This discussion is now closed.
Check out other Related discussions
- Law Offers Thread 2025 (Scotland)
- Stirling or Glasgow to study Primary teaching education. . Unconditionals for both.
- Could I still go to Glasgow Cali?
- Law Offers 2026 Scotland
- Stirling uni or Glasgow cali uni for law?
- Is Strathclyde, Stirling or uni of Glasgow better for Law?
- I can't choose a university! Edinburgh, Glasgow, or St Andrews?
- University of stirling Primary education
- What advanced highers should I take?!?!
- Law offers
- Strathclyde or Stirling for Scots Law?
- Clearing for Law at Strathclyde Uni
- Can't decide what uni to go to
- Journalism internships
- Would you rather attend...?
- Heriot Watt Uni or Stirling Uni
- Social work
- Is accommodation worth it ???
- Scots Law LLB
- Best unis for adult nursing in scotland
Glasgow vs Stirling...Argh!!
Ok, I have just under a week now to decide whether I pick Glasgow or Stirling (both are unconditional offers). And, now, both for the same course. (Politics/Social Policy)
When my offers came through I was certain I'd pick Stirling, as I'd been to both Glasgow and Stirling open days and Stirling totally won me over.
However, after attending both of the universities applicant days, I'm stuck.
The lecturers at Glasgow seemed far superior to the ones at Stirling (that we met anyway, of course). Stirling seemed a smaller, more friendly campus than Glasgow, however, I feel as though I would find it difficult to make friends there since I would not be staying in halls.
I just don't know whether to go with my original gut feeling and go to Stirling or take this indecisivness as a sign that Stirling's not for me!!
When my offers came through I was certain I'd pick Stirling, as I'd been to both Glasgow and Stirling open days and Stirling totally won me over.
However, after attending both of the universities applicant days, I'm stuck.
The lecturers at Glasgow seemed far superior to the ones at Stirling (that we met anyway, of course). Stirling seemed a smaller, more friendly campus than Glasgow, however, I feel as though I would find it difficult to make friends there since I would not be staying in halls.
I just don't know whether to go with my original gut feeling and go to Stirling or take this indecisivness as a sign that Stirling's not for me!!
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Don't let the fact you won't be staying in Halls put you off the uni you chose. I'm just about to finish my undergrad course and never stayed in Halls but still managed to make friends.
You can go to the union & I've been told that Stirling union is pretty good.
What about course content etc? Which one stands out to you in that department? I think that should be your deciding factors since unless you go to class & don't talk to people you'll make friends no prob.
You can go to the union & I've been told that Stirling union is pretty good.
What about course content etc? Which one stands out to you in that department? I think that should be your deciding factors since unless you go to class & don't talk to people you'll make friends no prob.
Reply 2
17
Completely ruled out the other three then? In terms of campuses, Glasgow and Stirling are probably the most obvious- Edinburgh and to an extent Strathclyde and Dundee are more spread out. In terms of course makeup, while I don't want to overdo it, Glasgow has the most flexibility by a long away- for single honours you can effectively experiment with two other subjects and drop and pick up modules as you please.
Glasgow is as close to a self contained campus uni as you will get within a major urban area in Scotland- Edinburgh and Dundee are more spread around, where as Aberdeen is a little further from the action. As a result, the social scene is usually excellent- if you live there you can easily get involved in the things that are happening. I've been a freshers helper three times, and the students seem to get out what they put in- if you don't go/hold back, then you won't have half the fun you do with getting involved. If you can afford to stay on campus or its not too impractical, I'd certainly recommend it.
I wont go into too much detail about the other three unis you've ruled out, but I have nothing bad to say about Stirling. Its a different atmosphere to Glasgow, but I have friends there who love it. Its sports facilities put the rest of Scotland to shame (and Glasgow's are far from shabby- they just spent millions on them), as they have olympic training things there, they are really top notch. I have a friend who teaches in the Business School at Glasgow whos formerly been part of the British Marathon Team and has been educated at Edinburgh and Loughborough, and he'll vouch for that statement. Its a bit of a campus bubble though, and the town only has a population of 50,000, so in four years time you might be a little bit bored- the dropout rate after 1st/second year is relatively high as a result. Perhaps wrongly, it doesn't have quite the stellar rep that the big three Scottish Unis have- but it deserves to be more widely recognised, and perhaps in later years it will be.
