Studying at Stirling

The first couple of weeks at university can be a busy and confusing time for new students. Here is all the information you need to get started at the University of Stirling. 

Read on to find out what you need to do by when, what equipment you will need, what tools you will use, what you can expect from our teaching, and where to find help and support for your studies.

Important dates

Please be aware that some courses may start earlier. Students on these courses will be contacted directly by their faculty.

Autumn 2023 timetable available

Monday 14 August 2023

(for both undergraduates and postgraduates)

Enrolment opens

Monday 21 August 2023

(for both undergraduates and postgraduates)

Sign up for seminar and tutorial groups

Undergraduate: Monday 4 September 2023

Postgraduate: Monday 18 September 2023

Teaching starts

Undergraduate: Monday 11 September 2023

Postgraduate: Monday 25 September 2023

See semester dates for the rest of the year

Getting started

How do I choose my modules?

You can choose your modules once you have enrolled. Enrolment opens on 21 August 2023. Your Advisor of Studies can help you make your choices. Their details are on your portal once you enrol.

How do I sign up for seminar and tutorial groups?

You can sign up for seminar and tutorial groups in Canvas, which will open one week before teaching starts. Spaces in these groups will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

How do I access my timetable?

The autumn 2023 timetable will be available on 14 August 2023, but you will need to be enrolled to see it.

You can access your timetable through the University App.

Here are step-by-step instructions to access your personalised timetable.

You will only see lecture information at first. Once you have signed up for seminars and group sessions through Canvas, these will appear on your timetable the next day.

How do I know what to expect when I start studying at Stirling?

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: 
    • Undergraduate (28 August to 5 September)
    • Postgraduate and International students (11 to 19 September)
  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: If you cannot arrive and enrol by the dates given on your CAS, you should contact the Student Immigration Team at studentimmigration@stir.ac.uk as soon as possible.

More information about visa requirements

Stay local, attend class and engage with your studies

To be successful in your studies, you must attend classes, engage with your studies and complete the work and assignments set. 

That means you are expected to live close enough to the campus that you will be able to get here easily and regularly, and that any travel associated with attending campus (and the cost of it) are sustainable for you to pay.

One of the best ways to keep costs down and meet expectations on attendance is to apply for University-managed accommodation.

Your attendance in teaching activities will be recorded and monitored to support your success. If you have difficulties with attending or engaging with your studies, it is important to speak to your tutor.

student studying in library

IT equipment you will need

You need to have access to a laptop or computer to be able to study effectively on all our courses. You can check whether your existing laptop is suitable for university study (or find out what to buy) on the Tech@Stirling Canvas page.

Laptops can be borrowed from the library on a short-term or long-term basis. 

A mobile phone or tablet is not sufficient for university study. We also strongly discourage the use of Chromebooks as they won't be able to run all the software you will need.

Free Wi-Fi is available on campus, and all students have free access to Microsoft Office 365.

If you have a disability, contact our Accessibility and Inclusion team for more IT recommendations that may help you.

Places to learn and study

Library

With hundreds of thousands of physical and digital books and plenty of room for research and study, our spacious library offers all the tools and resources you need to succeed.

Canvas

Canvas is the online learning space where you will find your learning materials, information on your modules and be able to sign up for classes and submit assessments. You will have access from a week before teaching begins.

Study space

As well as space in the library, there are study zones and informal study spaces throughout the campus.

How we communicate

Your lecturers and tutors will keep you advised in classes on things you need to know. In addition, the University will primarily use e-mail and Canvas to communicate with you. Check your e-mails and Canvas every day so you don't miss important messages. We expect you to be professional, polite and respectful in all your communications to University staff and other students.

University of Stirling Communication Charter

Improve your academic and IT skills

We have lots of free study skills workshops, drop-in sessions and other services to help you study successfully throughout your programme.

Stirling Essentials

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. To make sure you are well prepared for your studies, you should complete the essential activities by week 3 of semester.

Study Skills workshops

These informal workshops will help you get the most out of studying at university. Learn a wide range of skills including IT, writing, reading, studying, researching, using the library and language skills. There are also workshops to help you with finding work and thinking about your career.

Digital Skills

To engage fully with your studies, you need basic digital skills in using software such as Office 365. If you want to improve your IT skills, Digital skills workshops are available both before and during your studies. We would encourage you to engage with these opportunities before you begin your studies.

Support during your studies

Whether you are on campus or online, there is a wide range of support available through a variety of channels to help you progress through your studies and make the most of life at Stirling. Support options include: 

Accessibility and Inclusion Services

Our Accessibility and Inclusion team are here to make sure there are no barriers to you achieving your full potential during your time at university.

Accessibility and Inclusion Services

Advisor of Studies scheme

If you need advice on your course, module choices and study options, your Adviser of Studies will be able to help. Their details are on your student portal.

Student Portal

One-to-one support

Your lecturers and tutors will be on hand to answer questions, lead activities and support you. All teaching staff have regular weekly drop-in sessions to offer one-to-one feedback and any support required. These are available by phone, online or face-to-face.

Staff profiles

Personal Tutor

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will support you and signpost any additional support required.

Student's guide to personal tutors

Student Learning Services

Student Learning Services (SLS) offers useful study skills advice and information. SLS also provide study skills guidance and support through quick query emails and bookable tutorials. To book, email sls@stir.ac.uk.

Student Learning Services on Canvas

Student Support Services

Student Support Services are available to offer support and guidance on a range of issues including wellbeing, finance and accessibility and inclusion support.

Student Support Services

Library and IT support

Library and IT enquiries are handled by the Information Centre. You can contact them through UniDesk (linked through your Student Portal) and the University App.

Information Services and Library

Students' Union

The Stirling Students’ Union offers independent guidance and support to students.

Stirling Students' Union