Before you arrive

We can’t wait to welcome you to the University of Stirling, whether you are studying on campus or online. Make the most of your time at Stirling from the moment you arrive on campus or begin your studies by working through this list.

Check the start dates of your course

You are expected to be available to attend on-campus teaching from the start of your course. You need to live locally, engage in your studies and attend campus regularly to take part in classes. 

Our undergraduate and postgraduate courses start on 22 January 2024.

See other important semester dates

Prepare to study

Before you arrive, get ready to start your studies at Stirling with Stirling Essentials. These online workshops, activities and resources will help develop your skills and understand expectations of studying with us. It is as easy as:

  1. Attend our free online orientation programme (Monday 8 January - Friday 12 January). Register for January orientation here
  2. Complete a few essential activities by week 3 of semester.
  3. Check out our Stirling Essentials resources which will help answer some of your questions and get you started.

You’ll have access to Stirling Essentials once you start the enrolment process and can register for the free online orientation programme in advance:

International students

We can’t wait to welcome you to the UK and to the University of Stirling. It is essential that you work through our international student induction programme, a series of free online workshops to help you understand the expectations of studying at Stirling.

There’s also some extra things you need to do in preparation for your arrival, so we’ve got lots of useful guidance for you in our international students section.

Enrol online

Follow our enrolment steps to start your course:

Get your personalised class timetable

Read our full guidance on how to view your personalised timetable and how to sign up for seminars and other small group sessions:

Timetable information

Download our apps

University of Stirling app

Get all your university services at your fingertips with the University of Stirling app. The app provides your personalised timetable and real-time, on-the-go, anytime information to support you during your time at Stirling. It's available free for all students.

If you are not able to access the University App on your device, you can use a web browser.

Download the University of Stirling app

SafeZone app

SafeZone is a free safety and wellbeing app for all University of Stirling staff and students. You can use SafeZone to alert security services, get first aid assistance, and much more. 

Find out more about SafeZone

Get your IT equipment and basic digital skills

Make sure you have access to a laptop or computer as you require this to be able to study effectively on all our courses. We have laptops available for short and longer term loans

Read our guide on how to set up multi-factor authentication so you can access our online resources. 

You also need basic digital skills in using software such as Office 365. We offer workshops if you need to improve your skills. 

See our IT guidance and support available at Stirling.

Make sure you have the support you need

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulties for which you may need support, please contact our Accessibility and Inclusion team. There's also support information available for care experienced young people.

Accessibility and inclusion

Plan your finances

Managing your money at university can be a challenge if you are away from home for the first time, managing SAAS or Student Finance payments (without spending the whole lot), or changing your employment to fit around your studies. It is therefore essential to familiarise yourself with the living costs of being a student and plan ahead financially.

Arrange your accommodation

If you haven’t already sorted out accommodation, then check out your on- and off-campus options now.

Accommodation

Make a list of what to pack

Read our handy list with suggestions of what you need to bring with you.

What to bring with you

Organise your travel to campus

Don’t leave it to the last minute to work out how you’re getting to campus.

Getting here

Check and update your vaccinations

NHS Scotland advises all students to ensure they have received up-to-date vaccines for:

If you're not sure how many doses of the coronavirus vaccine you're eligible for and how you'll be offered them, you can find out more on the coronavirus vaccine section of the NHS Inform website or call 0800 030 8013.

For other vaccines, phone your family doctor to check if you've had all the recommended doses you're eligible for. Your family doctor will check your records and advise if it's clinically appropriate for you to receive any vaccines or further doses.

For more information, visit the NHS Inform website.

Additional things to do before you arrive

To avoid having to do everything on-site the day you arrive on campus, there are a few more things you can complete beforehand to make settling in easier:

Sport Centre membership

Affordable sports and gym membership options

Register with our on campus doctor and dentist

If you are living on campus the medical and dental centre on campus is open for new registrations.

Follow us on social media

Find out what’s happening around campus by following us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or X.

Students from China can also follow us on Weibo and WeChat.

Finding part-time work

Find out more about applying for part-time work in the UK or overseas

Register to vote

Find out everything you need to know about voting in the UK

Get a Stirling Uni hoodie

Feel a sense of belonging to Stirling and get one of our iconic American Letter Hoodies. Check out the range available at the Stirling Students' Union online shop.

Group student work happening in library

International students

We can’t wait to welcome you to the UK and to the University of Stirling. It is essential that you work through our Stirling Essentials orientation programme, with a series of free online workshops designed exclusively for international students, essential activities and resources.

There’s also some extra things you need to do in preparation for your arrival, so we’ve got lots of useful guidance for you in our international students section.

Got a question?

If you have any questions about student life then who better to ask than one of our current students!