I studied abroad in Scotland at the University of Stirling during the Summer 2024 session, and from the moment I arrived at the airport and met some fellow students, I could tell that Stirling’s campus would feel like my home for the next 4 weeks. Stirling’s campus is full of places for students to study, hang out, or grab a bite to eat.
As you explore Stirling’s campus, it’s clear that the University has a strong background in international studies and has a thriving diverse culture. Throughout the summer, the university held a variety of events that focused on connecting with other students and the local culture. The events were a great way to relax from classes but still be learning about Scotland’s rich history.
Campus Space
Because it was during the summer, the campus was less populated than I’m sure it is during the fall and spring semesters, but there were still plenty of students who would hang out in the Student Union to study. The Student Union had a great amount of seating and other accommodations like outlets and group study facilities to make it easier for students to study on campus, and many students take advantage of that. It’s also a convenient place to study because of the close proximity to the library and the easy access to on-campus food options.
Another popular study spot on campus is outside around Airthrey Loch. On the trail around the loch, there are several benches and grassy spots that are perfect for a study session and picnic. There always seems to be a nice breeze going outside, and the quiet atmosphere is a great place to get work done, or even just relax.
Grading & Academic Expectations
The grading system in Scotland is quite different from grading in the United States, but I didn’t find that to be a barrier to my studies at all. Many classes during the summer session tend to be a bit more laid back, but the expectations of completing your work promptly with a level of quality are still there.
Other students and I really enjoyed our classes over the summer, so we would tend to show up early and chat amongst ourselves before class began. The class that I took, Celtic Religion, had a lot of focus on in-class work where we learned about different aspects of Celtic culture and applied those concepts to hands-on crafts. A lot of other classes emphasize independent work done outside of the classroom—so it depends on your professor and their teaching style.
I think the academic culture I experienced on campus at the University of Stirling reflects the larger culture of Scotland in general. Compared to the United States, the culture was more relaxed and laid back. But this does not mean there aren’t high expectations for students to meet their academic goals. In Scotland, there is more of a focus on independent work for students and the responsibility of grades falls to the student more than the professor.
If you're interested in exploring more of Scotland, check out all our available programs here!
Blog by Elliott Bertrand, University of Central Florida & Summer in Scotland alum
