Arriving at Stirling

On the weekend prior to the start of semester, the University of Stirling sees the arrival of 3,000 students at its residences. Orientation meetings for all first year students begin at 3:00 pm on Sunday, so it is advisable for all students to have moved in before that time.

Halls of Residence are open for students to arrive from 10:30 on Saturday morning, (please refer to your offer email for specific times for your residence) while flats open for arrivals on Sunday. The majority of students will arrive at the University early Saturday afternoon, resulting in what can at times be heavy traffic congestion. University of Stirling staff will be on hand to direct traffic to the residences.

Below are some helpful tips for both students and parents.

• Know where you are going
  There are maps detailing the location of the University and the layout of the campus available which show the locations of all our residences. All but one of our on-campus residences are located along the north edge of the campus. If you arrive by the main gate, take the first left and follow the road up the hill. This route passes all the residences on the campus, except Spittal Hill.
• Your son/daughter will have to pick up his/her keys from the Concierge’s desk in the residence. They will need their copy of the occupancy agreement. We would advise you to wait until you have the keys, before you unload your vehicle – the queues at the Concierge’s desk can become quite long.
• We request that you unload your car as quickly as possible, and move it to one of the other car parks on the campus near the Cottrell building as there is only very limited parking around the residences. Members of staff will direct you to these other car parks.
• Concierge Staff at the University will have delivered a limited number of trolleys to each of the residences to assist you in moving equipment. While these are available on a first come, first served basis, we would respectfully request that you give up your trolley to anyone with a disability, mobility problems, students who are moving in without parental assistance, or individuals who are moving heavy items.
• As part of the University’s Traffic congestion reduction scheme, resident first year undergraduate students are not allowed to bring their own cars onto the campus. Therefore, if your son/daughter has brought his/her own vehicle when moving in, it will have to be removed from the campus.
• Please follow the directions given by all members of staff - moving 1,200 students into the residences in a day may sound like a challenge, it's actually more like controlled chaos!

Accommodation

Residential Services appreciates that many students and their families have travelled very long distances to get to Stirling, and that in these circumstances you may wish to spend the night in Stirling before making your return trip the next day.

Residential Services will be happy to supply you with a list of Bed & Breakfast, Guesthouse, Hostel, and Hotel facilities in the area. Please make us aware of your requirements using the contact us section of the site.

Concierge staff also hold a list of local facilities should you decide at the last minute to spend the night.