Stirling, Scotland

<p>Anybody had any experience in Stirling? </p>

<p>Right now it's my top choice for study abroad, Fall semester 2012. </p>

<p>Couple of questions about the weather. </p>

<p>How's the weather? Weather isn't a HUGE deal (otherwise I would be looking into Australia, New Zealand, S. Africa...etc.), however, I would like to get a broader picture of Scottish weather. I'd be going in the Fall. September and October seem to be colder than much of the USA Midwest, but November and December (although darker) seem to be right in line or even warmer than I am used to. Of course, this is based purely off of internet weather sites. How much does it rain in the fall and start of winter? Will I ever see the sun?</p>

<p>Basically, is the weather really that miserable, or is it bearable? </p>

<p>Other than the weather, any other information or experience--whether Stirling or elsewhere in Scotland--would be appreciated. Did you get to do much hiking in the highlands? </p>

<p>Social experiences? I don't drink alcohol, but I don't get too bothered if lots of students do it (I am a liberal arts college student, after all), but it would be nice to find people whose main form of entertainment isn't drinking on the weekends. </p>

<p>Scotland just seems beautiful, even if the weather isn't great. I'm a runner coming from a completely flat area of the Midwest, so a change of scenery, some hills, good hiking opportunities, and hopefully a couple chances to visit other countries in Europe, seems like an amazing opportunity. Just want to get a general feel of the area before deciding.</p>

<p>I’ve never been to Stirling, but the weather in Scotland is changeable and temperate just like the rest of the UK. Unpredictable. Rarely very hot, rarely very cold, can rain any day. </p>

<p>Cold clear frosty days are just the best. The sun is very low and it’s blinding even in London. More so further north. But it’s a cold sun. The best weather for walking in my opinion.</p>

<p>It’s very very unlikely to be as cold as the mid-west in winter, at least consistently. The dark is more of an issue. When it’s dark at 4pm, for the first couple of weeks I feel like going to bed. Brings out some kind of hidden hibernation instinct I think! But you just have to get use to half your day actually being the night. Also, January/February is the worst. In the lead up to Christmas most places have lots of Christmas lights up and it is quite cheerful.</p>

<p>I honestly feel many people make this into a big deal when it isn’t rain won’t kill you and you really have to get over basing your mood for a whole day/week/year on the weather. But if good weather every day is a deal breaker for you, you will hate the place.</p>

<p>You will have some great hiking opportunities up there. You are going at the right time of the year not for weather but for social life. The first week of uni in September in the UK there is a “freshers fair” which you should definitely go to. There are stalls here for all the student social societies, and you can sign up to join (or just join the email list) those you want. Look for the hiking/walking club. I was a member of the Oxford walking society and I really got to see a lot of the UK and make lots of friend through this. There were walking trips most weekends. I highly recommend it.</p>

<p>In Scotland you will do a lot of hill walking and you will have to be prepared for any weather. So you end up carrying a lot of gear basically. Don’t go on your own. I recommend the West Highland Way. This is Glasgow to Fort William. Takes a week to walk it.</p>

<p>I know Stirling has a famous castle but I’ve never been there. It’s quite a small place as far as I know. I am guessing that the nearest international airport is Glasgow. there is a small airport at Inverness (yes, this is the town where the river runs our of Loch Ness, of monster fame) but you won’t be able to fly there from the US. So if you want to travel round Europe you are looking for cheap flights from Glasgow. Consider northern Europe eg Iceland or Norway. Not fashionable or very well known in the US, but both gorgeous places. You’ll be able to fly from Glasgow to these places very quickly. Also, a flight to Ireland will take less than an hour. Train to London from Glasgow probably takes 5-6 hours. There is also an overnight (sleeper) train which I have always wanted to go on, but never have.</p>

<p>Drinking is a big part of the social scene in every UK uni I am sure. This is because a lot of socialising takes place in pubs and the drinking age is 18. However, you can go to the pub and buy soft drinks including coke, lemonade and a whole lot of fruit drinks (NB The word “cider” is used to mean apple juice in the US. In the UK cider is an extremely alcoholic apple drink! Also it’s home-made brother “scrumpy”, and it’s French cousin “cidre”). When you have been walking for 7 hours uphill in the driving rain and cold, a traditional pub with a huge open fire will suddenly seem the most desirable place on earth (and they often serve food too).</p>

<p>Thanks for the info! I’m trying not to let the weather deter me, especially Scotland seems like wonderful hiking territory. It’s just hard thinking about the occasional 70+ degree October days in the mid-west whenever Scotland averages in the 50’s.</p>

<p>Where else are you considering? Just curious because I’m thinking about Stirling too.</p>

<p>Nice to hear someone else is considering Stirling!</p>

<p>Anyways, I’ve also looked into Cardiff, Wales. It’s a bit closer to the rest of Europe, but it’s also a bigger city (which could end up being a good or bad thing). It does have some hiking opportunities nearby, but I’m worried it wouldn’t be quite up to par with the Scottish highlands. I really don’t know that much about it though, so I’m just going by what I have found out. </p>

<p>Edinburgh is also on the table, but if I go to Scotland I’d rather be closer to the highlands, and Stirling is perfect for that. </p>

<p>Ireland is a possibility, but right now isn’t on the top of my list. </p>

<p>I actually looked into Sweden at one point (I believe it was a smaller town called Vaxjo), but that’s just a small possibility right now. </p>

<p>My brother went to New Zealand and loved it, but I feel like I should do something different than him, and I want to see other parts of Europe, so going to the UK would be great for that. </p>

<p>Really, Stirling is the favorite right now, although if I don’t get into the program (I’d have to go through a program that isn’t directly associated with my school), I wouldn’t be devastated if I go to one of the other options.</p>

<p>Really, Stirling is a bad idea if you want to travel to Europe. Edinburgh will have much better travel opportunities (and is not very far from the highlands either by the way).</p>

<p>I looked into Cardiff too! I’ll probably end up at University of Edinburgh or University of Kent though.</p>

<p>Good luck deciding! No matter where you end up I’m sure you’ll have a great time.</p>

<p>If you go to Scotland, check out Iceland Air from Glasgow to North American, my DD who lives in Scotland says it is the best choice. They hold the connections so you don’t miss your 2nd flight when the first one is late and they allow two checked bags, no extra fees.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice. I’ll remember that when looking into airlines.</p>