th of September. If you cannot make this date, there will be another open day taking place on Saturday, the 1st of November 2025 for all individuals who are thinking about enrolling as ENU students for 2026. The open day will run in all three of our campus buildings: Merchiston, Sighthill and Craiglockhart. It will run from 10am-3pm on both the 20th of September and 1st of November as well.

 

What happens at ENU Open Days?…

A wealth of opportunity to learn about Edinburgh Napier University, its available courses and what it has to offer is heavily present during each open day. You will have the chance to speak with lecturers about different course options or, if you have already decided which course you like to study, the academic professors and professionals within that field of study to get to know more about course content, structure and potential work placement or study abroad opportunities available. Course presentations also run on university open days where lecturers, professors and student ambassadors will discuss specific course content and the overall experience of the course in detail. Student ambassadors will also be present on open days and are happy to tell you all about what they are studying and their experiences as a students of Edinburgh Napier University. Some of our most popular courses are the following…

  • Nursing
  • Computting
  • Enigineering
  • Business

 

Bookable campus and accommodation tours will also run for each ENU campus and accommodation option so that you can have a look around each location and building and ultimately decide whether you can see yourself studying and living there as an ENU student. You can also talk to staff at specific stalls about fundamental matters such as funding, entry requirements and accommodation costs to gage the viability of studying at Edinburgh Napier University as well as it’s desirability to you as a potential ENU student. Furthermore, university open days in general provide a great opportunity to explore the city in which the specific university of interest is located within. Take a look around and explore the local amenities, cafes, restaurants, shops, parks, and public spaces that the city has to offer.

 

Where will the ENU Open Days take place?…

 

Our Open Day activities and events will take place in all three of our campus buildings, which are well-served by public transportation. Parking is also available but limited – it is advised that you plan your journey well in advance, with early arrival meaning you are more likely to secure a space. There are various Lothian bus routes which serve all three campuses, including the 36 Lothian bus which passes by all three campuses in one journey, making it a very convenient travel option for our students (and our open day attendees who would maybe like to explore all the campus buildings)! Merchiston campus is also a 30-minute walk from Haymarket train station, and Sighthill is accessible via tram if you get off at its Bankhead stop.

 

Who will you meet and see at our ENU Open Days?…

 

There will be a variety of different ENU staff members and teams helping at our open days, some of whom are academics and some of whom are professional services staff from teams and departments such as Finance, Visa and Immigration, Accommodation Services, and our Library Services as well. Most of them will be sitting or standing at various stalls set up across each campus building, whilst most academic staff will be delivering presentations about the content of their course and modules that they teach. You are always welcome to, and in fact actively encouraged, even, to approach any of our staff members helping out on the open days and to ask them any questions you may have about courses, accommodation, funding and the student experience at Napier in general. They will also be more than happy to answer any general questions you have about the open day itself.

 

Why should you attend a University Open Day?…

 

Attending a university open day is so worth it! Even if the university you attend the open day for is not the one you choose to study at in the end, it is still worthwhile going along to check out course options , the facilities and support services available there and the general campus life. It will also give you the opportunity to experience the city the university is based in as well as it’s campus life and see if you can imagine yourself living and studying there.

 

Have we convinced you yet? You can find more information in our Open Days Napier webpages, including a quick form to fill out if you wish to attend one of our open days this year.

 

By Rachel Downie

 

 

 

 We might be a modern university but we have a rich history, read about the history of Napier and our 500-year-old Tower. 

Campus Guide

Campus Guides 

01/09/2025 / / 0 Comments

Campus Guides 

First things first: the two core things a university student (or staff member for that matter!) needs are food and hydration. Our canteens on all campuses are open for Breakfast from 8am to 11am and Lunch from 11.30am to 2.45pm, serving a changing menu every day of the week, from burritos to Bolognese, with a few firm favourites (Baked Potatoes, soup, sandwiches).

In addition, our campus coffee shops (‘Espresso Labs’) are open from Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm and Friday 8am to 4pm. They serve a range of hot and cold drinks, cookies and crisps. A personal highlight for me has been their iced coffee – perfect for the hot and humid weather we’ve experienced this summer.

