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Activities for Stirling, Scotland

Summer Program

The summer program includes a variety of activities and excursions, intended to make the most out of your time in Scotland. Activities typically include a welcome reception, nature walks, film nights, a pub quiz, Gaelic games, day trips, class excursions, and a traditional farewell Ceilidh.

Although most degree-seeking students will be away from campus during the summer term, there are plenty of ways for you to immerse yourself in the local campus, community, and culture. See Cultural Immersion Opportunities below.

Semester and Yearlong Program

USAC students are members of the university’s Students' Association and are able to participate fully in university activities, student organizations, and sports. There are more than 120 societies and sports clubs to choose from at the University of Stirling — which range from Archery to Book Club, from A Capella to Latin Dance, and from Gaelic Football to True Crime. Joining university clubs and societies is a great way to get involved, meet people with similar interests, and become integrated into campus life.

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

  • Take part in gardening at the Stirling Student Union’s community garden on campus.
  • Spend the day with friends at Loch Lomond.
  • Explore nearby Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest and the most sieged castle in the world.
  • Find hidden gems on campus, including sculpture trails, standing stones, and university collections.
  • Climb the steps of the National Wallace Monument for a breathtaking view of Stirling and the surrounding countryside.
  • Learn about medieval combat at the Battle of Bannockburn Experience.
  • Discover the natural beauty of the nearby Scottish Highlands.
  • Participate in the Stirling Welcome Week, offering a week full of activities, music, and fun (semester only).
  • Get involved in the Stirling Sports Union, offering 50 different sports clubs for all sporting abilities to join (semester only).
  • Chill out in the university’s wellbeing suite with sensory rooms, a massage chair, and art supplies.
  • Get spooked at the Stirling Old Town Jail while enjoying escape rooms and interactive ghost tours.
  • Join the Global Café to connect with people from around the world (semester only).
  • Join in local karaoke hosted in downtown Stirling every Thursday night.
  • Celebrate the winner of the Mcllvanney Prize for the best crime author of the year at the Bloody Scotland Gala and Torch Procession (September).
  • Attend the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games and see what makes a true Highlander (July). Then, compete in the mini Highland games hosted by the Stirling Summer School!
  • Discover nearby Bridge of Allan, known for its fish and chips and local café scene.
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