Welcome activities and information sessions
In the first few weeks and throughout the semester, we will be running different activities, both on-campus and online, to help you make a great start to life at Stirling.
We're working really hard just now to put our full schedule of welcome activities together for those starting in September and October 2020 to ensure they comply with the latest Scottish Government regulations. See below for our confirmed activities - we're adding to them all the time. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
You can also take a look at our pre-arrival activities and workshops for new and returning students.
First week welcome activities for undergraduates joining in September
Thursday 10 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film Screening @ Macrobert Arts Centre | 15:00 | Macrobert Arts Centre on campus |
MacRobert Arts Centre are hosting an exclusive screening of the latest box office hit, Tenet. “John David Washington is the new Protagonist in Christopher Nolan’s original sci-fi action spectacle. Armed with only one word—Tenet—and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.” There are 20 free tickets up for grabs. We will then have more tickets on sale for the low price of £4.50. Tickets are in limited supply. Please note event attendees must comply with the and follow the Scottish Government's latest social distancing guidance. This event is now fully booked. |
Friday 11 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #UoSInstaQuest | 10:00 - 15:40 (15 minutes between each slot) | On-campus |
Get to know your campus whilst putting your teamwork and problem solving skills to the test. Sign up to take part in our #UoSInstaQuest! A brand new exploration experience for 2020, our InstaQuest will take you on a unique campus tour, with exciting tasks to complete along the way to win points for your team. And we all know what points equal…prizes! All you will need to play is your phone, your teammates, and your best selfie skills. Please join your housemates to form a team (Maximum of 2 households permitted). Team sizes should be between 2 and 6 people. Find out more and book your place for Friday 11 September. Please note event attendees must comply with the Stirling campus pledge and follow the Scottish Government's latest social distancing guidance. |
Saturday 12 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #UoSInstaQuest | 12:00 - 15:40 (15 minutes between each slot) | On-campus |
Get to know your campus whilst putting your teamwork and problem solving skills to the test. Sign up to take part in our #UoSInstaQuest! A brand new exploration experience for 2020, our InstaQuest will take you on a unique campus tour, with exciting tasks to complete along the way to win points for your team. And we all know what points equal…prizes! All you will need to play is your phone, your teammates, and your best selfie skills. Please join your housemates to form a team (Maximum of 2 households permitted). Team sizes should be between 2 and 6 people. Find out more and book your place for Saturday 12 September. Please note event attendees must comply with the Stirling campus pledge and follow the Scottish Government's latest social distancing guidance. |
| Welcome Lounge | 11:00 - 16:00 | On-campus |
Come and join us in our Welcome Lounge where you can meet lots of teams from the university and find out more about your Students Union and all that it offers. Don’t forget to pick up your goody bag – its full of useful info, a map of Stirling and giveaways too. |
| Campus tours | 11:00 - 15:40 | On-campus |
Join our student ambassadors for a tour of our stunning campus. They will show you our sports facilities, student's union, library, academic teaching areas, study spaces, cinema, shops and cafes. Tours depart every 20 minutes. Please note numbers are limited and social distancing guidelines must be adhered to at all times. |
| Students' Union Welcome Weekend | 10:00 - 15:00 | On campus - Outside the Student's Union |
Find out about everything the Stirling Students' Union do to Make Students' Lives Better and pick up some free giveaways. |
| Essential Guide for Parents and Carers | 11:00 - 12:00 | Online via Facebook |
This informal session is designed exclusively for parents, carers and family members of new students. It provides the ideal opportunity to learn more about campus life and the many support services we have at the University. |
| Zumba | 09:30 - 10:15 | Join Zumba online via Zoom |
Join the Party! Zumba is a great way to condition your body to some funky music and moves from around the world. Ensure you have enough room to shake and shimmy in your home. No equipment needed. |
Sunday 13 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #UoSInstaQuest | 10:00 - 15:45 (15 minutes between each slot) | On-campus |