 

Campus Guides  Merchiston

 

The Merchiston campus is the oldest dedicated campus in Edinburgh Napier University, home to the arts and humanities collections, as well as the site of Merchiston tower. Like many spaces in Edinburgh, late 20th century architecture mixes with medieval or early Modern structures. Merchiston Tower ties the site to its history as the seat of the Napier family, who give the name to our university – specifically, named after John Napier, the inventor of logarithms. Today, the tower hosts various office spaces, and tours can be arranged of it.

It is the busiest of our campuses, an unsurprising fact given that it’s situated in the middle of the student-heavy Southside of Edinburgh. The campus is a short walk from inner suburbs Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Morningside and Polwarth.

Many key university’s services are headquartered here – e.g sports societies, radio, as well as the JKCC (Jack Kilby Computer Centre). Like the Merchiston library, the JKCC is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during term time – perfect for working late on an upcoming assignment.

 

Campus Guides  Sighthill

 

Social and life sciences are the major subjects studied here, and the core collection extends over two floors. The roof top conference suited offers amazing panoramic views of the city of Edinburgh. Sighthill is also the location of the main campus gym. The area surrounding the campus was developed mainly as housing estates by Edinburgh City Council in the 1960s and 1970s. While less conventionally attractive compared to the other Napier campuses, the building is modern and energy efficient, and provides an excellent workout should you choose to habitually take the stairs.  Sighthill campus is open from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends.

 

Campus Guides  Craiglockhart

Last but certainly not least. The main building of Craiglockhart campus, built in the late 1800s, originally served as a hydropathic centre where people could go for the ‘water cure’.  It is a bucolic setting, in the shadow of the beautiful Craiglockhart hill. When the sun is out, there is no better place to have your lunch.

A modern extension was made to the building in the early 2000s, exemplified by ‘the Egg’ (the iconic Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre). It houses the Business and Law Schools of Edinburgh Napier, as well as the most charming of our libraries (I’m biased of course).

The best-known fact about Craiglockhart is that the building was requisition by the British government during World War 1 to serve as a psychiatric hospital for shell-shocked soldiers. Many officers convalesced here, including the revered anti-war poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. There is a collection of books, ephemera and documents from this period collected as The War Poets collection, which is housed on the 1st floor. Visitors are free to come and see the collection for themselves, as well as to explore the grounds. The magazine produced by the officers – The Hydra – is memorialised today in the name of our campus’ canteen.

Craiglockhart campus is from open 8am-9pm weekdays and 9am-5pm weekends.

By Kieran Curran

 

Read all about Edinburgh Napier

Joinging us in September, information here

 

Trimester Two

Geography of the ENU Campuses

22/08/2025 / / 0 Comments

Geography of the ENU Campuses

 

Wait, so there is more than one campus building?

 

There is indeed! Edinburgh Napier University has three campuses: Merchiston Campus, Sighthill Campus, and Craiglockhart Campus. Our oldest campus located in Merchiston was built during the 16th century. Merchiston is home to our School of Arts and Creative Industries as well as our School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. It is also the birthplace of our very own John Napier! Our Sighthill campus hosts the School of Health and Social Care and the School of Applied Sciences. It is our newest campus building. It was fully refurbished in 2011 and is home to our ENGAGE sport and exercise facility. Our Craiglockhart campus only hosts one school,our Business School.  It is also home to our Innovation and Enterprise Centre, as well as the iconic Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre – a giant, futuristic-looking dome. Or as we like to call it, the ‘Big Egg.’

 

Now let us show you around, as we explore the geography of our three wonderful campuses…

 

Merchiston Campus

Merchiston campus

Merchiston campus is situated on Colinton Road in the lively neighbourhood of Bruntsfield. And is the closest of the three campuses to the city centre of Edinburgh. Nearby are a variety of independent restaurants, cafes and shops.  Which is great for some retail therapy, breaks from studying, and even socialising with fellow ENU students. Merchiston campus also hosts our Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association. Just around the corner in Morningside is a converted church which the university utilises for performance and rehearsal spaces for our SACI student community.

