INTO University of Stirling pre-arrival guide
All set for your study abroad adventure in Scotland? Nothing beats being well-prepared. Plan your travel and get everything sorted. Feel confident to kick-off this exciting academic year ahead!
Here, you’ll find out what you can do to prepare for arrival at INTO University of Stirling. Once you arrive, our friendly team will be there to provide all the support you may need.
What do I need to do before starting at INTO University of Stirling?
The easiest way to pay your fees is using INTOPay – our secure online payment system.
You can use this system to pay by credit card or debit card, or you can find our details for a bank transfer there.
You’ll receive a link to INTOPay and instructions on how to use the system in your offer letter.
Remember to reference your application ID when you pay via INTOPay.
All INTO students must have full travel, medical and health insurance. Unless proof of suitable insurance is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your course fees.
To receive your timetable and start classes, please ensure that your fees have been paid and that you're officially enrolled.
You may have applied for accommodation when you applied for your course. But if you didn’t, it’s not a problem. Please contact your education counselor to arrange your accommodation.
Spaces fill up quickly, so we advise that you book and pay to confirm your place in a student residence available for INTO students as soon as possible. Students under 18 must book accommodation with us.
Find out more about your accommodation options at INTO University of Stirling.
Most international students on an academic course with INTO will need to apply for a Student Route visa to study in the UK. As the UK is no longer part of the EU, most EU citizens planning to study in the UK will now need a visa too.
You’ll be provided with the documents you need to apply for a visa once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer and paid your deposit.
As part of your visa application, you may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge – this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service. You can check how much you’ll need to pay by using the UKVI calculator tool. Follow the Government’s Student Route visa guidance for the most up-to-date visa information.
You should arrange your flight(s) to ensure that you arrive on your INTO accommodation start date.
Please submit your arrival details as soon as possible. Your flight details, including arrival date and flight number(s), should be shared in our arrival details form. Providing your arrival details before you travel will ensure:
we'll be able to meet you as soon as you land, if you opt for an airport transfer
staff will be on-hand remotely to help you if any issues occur during your travels
your room is ready for you to move in as soon as you get to your accommodation.
You can fly into international airports in Glasgow or Edinburgh. For hassle-free travel, we can arrange a transfer to your university accommodation. This is compulsory for students under 18.
Airport transfer fee costs around £89 if you're traveling from either Glasgow International Airport or Edinburgh Airport.
Simply complete the arrival details form, selecting an airport pickup, at least 7 days before your arrival.
If you haven't opted for an airport pickup service, you should make your own travel arrangements. Please plan the journey to INTO Stirling before you arrive in the UK.
Helping you every step of the way
Start your UK studies with confidence – free program
INTO’s Get Ready to Study online pre-arrival program will help prepare you for UK student life, study and employability.
Confirm early to access this free program. Available to students starting their studies with INTO in September or January.
Your pre-arrival questions answered
Students in Stirling enjoy the warm summers while winters can be chilly and rainy with occasional snow. Bring warm clothes, including a thick coat, hat, scarf, boots, socks and gloves. You can also buy these in shops in Stirling in case you forgot to bring them.
Need more luggage space? Prioritize bringing your essentials. Watch our how to pack video to check that you’ve packed all your study abroad must-haves.
Remember to only pack items that you’re allowed to bring into the UK. You can find the list of banned items on the UK Government website along with guidance on bringing food into Scotland.
You’ll receive your academic timetable via email, at the end of your first week. You will need to have paid your fees and enrolled before starting class.
Going abroad alone to study can make you feel a rush of emotions, and it's commonly experienced by international students like you. Whenever you feel homesick or lonely, our dedicated Student Services team are ready to help you 24/7. You can also talk to your Personal Tutor about any additional academic or welfare support you may need.
Read our tips to deal with homesickness while studying abroad.
Join INTO Stirling’s Student Community – a private, invite-only online platform for INTO offer holders like you. In this exclusive space, you can virtually meet your future classmates, attend unique events and access valuable resources. We can’t wait to meet you!
Discover your first week
During your first week with us, you'll take part in a range of online and in-person events. Your induction week could include:
meeting academic and support staff and your classmates
University of Stirling campus tour
trips around Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh
introduction to the UK education system and expectations
discovering Scotland and Scottish culture.