Glasgow is as close to a self contained campus uni as you will get within a major urban area in Scotland- Edinburgh and Dundee are more spread around, where as Aberdeen is a little further from the action. As a result, the social scene is usually excellent- if you live there you can easily get involved in the things that are happening. I've been a freshers helper three times, and the students seem to get out what they put in- if you don't go/hold back, then you won't have half the fun you do with getting involved. If you can afford to stay on campus or its not too impractical, I'd certainly recommend it.
I wont go into too much detail about the other three unis you've ruled out, but I have nothing bad to say about Stirling. Its a different atmosphere to Glasgow, but I have friends there who love it. Its sports facilities put the rest of Scotland to shame (and Glasgow's are far from shabby- they just spent millions on them), as they have olympic training things there, they are really top notch. I have a friend who teaches in the Business School at Glasgow whos formerly been part of the British Marathon Team and has been educated at Edinburgh and Loughborough, and he'll vouch for that statement. Its a bit of a campus bubble though, and the town only has a population of 50,000, so in four years time you might be a little bit bored- the dropout rate after 1st/second year is relatively high as a result. Perhaps wrongly, it doesn't have quite the stellar rep that the big three Scottish Unis have- but it deserves to be more widely recognised, and perhaps in later years it will be.
Reply 3
17
natasha6483
Don't let the fact you won't be staying in Halls put you off the uni you chose. I'm just about to finish my undergrad course and never stayed in Halls but still managed to make friends.
You can go to the union & I've been told that Stirling union is pretty good.
What about course content etc? Which one stands out to you in that department? I think that should be your deciding factors since unless you go to class & don't talk to people you'll make friends no prob.
You can go to the union & I've been told that Stirling union is pretty good.
What about course content etc? Which one stands out to you in that department? I think that should be your deciding factors since unless you go to class & don't talk to people you'll make friends no prob.
Hasn't Stirling shut its union down now to do with financial troubles/competition in the city? That's what I've heard.
Reply 4
0404343m
Hasn't Stirling shut its union down now to do with financial troubles/competition in the city? That's what I've heard.
I'm not too sure.
I asked a friend about the uni the other day & he said the union is good but I personally haven't visited it so not too sure whether it's still open or not.
Reply 5
0404343m
Hasn't Stirling shut its union down now to do with financial troubles/competition in the city? That's what I've heard.
I'm studying at Stirling university at the moment and can say the union is going strong, definitely hasn't been closed down.
There have been a lot of rumours recently on here about Stirling, but so far none have been true. Stirling uni actually has bars on campus, so can't imagine they are losing any business...
Reply 6
10
Hoggster=)
Ok, I have just under a week now to decide whether I pick Glasgow or Stirling (both are unconditional offers). And, now, both for the same course. (Politics/Social Policy)
When my offers came through I was certain I'd pick Stirling, as I'd been to both Glasgow and Stirling open days and Stirling totally won me over.
However, after attending both of the universities applicant days, I'm stuck.
The lecturers at Glasgow seemed far superior to the ones at Stirling (that we met anyway, of course). Stirling seemed a smaller, more friendly campus than Glasgow, however, I feel as though I would find it difficult to make friends there since I would not be staying in halls.
I just don't know whether to go with my original gut feeling and go to Stirling or take this indecisivness as a sign that Stirling's not for me!!
When my offers came through I was certain I'd pick Stirling, as I'd been to both Glasgow and Stirling open days and Stirling totally won me over.
However, after attending both of the universities applicant days, I'm stuck.
The lecturers at Glasgow seemed far superior to the ones at Stirling (that we met anyway, of course). Stirling seemed a smaller, more friendly campus than Glasgow, however, I feel as though I would find it difficult to make friends there since I would not be staying in halls.
I just don't know whether to go with my original gut feeling and go to Stirling or take this indecisivness as a sign that Stirling's not for me!!
The Politics course at Glasgow does seem better, as I studied Politics as one of my modules at Stirling this year and although it was good Glasgow seems more intensive.
It is also a bit difficult to immerse yourself in the social life if you're not in halls as you might generally miss out on nights out etc.