Due to Merchiston campus being based in the heart of Edinburgh, it is very easily accessible by all types of public transportation. There are seven different Lothian bus services from the city centre. All these will drop you off practically right outside Merchiston campus: the 5, 11, 15, 16, 23, 36 and 45 to be specific. With regards to our train and tram networks, Merchiston campus is approximately a 25-minute walk from Haymarket train station and tram stop – ideal if you are looking to get your steps in! With regards to getting to Merchiston campus by bike, Edinburgh has a wide range of ever-expanding cycle paths, including routes which go to and from Merchiston campus. There are 100 bicycle spaces available altogether at this ENU campus – 48 of these are covered, secure areas and 52 are uncovered. You can find one of the bike parking facilities opposite the Merchiston library entrance to the left, and the other parking facility at the far end opposite the glass box. Parking for those coming to Merchiston campus by car is available between 7am-5pm Monday to Friday for all permit holders. Outside these times and at weekend, parking is free.  

Sighthill Campus

Sighthill campus

Sighthill Campus is based to the west of Edinburgh city centre. And hosts a range of facilities catering to both our School of Health and Social Care and School of Applied Sciences student communities. Some of these facilities include a 1,000 square metre clinical skills centre featuring mock hospital wards and a high-dependency unit, Biotech labs. And a lab for Sports and Exercise Science students. And of course, our Learning and Resource Centre with five floors in total, with library, cafe and IT facilities. Sighthill campus is also close to a few local amenities within walking distance such as Sighthill Shopping Centre. Then there is a Londis gas station with a Subway and Burger King, a Greggs bakery. Nearby is Hermiston Gate, which has various retail outlets as well as a Costa, Krispy Kreme and KFC.

Sighthill Campus is very well-served by various public transportation systems. The tram network runs between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven. It cuts through Edinburgh City Centre as well. Bankhead Station is the closest one to our Sighthill campus – approximately a ten-minute walk up Bankhead Drive. In terms of getting there by train, South Gyle train station is approximately a 25-minute walk from Sighthill campus and roughly the same distance from Edinburgh Park station as well, which is approximately a 20-minute walk from this campus. From Edinburgh city centre, Lothian bus services 3,21,25,32,34, 36 and Citylink 300 all stop outside Sighthill campus at bus stop ‘Sighthill Shops’ on Calder Road. Services 2,12 and 22 from Edinburgh city centre also stop at ‘Bankhead (W)’ on Bankhead Drive, which is right outside campus grounds as well, giving you a huge variety of options regarding bus services from the city centre overall. For those travelling by car, parking is also available at this campus for permit holders, and can be accessed via the M8, M9 and Edinburgh City Bypass. Secure bike storage facilities are also available at this campus.

Craiglockhart Campus

Craiglockhart Campus

And finally, we have our scenic Craiglockhart campus! This ENU campus is, like our Merchiston campus, also located on Colinton Road, but much further down – closer to Morningside, Kingsnowe and Slateford. It hosts an airy atrium with good natural lighting and an Espresso Lab Cafe, various language and multimedia labs, our large downstairs library with 100 PCs available for use, and our famous War Poets Collection. In terms of cafes and similar local amenities, there are not very many close to Craiglockhart campus aside from a few supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainburys and a large Asda with a Mcdonalds inside. Nevertheless, like all of our ENU campuses, it does host a canteen with a wide variety of food and drink options. Craiglockhart campus is also well-served by public transportation throughout Edinburgh.

 

In terms of which Lothian buses stop right outside Craiglockhart campus, services 4, 10, 27 and 45 all stop on Colinton Road at a stopped specifically named ‘Craiglockhart Campus’ – as does the 36 bus service on Glenlockhart road. Slateford train station is also a short walk from Craiglockhart campus – approximately 15-20 minutes in total. Parking and bike storage facilities are also available at this campus for those travelling by car or bike.

 

By Rachel Downie

We may be a modern university but two of our campuses have a lot of history, read about Merchiston and Craiglockhart

« Older posts

Contact Us

Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Telephone: 0131 455 3500

Bluesky: @ENULibrary

Instagram: @ENU_Library​

 

© 2026 The Library Blog

Theme by Anders Norén — Up ↑