Group of international students drinking coffee

Welcome information for international students

Every year, we welcome students from all over the world, and we take pride in offering a truly global education on a diverse, welcoming campus.

Before you arrive on campus or start your studies online there a few preparations you'll need to make and things to consider to help you settle into life in the UK and Stirling. 

Stirling Essentials induction programme

It is essential that you complete Stirling Essentials 3-step orientation programme to help you understand the expectations of studying at Stirling:

  1. Attend our free, international student orientation before you arrive.
  2. Complete a few essential activities by week three of semester.
  3. Check out our Stirling Essential resources now and throughout your studies to help answer your questions. 

Preparing to study in the UK

Some steps you can take before you arrive in the UK to help with your studies.

Be digitally ready

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

Set up multi-factor authentication

To keep your University of Stirling account as secure as possible, we use multi-factor authentication. Our guide will help you set this up so you can start using our online resources.

Visa information

Our Student Immigration Team are here to help you with advice and support for your visa application.

Online registration

Before you arrive you should complete the online registration to confirm yourself as a member of the University of Stirling. 

Paying your tuition fees

Before the start of each academic year, you’ll need to pay your tuition and accommodation fees. Get more information on how to pay.

Travel to the UK

Essential information to help you plan and finalise your travel plans to the UK and to the University of Stirling campus.

Accommodation

Arrange your accommodation before you arrive. If you arrive in Stirling with no accommodation arranged it may be difficult to find a suitable place to stay.

Healthcare for international students

A quick guide to walk you through healthcare in the UK and various support services. On our campus, we have both a medical and dental practice.

Banking and budgeting

Information on planning for how you will access your money in the UK, including how to open a bank account in the UK.

Packing

See our suggested list of what to bring with you to Stirling and what is already supplied for you in our University accommodation.

Bringing your family

Some practical arrangements you'll need to consider if you have a spouse or partner and/or dependant children that you want to join you in the UK.

English Language and Study Skills

We provide courses, workshops and support sessions to help international students with English language or study skills.

Stirling Students' Union

Find out more about the Union's work to help to support international students.

Faiths on campus

We respect and accommodate all faiths and none on campus through our Chaplaincy Centre and our facilities for our Muslim community.

Supermarkets

On campus, there's a small Nisa supermarket in Campus Central and a Co-op in nearby in Bridge of Allan. In Stirling you'll find all the big supermarkets plus smaller specialist stores, a Chinese supermarket and a Halal store. Many supermarkets will deliver to the accommodation on campus.

Accessibility and inclusion services for students

Support is available at the University for anyone with physical and mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, mental health conditions and learning difficulties such as dyslexia. You can contact the Student Services Hub in advance of your arrival to arrange a meeting to assess your needs, to avoid delays when you arrive. Email ask@stir.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1786 466022. If you have medical information (in English) which would support and explain your support needs from a doctor or other professional, please bring that with you.