Another guy I know leaving Stirling for Glasgow cited the fact that Stirling is smaller and therefore there is apparently less to do than in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Anyway, it's your decision.
Reply 7
musicforsanity
I'm studying at Stirling university at the moment and can say the union is going strong, definitely hasn't been closed down.
There have been a lot of rumours recently on here about Stirling, but so far none have been true. Stirling uni actually has bars on campus, so can't imagine they are losing any business...
There have been a lot of rumours recently on here about Stirling, but so far none have been true. Stirling uni actually has bars on campus, so can't imagine they are losing any business...
Yeah I've heard the rumors but didn't think they were true.
I'll be starting Stirling in Feb 2 do the MSc Social Work. Really looking forward to it plus think the campus is an added bonus. Seems really relaxing with ducks, rabbits & the lake
Reply 8
0404343m
Its sports facilities put the rest of Scotland to shame (and Glasgow's are far from shabby- they just spent millions on them), as they have olympic training things there, they are really top notch.
Aberdeen is opening an olympic sports centre which will be used for the olympics and commonwealth games. So that's 6 and half a dozen really.
Glasgow has a better rep, as far as I know a better dept for your subject, and deff a better city. The uni itself is less campus like but it really isn't too bad and you will certainly make friends.
Reply 9
17
musicforsanity
I'm studying at Stirling university at the moment and can say the union is going strong, definitely hasn't been closed down.
There have been a lot of rumours recently on here about Stirling, but so far none have been true. Stirling uni actually has bars on campus, so can't imagine they are losing any business...
There have been a lot of rumours recently on here about Stirling, but so far none have been true. Stirling uni actually has bars on campus, so can't imagine they are losing any business...
I've had a check round (as it wasn't TSR I read it on) and the story was from last year. Did they shut the nightclub in the union down? Glow? If so, that'll be the story that's causing the rumour that the whole union packed it in. I know Aberdeen's did, but that was perhaps the most ill-thought out excuse of a union Scotland has ever seen, so I can't say I'm surprised.
Reply 10
17
jaaay89
Aberdeen is opening an olympic sports centre which will be used for the olympics and commonwealth games. So that's 6 and half a dozen really.
Glasgow has a better rep, as far as I know a better dept for your subject, and deff a better city. The uni itself is less campus like but it really isn't too bad and you will certainly make friends.
Glasgow has a better rep, as far as I know a better dept for your subject, and deff a better city. The uni itself is less campus like but it really isn't too bad and you will certainly make friends.
I'd say there's very few departments that Stirling could match Glasgow/Edinburgh/St Andrews in, but it seems to get a bit of a reputation as a bit second rate at times, which I don't think is entirely justified. Aberdeen's facilities aren't opened yet, nor will they be fully operational until Summer 2010 I believe, and the OP didn't apply there, so talking about what they will have is academic. Glasgow's are alright- I'd like a few more five a side pitches though, as getting one is nigh on impossible at the best of times. Some more indoor space wouldn't go amiss aswell- because much of it is handled by the Kelvin Hall, which is in need of some modernisation.
Reply 11
In response to 0404343m... sorry I have no idea why I blabbed about Aberdeen =/ I usual post in Aberdeen threads, maybe that's why. So I do apologise :P
Otherwise I agree with your post. Stirling does come across as 2nd rate but it probably isn't that bad. I've heard they're not bad for psychology at least.
Otherwise I agree with your post. Stirling does come across as 2nd rate but it probably isn't that bad. I've heard they're not bad for psychology at least.
Reply 12
I'd say go with your gut feeling. In my sixth year I had to decide between Glasgow and Stirling, and ignored my gut feeling for Stirling, and went with Glasgow purely because they had a better reputation. Barely two weeks in, and in October of last year I dropped out of Glasgow and will be starting Stirling in September. Learn from my mistake!
If Stirling is where you immediately fell in love with, then that's where you'll feel most comfortable studying, which is important if you want to do well. Don't worry about not living in halls, I have friends at Stirling just now who say because it's a relatively small campus everyone gets to know everyone.