Get to know your campus whilst putting your teamwork and problem solving skills to the test. Sign up to take part in our #UoSInstaQuest! A brand new exploration experience for 2020, our InstaQuest will take you on a unique campus tour, with exciting tasks to complete along the way to win points for your team. And we all know what points equal…prizes! All you will need to play is your phone, your teammates, and your best selfie skills. Please join your housemates to form a team (Maximum of 2 households permitted). Team sizes should be between 2 and 6 people. Find out more and book your place for Sunday 13 September. Please note event attendees must comply with the Stirling campus pledge and follow the Scottish Government's latest social distancing guidance. |
| Welcome Lounge | 12:00 - 16:00 | On-campus |
Come and join us in our Welcome Lounge where you can meet lots of teams from the university and find out more about your Students Union and all that it offers. Don’t forget to pick up your goody bag – its full of useful info, a map of Stirling and giveaways too. |
| Campus tours | 12:00 - 15:40 | On-campus |
Join our student ambassadors for a tour of our stunning campus. They will show you our sports facilities, student's union, library, academic teaching areas, study spaces, cinema, shops and cafes. Tours depart every 20 minutes. Please note numbers are limited and social distancing guidelines must be adhered to at all times. |
| Yoga Flow | 09:30 - 10:15 | Join Yoga Flow online via Zoom |
Moving with the breath, keeping slow and steady, work your way through this yoga flow. No equipment needed. |
| Students' Union Welcome Weekend | 10:00 - 15:00 | On campus - Outside the Student's Union |
Find out about everything the Stirling Students' Union do to Make Students' Lives Better. |
| Student Officer Q&A | 13:00 - 14:00 | Online via Microsoft Team |
Take the opportunity to ask your Stirling Students' Union Officers anything! |
| Silent Disco Adventure Tour on the Streets of Stirling’s Old Town | 16:45 - 19:00 (approx) | Stirling |
Known for their award-winning shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, the amazing Silent Adventures team are heading our way for Welcome Week 2020! We're sorry but this event is now cancelled due to the Government restrictions on social gatherings. We hope to rearrange the event as soon as it's possible to do so safely. |
Monday 14 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to Stirling - Chat and Q&As | All day | Online |
Drop in to chat to other new students or ask any questions you have to our student support teams. |
| Stirling Students' Union Freebies Day | 10:00 - 15:00 | On campus - Outside the Student's Union |
Grab a few freebies and get info on local services. |
| Essential student guide to Library and IT |
12:00 - 13:00 |
Online via Teams | Tune in to learn all about the Library and the IT setup at Stirling. Sign up via Eventbrite |
| DIY Strength |
12:15 - 12:45 |
Join DIY Strenght online via Zoom | Improve your strength, co-ordination and balance at home by using body weight and/or weighted items - household objects, water bottles, dumbbells and kettlebells are all perfect. We'll help you adapt and adjust exercises to build your strength! |
| Be Empowered – Making Connections |
14:30 - 15:00 |
Be Empowered - 14 Sept: online via Teams | Do you want to be empowered to actively manage your wellbeing? Do you want to experience all the university has to offer? Do you want to enjoy the social |
| Just Play Women’s Football |
16:00 - 17:00 |
Hockey Pitch |
Join fellow students for a casual game of football. |
| International Student Meet and Greet |
17:00 - 19:00 |
Online via Team |
Stirling Students' Union's International Officer, Dimitrios, is hosting an online meet and greet for international students. This will be an informal, free to attend event on Microsoft Teams where you can meet fellow International students, chat, find others on your course and share stories. |
| UV Spin |
19:00 - 19:45 |
Sports Hall |
Join us for a high energy, indoor cycling class with a difference. Wear something white or bright and try glow in the dark spin for a fun, energetic workout with fellow students. Book via the Stirling Sports app. Cost is £1. |
Tuesday 15 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stirling Students' Union Clubs and Societies Day | 10:00 - 15:00 | On campus - Union, front entrance | Find out about joining Clubs and Societies and Give It A Go sessions |
| What’s the difference between school and university? | 12:00 - 13:00 | Online workshop | Coming to university is an exciting time but it can also be quite daunting if you are not sure what to expect. A great chance to find out more about how university is different from school and what might be expected. A webinar to get you in the right frame of mind for studying at university. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Book your place for What's the difference between school and university. |
| Pilates | 13:00 - 13:45 | Join Pilates via Zoom | A total body conditioning class that strengthens the core, improves posture and balance, and enhances flexibility and agility through a series of challenging and low impact mat-based exercises. No equipment needed. |
| Making the most of Online Learning | 13:00 - 14:00 | Online workshop | Learn how to make the most of the online learning tools that you and your lecturers will be using to support your learning online at Stirling, including Canvas, Listen Again, online assessment, |
| What’s the difference between college and university? |
15:00 - 16:00 |
