Pre-arrival guide

Secure your place by accepting your offer and paying your fees through INTOPay – our safe online payment system. 

• You can pay by credit card, debit card or bank transfer. 

• You’ll receive a link to INTOPay and instructions on how to use the system in your offer letter.

• Remember to reference your application ID when you pay via INTOPay. 

Watch our videos to learn about your offer of study and how to pay your fees, with simple step-by-step guidance.

All students must have full travel, medical and health insurance while studying with us in the UK. Unless proof of suitable insurance is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your fees.

To receive your timetable and start your classes, ensure that you've paid your fees and that you're officially enrolled.

If you haven't requested accommodation yet, check your inbox – you'll have received an email from us shortly after accepting your offer, inviting you to submit your accommodation preferences. This will guide you through the next steps.  

You can also explore your accommodation options to see the safe and secure residences available to International Study Centre students.

Spaces fill up quickly, so we advise that you book and pay to confirm your place in a student residence available for students as soon as possible. Students under 18 must book accommodation with us.

Most international students need a visa to study in the UK. Once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer and paid your deposit, we'll provide the documents you need to apply for a visa. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

Remember to check if you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge – this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). You can check how much you’ll need to pay by using the UKVI calculator.

Find out more about the Student visa, including how to apply.

Book your flight(s) and plan your arrival to coincide with your accommodation start date.

Submit your flight details, including arrival date and flight number(s), via INTO's arrival details form as soon as possible. Providing your arrival details before you travel will ensure: 

• we can meet you as soon as you land, if you opt for an airport transfer 

• staff will be on-hand remotely to help if any issues occur during your travels 

• your room is ready for you to move in as soon as you get to your accommodation.

You can fly into international airports in Glasgow or Edinburgh. For hassle-free travel, we can arrange a transfer to your university accommodation. This is compulsory for students under 18. 

Airport transfer fee costs around £95 if you're travelling from either Glasgow International Airport or Edinburgh Airport.  

Simply complete the arrival details form, selecting an airport pickup, at least 7 days before your arrival. 

If you haven't opted for an airport pickup service, you should make your own travel arrangements. Please plan the journey to the International Study Centre before you arrive in the UK. 

Students in Stirling enjoy the warm summers while winters can be chilly and rainy with occasional snow. Bring warm clothes, including a thick coat, hat, scarf, boots, socks and gloves. You can also buy these in shops in Stirling in case you forgot to bring them. 

Remember to only pack items that you’re allowed to bring into the UK. You can find the list of banned items on the UK Government website along with guidance on bringing food into Scotland. 

We advise arriving in Stirling during the weekend before your programme starts. You may be able to arrive earlier if your accommodation contract allows. Don’t forget to provide us with your arrival details beforehand.

You’ll receive your academic timetable via email, at the end of your first week. You need to have paid your fees and enrolled before you can start classes.

Going abroad alone to study can make you feel a rush of emotions, and it's commonly experienced by international students like you. Whenever you feel homesick or lonely, our dedicated Student Services team are ready to help you 24/7. You can also talk to your Personal Tutor about any additional academic or welfare support you may need. 

Read our tips to deal with homesickness while studying abroad.