There's a lot of snobbery on this forum, where people think that if it's not St A's/Edinburgh/Glasgow etc then the university's not worth going to. In particular, I'm told Stirling is good for social subjects, and I haven't heard a bad word about any of the lecturers. And in response to somebody saying that Glasgow is more flexible, Stirling actually works under a module system, making it as flexible as possible. You pick 3 modules per semester (Sept-Dec then Feb-June) and you can either carry on with the same ones, or change at Christmas time etc. Hope this all helps a wee bit. But go with your gut!
If Stirling is where you immediately fell in love with, then that's where you'll feel most comfortable studying, which is important if you want to do well. Don't worry about not living in halls, I have friends at Stirling just now who say because it's a relatively small campus everyone gets to know everyone.
There's a lot of snobbery on this forum, where people think that if it's not St A's/Edinburgh/Glasgow etc then the university's not worth going to. In particular, I'm told Stirling is good for social subjects, and I haven't heard a bad word about any of the lecturers. And in response to somebody saying that Glasgow is more flexible, Stirling actually works under a module system, making it as flexible as possible. You pick 3 modules per semester (Sept-Dec then Feb-June) and you can either carry on with the same ones, or change at Christmas time etc. Hope this all helps a wee bit. But go with your gut!
Reply 13
Rhona
I'd say go with your gut feeling. In my sixth year I had to decide between Glasgow and Stirling, and ignored my gut feeling for Stirling, and went with Glasgow purely because they had a better reputation. Barely two weeks in, and in October of last year I dropped out of Glasgow and will be starting Stirling in September. Learn from my mistake!
If Stirling is where you immediately fell in love with, then that's where you'll feel most comfortable studying, which is important if you want to do well. Don't worry about not living in halls, I have friends at Stirling just now who say because it's a relatively small campus everyone gets to know everyone.
There's a lot of snobbery on this forum, where people think that if it's not St A's/Edinburgh/Glasgow etc then the university's not worth going to. In particular, I'm told Stirling is good for social subjects, and I haven't heard a bad word about any of the lecturers. And in response to somebody saying that Glasgow is more flexible, Stirling actually works under a module system, making it as flexible as possible. You pick 3 modules per semester (Sept-Dec then Feb-June) and you can either carry on with the same ones, or change at Christmas time etc. Hope this all helps a wee bit. But go with your gut!
If Stirling is where you immediately fell in love with, then that's where you'll feel most comfortable studying, which is important if you want to do well. Don't worry about not living in halls, I have friends at Stirling just now who say because it's a relatively small campus everyone gets to know everyone.
There's a lot of snobbery on this forum, where people think that if it's not St A's/Edinburgh/Glasgow etc then the university's not worth going to. In particular, I'm told Stirling is good for social subjects, and I haven't heard a bad word about any of the lecturers. And in response to somebody saying that Glasgow is more flexible, Stirling actually works under a module system, making it as flexible as possible. You pick 3 modules per semester (Sept-Dec then Feb-June) and you can either carry on with the same ones, or change at Christmas time etc. Hope this all helps a wee bit. But go with your gut!
Have to agree with this post.
I chose Stirling over one of the more highly regarded unis because of what I wanted to get from my uni experience/course etc.
Go with what you think is best for you.
Reply 14
I would have to agree with Rhona also, I've chosen Stirling and can't wait to go but practically none of my classmates in 6th year gave it a second thought because they were pushing for Edinburgh and St Andrews. I would say only about half of them even got a conditional for those two and are now left screwed over because they were too snobby to apply somewhere else. I got unconditionals for Stirling, Aberdeen and Edinburgh and still chose Stirling because the atmosphere was just so much more relaxed. I'm also from Inverness lol so a uni that is more in the countryside/ filled with northerners was more appealing to me than Glasgow for example. I would go with your gut reaction, I hear of a lot more people regretting NOT going to Stirling than going...
but practically none of my classmates in 6th year gave it a second thought because they were pushing for Edinburgh and St Andrews. I would say only about half of them even got a conditional for those two and are now left screwed over because they were too snobby to apply somewhere else. I got unconditionals for Stirling, Aberdeen and Edinburgh and still chose Stirling because the atmosphere was just so much more relaxed. I'm also from Inverness lol so a uni that is more in the countryside/ filled with northerners was more appealing to me than Glasgow for example. I would go with your gut reaction, I hear of a lot more people regretting NOT going to Stirling than going...Reply 15
15
I chose stirling over glasgow for politics and philosophy 
I did thing' oh, reputaion, oh moving away, oh!' but the second I pressed the ucas button I know I made the right decision!
