January of 2022, I packed all my essentials and moved to Stirling, Scotland to begin my Study Abroad. I had never heard of the University of Stirling prior to starting the Exchange application process. Exchange was something I always planned on incorporating in my degree, so I had a lot of fun researching my options when the time came. I found the University of Stirling and immediately knew it was a place I would love to study at. While I naturally had fears, doubts, and worries, they quickly went away when I arrived at the beautiful Stirling campus. My exchange experience is something I will be forever grateful for.
During my time in Stirling, I lived right on campus in student accommodation. All my flatmates were also exchange students which allowed me to quickly meet people who joined me in exploring all that Stirling has to offer. The campus itself was quite modern, with a newly renovated student centre where I loved to study during any hour of the day. In contrast, the Stirling city centre was beautifully historical, filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and a convenient train station which travelled to Edinburgh and Glasgow every 15 minutes. The bus system in Stirling allowed me to travel easily between these two areas.
One of my favourite places to study while abroad was at the Unicorn Café, located within the Stirling Castle (where the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots was located). Being a history major, I was able to take advantage of the wide variety of Scottish History and Literature courses that the University offered. Learning about the country’s rich history within one of its most historical cities, was an amazing experience that I will never forget.
Overall, Stirling allowed me to grow both academically and personally. I became more independent, met a wide variety of people, experienced a different form of learning, and gained perspective on many cultures throughout Europe thanks to the many travel opportunities. I will always remember my time in Scotland fondly and acknowledge the unique opportunity that the Exchange program offered me. I love Scotland and its people; they hold an incredibly special place in my heart.
