The University of Stirling has launched a new dedicated information service called ‘Skype Stirling Friday’, weekly from 9am to 5pm GMT.
Students from around the world can go online and speak face to face to a dedicated member of the international recruitment team, who can give help and advice on a range of topics. The service can be accessed through the Skype name ustir_international.
International and Postgraduate Recruitment Manager Beth Shotton said the service is already proving to be popular.
She added: “This is a really exciting service and we are amongst the first Universities in Scotland to be using Skype in a dedicated way like this. It is a useful tool for students to get in contact with us.
“It is very beneficial to have that face to face contact and they can also use the chat tool. Moving from another country to study here can be a huge step for some people so it is important we can provide a friendly, reassuring and familiar face.
“This service can also cut down on expensive international phone calls students may have to make to contact the office for information.”
Stirling also has a number of virtual presentations planned next semester for undergraduates, on a range of helpful topics, such as applying to university as the UCAS deadline approaches. Postgraduate presentations will also be on offer: graduate students will be able to take part in web chat discussion where a member of University staff will be able to answer any questions.
The final virtual presentation this semester will be on ‘International Summer School and Study Abroad’ and will be held on 14 December from 5pm to 6pm GMT.
Beth added: “We are designing bespoke virtual events which lead the way in which we communicate with students. It is about making ourselves as accessible as possible in a global community.”
The University of Stirling also utilises other new media forms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to connect with prospective students, current students, alumni and friends of the University.
For a full list of the University’s virtual events visit