Before you arrive
We can’t wait to welcome you to the University of Stirling. Here's the things you need to know and do before you arrive in January 2026.
Key dates and required actions
17 December 2025 - Timetables published
The timetables for the Spring semester are published. View the University teaching timetable.
At this stage your timetable will only display the times of all your full class activities such as lectures for your compulsory modules. Once you complete enrolment and sign up for group sessions such as seminars, you will then see your full timetable.
6 January 2026 - Student enrolment opens
Student enrolment opens for new undergraduate and postgraduate students. Make sure to complete this as soon as you can. The process includes selecting your optional modules and completing student registration.
Enrolment information for undergraduate students
Enrolment information of postgraduate students
Once you have completed enrolment, your timetable will be populated with details of lectures and other full class activities for those modules. Group sessions such as seminars will not appear on your timetable until you've completed group sign up - this opens one week before the semester starts.
17 January 2026 - Accommodation move-in day
Move-in day for students staying in University-managed accommodation. View accommodation arrival information.
12 January 2026 - Group sign up opens
At 10:00 (GMT) sign-up opens for seminar and tutorial groups. This is when you choose group session times for some of your modules. You will then see your complete timetable with all your lectures, seminars and tutorials. Complete group sign up as soon as you can.
See how to sign up for groups on our teaching timetables page.
19 January 2026 - Semester starts
What you also need to do in December and January
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Sign up for our pre-arrival workshop programme Stirling Essentials.
It's a set of workshops to build your confidence with university systems, academic skills, and expectations. You'll explore key topics including writing and critical thinking, connect with other students and hear from current students.
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Complete our pre-arrival online modules.
These are online modules covering understanding sexual consent, tackling harassment, academic integrity, and cyber security. Each is essential for a safe, respectful, and successful university experience.
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Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.
NHS Scotland advises all students to ensure they have received 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.
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Get set with the right tech and skills
To stay on top of your studies, you’ll need a laptop or computer - it’s essential for all our courses. A phone, tablet, or Chromebook won't be suitable as they can’t run all the software you might need. Not sure if your current laptop is good enough? Check out what specs you need or what to buy.
There’s free Wi-Fi across campus, and you get access to Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more) to install on your own devices.
At uni, you’ll use different digital skills than you did at school. Want to see how ready you are? Head over to our Digital Skills Hub to check your current skills and learn what you’ll need to succeed.
Need help with tech stuff? We’ve got support for that too. See our IT guidance for new students.
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If you haven’t already sorted out accommodation, then check out your on- and off-campus options now.
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Don’t leave it to the last minute to work out how you’re getting here.
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Read our handy list with suggestions of what you need to bring with you.
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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.