Stirling Guide

The Student’s Guide to Stirling

Everyone has different reasons for selecting the University of Stirling as the place to spend the next four years of their lives.  It may be because of the gorgeous setting where squirrels and swans on the Arthery Loch are a common sight.  Or it could be due to the high reputation that academic life at Stirling holds, including its sporting excellence.  Or it could be because it is only 30 and 45 minutes away from Glasgow and Edinburgh respectively.  Whatever the reason, Stirling is guaranteed to become home to everyone.  This is a guide to the university and city that will do just that.

The University

Stirling University was founded in 1967 with the Pathfoot Building hosting teaching in 1968 until the Cottrell Building began development in 1970.  There are various things and places to see when exploring the university grounds; there is a blue plinth of the first Principal, Tom Cottrell, on the walk to Pathfoot, as well as numerous seats and statues in memory of people who loved Stirling just as much as you will.  All you have to do is keep your eyes peeled.  The Wallace Monument overlooks the University grounds, with Dumyat Mountain in the background.  The University also hosted the 'Braveheart' premier in the Mac Robert theatre.

The Union itself is home to:

Studio – cooked breakfasts and a different themed dinner each evening, as well as events throughout the week, including the Rag quiz, Wii night and karaoke.

Underground – our very own Starbucks cafe, where you can relax after a hard day of classes

Long Bar – food during the day and live music at night, including Transmission, the Rock Society’s very own open mic night.

Glow – the Union’s nightclub, which has seen names such as Edith Bowman, Scott Mills and Colin Murray spin their tunes.

Pubs

As well as the Union, Stirling has a lot of student friendly pubs.  It is possible to complete a full week of pub quizzes in Stirling, or a week of drinking depending on how good your general knowledge is!

The William Wallace – within staggering distance from the university grounds and located at the Causewayhead Roundabout.  Each Thursday, the popular quiz provides entertainment and good prizes, including a booby prize.

Outback – This Australian themed bar in Upper Craig’s is where the University’s Psychology Society socialises and also where you can get some Q Jump passes and weekend discounts for Dusk.

Baker Street is quite a good street to do a mini pub crawl.  Lively and full of music pubs it has to offer for food and entertainments include:

Sportsters – home to all your sporting needs

Nicky Tams – this traditional pub is home to a few haunting friends!

Drouthy Neebors – good food and a lively atmosphere

Number Two Baker Street – a good pub with good food during the day and traditional music and quizzes at night

Other bars in Stirling include:

Cape – lively wine bar with various drinks promotions, including a selection of ‘Bombs’

Corn Exchange – although there are no student deals, there is a good selection of food during the day and a club upstairs at the weekends

City Walls – located in the old city walls of Stirling

Settle Inn – famous for its pub quiz and the cave in the back

Clubs

Stirling has two clubs; Dusk and Fubar.  Dusk offers cheap drink (£1 for mainline drinks) and Q-jumps and cheaper weekend passes can be provided by Outback.  It plays chart hits, as well as dance nights and R’n’B nights.  Although somewhat less classy than Fubar, Dusk is very popular, especially on a Monday.   Fubar’s main student night is Thursday.  Fubar does offer promotion nights, although it is classed as a bit more expensive than Dusk.  Both clubs offer round the year events such as UV Foam Parties, Beach parties and other such promotional events.

The Meadowpark is the big building at the university entrance and hosts the Red Room, which is very popular with students as it is within walking distance of the university grounds.  The Med Shuttle is available on 01786 832203 and will pick you up and bring you to the Meadowpark free.  Promotional Events also occur here, including free entry on some Saturday nights and promotions during sporting events.  The Meadowpark is also the only pub in Stirling / Bridge of Allan that shows football in 3D.

Food

Nearly all the pubs in Stirling provide food during the day.  Drouthy Neebors, Number Two Baker Street and The Corn Exchange all have the option of selecting two meals for £9.99 on selected items.  Outback also provide great ‘tucker’.  For something a little bit fancier, the Birds and the Bees Bar and Restaurant of Causewayhead serves excellent food in a traditional setting, including faux calf skin bar and life-like sheep.

There is also a range of takeaways throughout Stirling and many will deliver for around £1.50 or £2 in the University area.  A popular takeaway is The Fountain near the city centre, which caters for a wide range from baked potatoes to donor kebabs.

Shops

Stirling may not be a big city, but there are still plenty of shops for a wide range of needs.  The Thistles shopping centre hosts nearly 90 shops, including HMV, Peacocks and Primark.  New Look is situated on Port Street, along with The Works, a handy book and stationary shop.  A farmer’s market is also held here on the first Saturday of each month, which is good for handmade jewellery and local foods.  For the music lovers, Europa Music in Friar’s Street has everything for your musical needs.

Supermarkets

Tesco’s is situated about ten minutes by bus or taxi from the university.  Some of the taxi firms do special deals for students to Tesco including £6 return.  There is also a home delivery service available for both Tesco’s and the nearest ASDA, in Alloa, which will both deliver to the university campus.  Alternatively, Co-operative at the Causewayhead Roundabout is a ten minute walk from the university entrance or five minutes from the Spittal Hill chalets.  Poundland in the Thistles also provides some cheap deals on toiletries and basics.

Stirling is not a hard city to explore and travel around.  Although the one thing you must be warned about is that once explored you won’t want to leave.  The atmosphere and friendly people coupled with the rural / urban feeling makes sure Stirling lives up to its reputation of being ‘Scotland’s Heart’.  Enjoy the next four years!

LB