I know people that went and raved about it too :P
Glasgow just didn't do it for me really, but then I don't want a university experience where it's like school but with more free time. I wanted to fully immerse myself and that's another reason why I picked stirling
If your worried about not making friends then don't worry you can come visit me in my room, haha
I did thing' oh, reputaion, oh moving away, oh!' but the second I pressed the ucas button I know I made the right decision!
I know people that went and raved about it too :P
Glasgow just didn't do it for me really, but then I don't want a university experience where it's like school but with more free time. I wanted to fully immerse myself and that's another reason why I picked stirling
If your worried about not making friends then don't worry you can come visit me in my room, haha
Reply 16
I just made Stirling my firm choice yesterday. Didn't make an insurance choice. I liked the idea of a close knit campus uni.
Reply 17
I had the same dilemma last year. Except the opposite way around. I always wanted to go to Glasgow, but when I went to the open days, I was put off.
Eventually, I chose Stirling, I'm just about finished first year and I'm very happy. I don't live on campus either, and whilst it is harder to make friends, it's not impossible.
As some people said, Stirling is based on modules, makign it very easy to change your degree should you ever want to. I don't know enough about Glasgow to tell you the things about it, I love the fact thats Stirling is a campus, and theres no running around for classes, catching buses and junk. And I also pick up on the superior St Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow thing in the forum. I was accepted to all three of them, but I chose Stirling cause it was right for me.
Hope you figure out what you wanna do.
Eventually, I chose Stirling, I'm just about finished first year and I'm very happy. I don't live on campus either, and whilst it is harder to make friends, it's not impossible.
As some people said, Stirling is based on modules, makign it very easy to change your degree should you ever want to. I don't know enough about Glasgow to tell you the things about it, I love the fact thats Stirling is a campus, and theres no running around for classes, catching buses and junk. And I also pick up on the superior St Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow thing in the forum. I was accepted to all three of them, but I chose Stirling cause it was right for me.
Hope you figure out what you wanna do.
Reply 18
i was actually planning on going to glasgow until i got my higher results.... anyway! at stirling, and im about five days away from finishing first year on the llb law course. the course wasnt any different at stirling for me because the law course has to be accredited by the law society. actually love it. im not living on campus because i live so close that i wasnt going to get much funding for it, which sucks a bit but meh. union is a bit pants and the club part is hardly ever open, but the upside of that is when it is open everyone goes. besides, although theres only a couple of clubs in town and i mean literally a couple, students can get tickets for three pound and then the drinks are pretty cheap. the third club in the area is about a minutes walk from the uni so that cant go wrong! looking forward to seeing all you confirmed people at freshers week and fubar thursdays!!
assuming i dont fail my exams that start tomorrow! three in five days, gulp!
assuming i dont fail my exams that start tomorrow! three in five days, gulp!
Reply 19
0404343m
Strathclyde and Dundee are more spread out.
No they are not, Glasgow campus is bigger than Strathclyde, and Stirling is on an estate so is much more spread out than Strath which is in a.... city.
0404343m
Its a bit of a campus bubble though, and the town only has a population of 50,000, so in four years time you might be a little bit bored
Stirling is a city btw.
Related discussions
- Law Offers Thread 2025 (Scotland)
- Stirling or Glasgow to study Primary teaching education. . Unconditionals for both.
- Could I still go to Glasgow Cali?
- Law Offers 2026 Scotland
- Stirling uni or Glasgow cali uni for law?
- Is Strathclyde, Stirling or uni of Glasgow better for Law?
- I can't choose a university! Edinburgh, Glasgow, or St Andrews?
- University of stirling Primary education
- What advanced highers should I take?!?!
- Law offers
- Strathclyde or Stirling for Scots Law?
- Clearing for Law at Strathclyde Uni
- Can't decide what uni to go to
- Journalism internships
- Would you rather attend...?
- Heriot Watt Uni or Stirling Uni
- Social work
- Is accommodation worth it ???
- Scots Law LLB
- Best unis for adult nursing in scotland
Latest
Trending
Last reply 9 months ago
Stirling or Glasgow to study Primary teaching education. . Unconditionals for both.Scotland
6
3
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