Online workshop | A great chance to find out more about how teaching and learning at university are different from college and what might be expected. A webinar to get you in the right frame of mind for studying at university. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Book your place for What's the difference between college and university. |
| The Union Big Dig |
15:00 - 17:00 |
Students' Union Garden | Get your hands dirty at the Union Garden. |
| Just Play Football |
17:00 - 18:00 |
Hockey Pitch |
Join fellow students for a casual game of football. Great way to meet likeminded students and keep fit. |
| Confessions of a 4th Year |
19:00 - 19:40 |
Online |
Join our panel of 4th year students for chat, Q&A and lively discussion. |
| Just Play Badminton |
19:00 - 20:00 |
Sports Hall |
Join fellow students for a casual game of badminton. Great way to meet likeminded students and get active. |
Wednesday 16 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Union Day | 10:00 - 15:00 | On campus - Union, front entrance |
Find out about joining the Sports Union and Give It A Go sessions. |
| Essential student guide to Library and IT |
12:00 - 13:00 |
Online via Teams | Tune in to learn all about the Library and the IT setup at Stirling. Sign up via Eventbrite |
| Yarnfulness | 12:30 - 13:30 | Online session | Meet up, chat and learn how to knit and crochet. |
| Step into 1st year - What makes a successful student? | 13:00 - 14:00 | Online workshop | This webinar will review some of the characteristics and habits which promote successful study at university. We will also be exploring some of the expectations around university study and there will be lots of student hints and tips. We will also discuss settling into university life. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Book your place on Step into 1st Year. |
| Be Empowered - Seek Support | 14:30 - 15:00 | Be empowered - 16 Sept: online via Teams | Meet the teams of Student support session. Students get an opportunity to meet us and find out what our service can do for them. (30 minute session delivered via |
| Mini Golf | 15:00 - 17:00 | Union lawn | Play a wee round on the Union lawn. |
| Just Play Football | 20:30 - 21:30 | 3G Pitch |
Join fellow students for a casual game of football. Great way to meet likeminded students and keep fit. |
Thursday 17 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpacas on campus | 12:00 - 14:00 | Union lochside |
Come and visit the fluffy alpacas at the Stirling Student's Union. We're sorry but due to the new Government restrictions on social gatherings this event has been postponed. Stirling Students' Union hope to arrange this event for another time when it's possible to do so safely. |
|
| Making the most of Online Learning | 13:00 - 14:00 | Online workshop | Learn how to make the most of the online learning tools that you and your lecturers will be using to support your learning online at Stirling, including Canvas, Listen Again, online assessment, |
|
| Being a mature student at university | 14:00 - 15:00 | Online workshop | There are lots of mature students at the university so we thought we would give you your own dedicated session. This webinar will explore the mature student experience, think about getting ready for study and how to manage your busy lives. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Book your place on Being a mature student at university. | |
| Careers: Finding part-time jobs | 15:00 - 16:00 | Online | If you are looking for part-time work while you study then you can't afford to miss this informative workshop. Find out about the different options available, where to look, and what rights you have as a part-time employee. Sign up via stirling.targetconnect.net. |
|
| Functional Circuits | 17:30 - 18:15 | Sports Hall | Tackle those tough daily activities with ease, by taking part in a fun and exciting mix of both cardiovascular and resistance challenges in a supportive class environment. Book via the University of Stirling Sports App. Cost £1. | |
| STEER coffee and a chat | 19:00 - 20:00 | Online via Microsoft Teams | Grab something cosy and comforting and chat with the STEER peer mentors. STEER is a University-wide peer support scheme linking in returning student "Captains" with new undergraduate or taught post-graduate "Crew" during their first year at Stirling. | |
| Just Play Badminton | 19:00 - 20:00 | Sports Hall |
Join fellow students for a casual game of badminton. Great way to meet likeminded students and get active. |
Friday 18 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Give it a Go launch | 10:00 - 15:00 | Various locations |
The Stirling Student's Union Clubs and Societies and Sports Union will be running various sessions to let you try out their activity before you join. The sessions will be on various dates and times from 18 Sept - 1 Oct 2020. |
| Liberation Lawn | 10:00 - 15:00 | On campus - Outside the Student's Union |
Join the Stirling Students' Union on their Liberation Lawn. This event has been postponed. The Students' Union hope to rearrange this event for another time. |
| How to get fit at Uni - A beginner's guide | 11:30 - 12:30 | Get fit: Online via Teams |
