Student Community

There is a thriving engineering student community here in Edinburgh with a diverse range of interests that we hope offers something for everyone.

Student Stories

Discover what it is like to study at the School of Engineering with student stories from across the Engineering disciplines. Our current students describe how the sense of community, the demanding nature of their degree, and the knowledge gained at the School of Engineering prepare them for life after graduation.

Student Societies and Groups

We have student groups working on everything from rocketry, racecars and robotics, to sustainable engineering projects, Hyperloop technology, and more. There are also several School of Engineering sports teams.

If you don't see a group that fits your interests, you can always set up your own!

	Asteria	Asteria is a group of over 70 students involved in space and satellite projects, aiming to equip and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and artists to get involved in the space sector.
	BioEngineering Society	The BioEngineering Society is an interdisciplinary society dedicated to all aspects of bioengineering, including recombinant technology, bioelectronics, diagnostic equipment and prosthetics, tissue engineering, biopharmaceuticals, and computational biology. Offers opportunities to join academic and social events, discover new things, come up with research projects, and meet like-minded people.
	Chemical Engineering Society	The Chemical Engineering Society aims to create a strong sense of community, belonging, and solidarity among chemical engineering students at the University, provide students with relief from their studies through social entertainments, plus a range of support throughout their studies, and industrial opportunities to further their career goals.
	Civil Engineering Society	CivSoc aims to bring civil engineering students together. We host many social events throughout the year, including nights out, pub quizzes, karaoke nights and much more. Each year we also hold a grand annual ball, with luxurious wining and dining for our members, academics and sponsors.
	Edinburgh Engineers Rugby	Social rugby club playing in the University's Intramural League. Hold socials every week at the Golf Tavern with discounted drinks and a free team feed, and take part in different charity initiatives such as the Movember campaign.
	Edinburgh University Formula Student	Edinburgh University Formula Student brings together diverse students each year to construct an F1-style race car to compete in the Formula Student competition at Silverstone racetrack. More recently, they have also been working on a 'driverless' car, and associated AI software.
	Electronics and Electrical Engineering Society	The EUEEE society brings together students with an interest in electronics and electrical engineering in a diverse community. Members receive the academic support and resources to help them flourish and transform into professional engineers. In addition to EEE-related events, they host socials including an annual ball.
	Endeavour	Endeavour aims to inspire the growth of British Rocketry in and around Scotland, from an education to industry level; starting here in the Edinburgh community. Students can develop skills in aeronautics and aerospace, alongside soft, interpersonal skills; making them excellent candidates for industry positions.
	Engineering Society (EngSoc)	The Engineering Society aims to provide a social and professional network for students from all engineering disciplines though intramural sports, providing access to academic support for your studies and hosting events throughout the semester.
	EngGradSoc	The Engineering Graduate Society organises a variety of events throughout the year for the graduate community - from picnics on the King's Buildings campus, to cinema nights, coffee mornings, researcher dinners, talks and seminars.
	Engineering for Change Edinburgh (E4C)	E4C is a non-profit organisation aiming to provide engineering solutions to development issues. They run local and overseas projects throughout the year, alongside talks and workshops that promote the role of engineers in sustainable development.
	Engineering Makerspace	Bring your ideas to life at the Engineering Makerspace on the King’s Buildings campus. The Engineering Makerspace is a dedicated workspace where students can design, build and test their own engineering models and inventions. Co-run by the School of Engineering and Edinburgh Innovations, it is home to a community of student inventors, from first years to PhD students.
	EngPALS	A peer-assisted learning scheme, where first year engineering students are supported with their studies by those in later years. EngPALS creates a friendly atmosphere and support system where you can discuss any aspect of your degree or general student life.
	Hands-On!	Hands-On! is a STEM outreach society which empowers university students to help the next generation to pursue STEM degrees. They aim to make these subjects more accessible and less intimidating through the design and facilitation of fun, hands-on workshops and activities for children and young people.
	HumanEd	HumanED is a technical society focused on the creation of a humanoid robot. Their branches are software development, mechanical, and marketing/sponsorship. Open to members of all skillsets with an interest in biomimetics and humanoid robotics.
	HYPED	HYPED is an interdisciplinary student team dedicated to progressing the concept of Hyperloop, the fifth mode of transportation, by producing pod prototypes, conducting full-scale research, and engaging with the public through our outreach programme to inspire future generations about STEM and expand the Hyperloop community.
	Mechanical Engineering Society	The Mechanical Engineering Society is open to all. Join to enjoy industrial visits, guest talks, socials and more.
	Project InnSpace	Project InnSpace, based in the Sanderson Building on the KB campus, is a creative and functional environment for like-minded individuals who like to innovate.

Welcome Week Events

All of our new students are invited to attend Welcome Week where you will have the opportunity to find out everything you need to know about your academic life. There are also hundreds of additional events organised to help you meet others, give you the opportunity to get to know the city and find out about anything that concerns or interests you. View Welcome Week events on the University of Edinburgh's Events App.

Undergraduate Events

Event in the Tent

As part of Welcome Week, all new undergraduate students are invited to attend our "Event in the Tent" in Sanderson carpark on Tuesday 13 September (11am-3pm) to meet student societies, teams, and find out how to make the most of your time in the School of Engineering.

Events App

For full details of all Welcome Week events, download the University's Events App.

Postgraduate Taught Events

Event in the Tent

As part of Welcome Week, all new postgraduate students are invited to attend our "Event in the Tent" in Sanderson carpark on Wednesday 14 September (11am-3pm) to find out how to make the most of your time in the School of Engineering.

Events App

For full details of all Welcome Week events, download the University's Events App.

Postgraduate Research Events

Postgraduate Research Trip to Firbush Outdoor Centre

Every year (around May) the Graduate School offers new PhD students the chance to get away from it all at the University’s Firbush Outdoor Centre. Situated on the banks of Loch Tay, the Centre offers a variety of outdoor activities, which, combined with the activities organised by the School, make for a fantastic 3 day retreat. This is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students, and escape from your desk for a few days! It is also a valuable opportunity to reflect upon your PhD, share experiences, and gain skills that are useful for your research.

You will receive an email a few months before the trip with more details - you can sign up then and pay a small deposit (this is all you will pay as the School subsidises this trip). Activities to develop your group working, research and planning skills include:

Canoeing
Orienteering
Hillwalking
Mountainbiking
Team building sessions
Reflection on your PhD and planning for the future

The Graduate School BBQ

This is a chance for all staff, researchers and postgraduate research students to get together and chat over a burger and a beer (vegetarian and non-alcoholic options are available!). After a hard day’s study, come along for a relaxed social where you can meet people from other Institutes.

You will receive an email about the BBQ – just register to let the Graduate School Office know that you will be coming and turn up on the day.

The Graduate School Postgraduate Conference

Every year, the Graduate School organises a Postgraduate Research Conference to showcase the work being done by students across the Research Institutes. This is usually held at Pollock Halls in April. The Conference is a celebration of the research within the School of Engineering, and includes Keynote presentations that encourage you to reflect upon your PhD and your future career plans. Research students from all years are expected to attend.

During the Conference, 2nd year PhD students present a poster and give a short presentation about their research. Communicating your research findings is a critical skill, and the Postgraduate Conference is an informal opportunity to practice this. Prizes are given for the best poster and presentation and prior to the Conference training is provided by IAD.

You should register for and attend the IAD training for the Conference to help with your poster and presentation.

You can read more and view posters from previous conferences within our research pages.