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.
Accommodation move in day
Nursing and Paramedic Science students - 6 September 2025
Undergraduate students - 11 September 2025
Postgraduate students - 11 September 2025 onwards
Welcome week
11 September to 21 September 2025
Welcome week is a great opportunity for all new students to meet new friends, learn new skills and just enjoy yourself! Our welcome activities run throughout the daytime and evening.
Autumn 2025 timetable
The timetable for all students will be published on 18 August 2025. Find out how to get your personalised timetable.
Student registration opens
Undergraduate students - 25 August 2025.
Postgraduate students - 1 September 2025.
Sign up for seminar and tutorial groups
Undergraduate students: 8 September 2025
Postgraduate students: 15 September 2025
Teaching starts
22 September 2025 for all new undergraduate and 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.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students beginning courses in September 2025 will start on these dates:
- Term starts with Welcome Week - 15 September 2025
- Teaching begins - 22 September 2025
Pre-arrival orientation
We offer a comprehensive pre-arrival online orientation through Stirling Essentials.
1. Sign up for the online pre-arrival orientation workshops
First you need to sign up for our five core live online orientation sessions that are packed full of useful info to get help you get off to a great start at Stirling!
You'll learn how to navigate both the physical and digital learning spaces at the University. We'll introduce you to the essential skills that you need to succeed such as academic writing, reading and critical thinking. You'll gain a good understanding of what is expected of you and how to work through your course materials with confidence. There's also time to chat to current students about their experiences of studying at Stirling.
New undergraduate student sessions
Monday 1 September to Friday 5 September 2025 at 10:00-11:00 (BST) each day.
Register for a place on our undergraduate online orientation programme.
New postgraduate student sessions
Monday 8 September to Friday 12 September 2025 at 10:00-11:00 (BST) each day.
Register for a place on our postgraduate online orientation programme.
You don't have to attend every session as recordings will be available but we do expect all incoming students to attend these workshops as part of their orientation.
2. Complete two short online modules
Before you begin your course you should complete two short modules available in Stirling Essentials, which are:
- Academic Integrity and Writing
- Consent Matters
You should complete both courses by week 3 of the semester. You'll earn a digital badge on completion of each online course.
3. Explore Stirling Essentials additional resources
The Stirling Essentials site has many resources to help answer any questions you have and to help you prepare for academic life. Explore Stirling Essentials resources.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make a list of what to pack
Read our handy list with suggestions of what you need 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.
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.
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.
University Jargon Buster
Starting university can come with a lot of new and confusing terms. Our students Ben, Maya, and Dhanya are here to explain some of them to you.