Your Student Sport Experience Officer will chat through the opportunities that are available on campus and virtually to help you get active and stay active whilst at University. |
| Full Body Blast | 12:15 - 12:45 | Join Full Body Blast online via Zoom |
Full Body Blast combines intense bouts of exercise with short recovery periods. Work your full body and torch maximum calories in a minimum amount of time! No equipment needed. |
| Be Empowered – Building your Toolkit | 14:30 - 15:00 | Be empowered - 18 Sept: Online via Teams |
Sometimes things might not go quite to plan, sometimes we feel were not quite on track, sometimes we all need a little help… Come along to this session to |
| Just Play Football | 17:30 - 18:30 | Hockey Pitch |
Join fellow students for a casual game of football. Great way to meet likeminded students and keep fit. |
| Virtual Drag Bingo | 19:00 - 21:30 | Online |
Join the Stirling Students' Union virtual drag bingo session. Find out how to join the bingo session. |
Saturday 19 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campus tours | 12:00 - 15:40 | To be confirmed |
Join our student ambassadors for a tour of our stunning campus. They will show you our sports facilities, student's union, library, academic teaching areas, study spaces, cinema, shops and cafes. Tours depart every 20 minutes. Please note numbers are limited and social distancing guidelines must be adhered to at all times. |
Sunday 20 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| PiYo | 10:30 - 11:15 | Sports Hall |
Sweat, stretch and strengthen – all in one low-impact, music driven, body-sculpting workout. Please bring your own mat if you have one, otherwise we can provide one for you. |
Monday 21 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Join the Stirling MOVES Challenge |
10:00 - 15:00 |
Outside Haldane's |
Represent your faculty or service for some friendly competition to determine the most active community on campus with our Stirling MOVES Challenge. Drop by the stall to find out how you can get involved to represent your faculty. |
| The Union Big Dig |
15:00 - 17:00 |
Students' Union Garden | Get your hands dirty at the Union Garden. |
Tuesday 22 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Campus Trails |
10:00 - 11:00 |
On-campus. Meet at the Boatshed. | Join your Student Sport Experience Officer to discover trails around campus for walking and running. |
| All Things Scotland Quiz | 19:00 - 20:00 | Join live on the University of Stirling Facebook page |
Want to test your knowledge on all things Scotland? Join us over on Facebook for a fun interactive quiz all about the bonnie country. From fun facts to Scottish slang, it’s gonnae be a braw time! |
Wednesday 23 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yarnfulness |
12:30 - 13:30 |
Online |
Meet up, chat and learn how to knit and crochet. |
| Not in a pub, pub quiz | 19:30 - 21:30 | Online | In partnership with the University, your Union Officers will be hosting an online free pub quiz. Questions will be on everything from general knowledge to sport, music and movies. Find out more about the quiz. |
Friday 25 September
| What's happening | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIVE Volunteering Fair | 14:00 - 16:00 | Online |
Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, develop your skills and help make a difference. This virtual volunteering fair is a chance for you to meet and engage with external organisations and find out what opportunities they have. If you choose to volunteer, you can gain valuable experience, create networks and help make yourself stand out to future employers. Employers like to see that you have had some experience and can provide a reference so volunteering is a great way to do this. Come along to meet a wide range of organisations and find the right opportunity for you. Sign up on TARGETConnect. |
Welcome activities for postgraduates joining in October
If you're a postgraduate student starting with us in October 2020 please go to our dedicated postgraduate welcome section to see all the activities and information sessions planned.
Freshers' Week September 2020
Stirling Students' Union is busy with plans to ensure you have a brilliant welcome with a range of online and on-campus activities. keep you updated via their Freshers' Week webpage or on their Official Stirling Freshers Facebook group. Make sure you join to get official information, meet your new course mates and find out about everything Stirling.
Study skills workshops
Student Learning Services are running virtual study skills workshops to help you prepare for university and to support your progress through the semester. They offer guidance, and hints and tips on how to make your learning both effective and enjoyable. See what's on offer.
Faculty and course welcome sessions
Course teams in each Faculty will arrange for you to meet the staff, other students and learn how things work at Stirling. You'll get essential information to help you settle in and find your feet.
Be Connected
To get a taste of student life at Stirling why not check out our programme of social, health and wellbeing, learning and cultural activities and resources to help students during the COVID-19 outbreak.