Are you ready for adventure? Heading off to uni is all about trying new things. You’re going to be surrounded by loads of amazing people from all over the world. You’ll experience countless new sights, sounds, tastes and experiences – and if you want to make the most of your time at university and truly discover yourself, Stirling is the perfect choice.
Our Hollywood-worthy campus and the ancient City of Stirling gives you a backstage pass to some of Scotland’s unique experiences. We’ve compiled a list of 10 activities that should be on every Stirling student’s bucket list.
1. Get involved in Welcome events
Want to start your university career off with a bang? We’ve got you covered. Every year we run a series of events to help you make a great start to life at Stirling. There will be a festival vibe on campus with lots happening.
Check out this year’s Welcome events and activities
2. Try new things at Freshers Week
If you’re looking for a good time, you’ll never be disappointed by the incredible Freshers Week line-up our award-winning Students’ Union has got planned. Freshers Week activities are a great way to let your hair down, have some fun, and make new friends that will last a lifetime.
3. Explore Stirling Castle
Perched high above our ancient city, the iconic Stirling Castle will transport you back to medieval Scotland. Meet historical characters in the Royal Palace and learn about kings, queens and warriors of old who changed the course of Scotland’s history. The castle also hosts concerts and major arts events throughout the year.
4. Scale the Dumyat
One of Scotland’s most breath-taking treks starts right here on our doorstep. Overlooking our campus accommodation, the jagged crags of Dumyat offer a challenging hike with stunning views across the valley. The terrain even boasts the well-preserved ruins of a Roman-era Maeatae fort.
Fancy a challenge? Every May, the Uni sponsors a race to the top of the iconic hill and back, which is open to students, staff and members of the public.
Learn about the Dumyat hill race
5.Unwind at King’s Park
Visible from the castle esplanade, the ancient King’s Park once served as a royal hunting ground. Today, it’s sprawling green space that Stirling residents and students flock to on a sunny day. Facilities include a skate park, BMX track, outdoor exercise suite, full-service café, and more.
If you fancy a round of golf, the park also sits alongside the sprawling Stirling Golf Club.
6. Climb the Wallace Monument
Our beautiful campus sits in the shadow of the National Wallace Monument – one of Stirling’s most iconic landmarks which stands above the fields where William Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge.
Find out more about the Wallace Monument
7. Check out the Highland Games
Keen to experience the real Scotland? Every summer, pipe bands and athletes from across the globe flock to our doorstep and show off their skills by competing in traditional feats of strength like the caber toss, hammer throw and tug-of-war.
Learn more about the Highland Games
8. Enter the lion’s den at Blair Drummond
Located just on the outskirts of Stirling, Blair Dummond Safari Park offers Scotland’s only immersive safari experience. You can drive through game reserves and get up close to a pride of lions, monkeys, camels, zebras, rhinos, ankole cattle, and more.
The park also has a great range of food outlets, BBQ facilities, and more.
9. Ring in the New Year at Stirling Hogmanay
Have you ever counted down to midnight in a medieval castle? Every year, students gather with locals at Stirling Castle to ring in the New Year with some of music’s biggest names. There’s always plenty of food and drink to keep you warm, and the atmosphere is amazing.
10. Soak up some culture at the Macrobert
Located right at the heart of our 330-acre campus, the Macrobert Arts Centre is Central Scotland’s leading cultural hub and arts centre. It regularly hosts some of the globe’s top music and theatre events – while its critically-acclaimed Filmhouse is easily the best value in town.
These are some of the bucket list items you absolutely must tick off during your time at Stirling, but this is only the tip of the iceberg! Here at the University of Stirling, we’ve got something for everyone – and we can’t wait to welcome you onto campus!