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.

Important dates

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

Autumn 2024 timetable

The timetable will be published by 29 August 2024.

Enrolment and module registration opens

  • 19 August 2024 for undergraduate students
  • 2 September 2024 for postgraduate students

Sign up for seminar and tutorial groups

Open on 2 September 2024.

Teaching starts

  • 9 September 2024 for undergraduate students
  • 23 September 2024 for postgraduate students

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 courses start on 9 September 2024 and postgraduate courses start on 23 September 2024.

See other important semester dates

Pre-arrival orientation

We offer a comprehensive online orientation through Stirling Essentials that includes:

  • five core live online workshops,
  • some essential online activities,
  • resources to help you prepare for academic life.

Undergraduate orientation

Monday 26 to Friday 30 August at 10:00 to 11:00 (GMT) each day.
Register for a place on the undergraduate orientation programme.

Postgraduate orientation

Monday 9 to Friday 13 September at 14:30 to 15:30 (GMT) each day.
Register for a place on the postgraduate orientation programme.

Before you begin your course there will be further resources and essential activities available in Stirling Essentials, including:

  • an online self-paced course on academic writing,
  • a short course on tackling gender-based violence.

You should complete both courses by week 3 of the semester. You'll earn a digital badge on completion of each online course. The Stirling Essentials site has many resources to help answer any questions you have.

By completing the Stirling Essentials orientation programme you'll feel more prepared and confident to begin your studies at Stirling.

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:

Anyone with a weakened immune system or certain eligible health conditions may be offered the coronavirus vaccine.

Phone your GP to check if you've had all the recommended doses you're eligible for. Your GP 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.

Studying online

Students taking our online courses can also access all the services and benefits available to on-campus students. Find out more about how to make the most of your online learning experience.

Welcome information for students studying online

Got a question?

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

Chat to our students