Perhaps the most welcoming university for applicants to look at (University of Stirling in general)

Member Name: cazbaker

Product:	University of Stirling in general
Date:	12/02/01 (350 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very helpful staff, excellent courses

Disadvantages: Depending on where you live it can be a long way away

I have been trying to plan the whole going to university thing since the age of 9 and while I thought I had it all worked out that just wasn't so. Coming from the north-west of England I always planned to move down south where it was relatively warmer.

I have now altered my choices completely and chosen to move to Scotland, in fact, to go to the University of Stiring.

Despite being nudged by subject teachers to apply to Oxbridge and the other established and highly regarded universities of England I decided to go my own way, choosing a course at a university which didn't have the highest entry qualifications or that isn't at the top of the league tables.

What brought about this decision is not altogether difficult to understand. I always like to find out more about things than are talked about in the brochure so every university I was interested in got a letter or an e-mail from me, requesting more information on certain courses, accomadation etc. Stirling was by far the most prompt in answering my questions and sending me any details.

Whilst Cambridge was happy to 'lend' me a video about the university for a modest fee, Stirling was kind enough to send me one free of charge and with no return date. This gave me ample opportunity to watch the video and then pass it on to any other interested students.

So far I have been to the university once. I attended an open evening which was clearly meant for those living somewhere in the surrounding area. However, when myself and my parents turned up with our broad sounding lancashire accents the staff were nothing but pleasant. They were glad to have us and made us feel very welcome answering any question we had.

So when it came to filling inthat dreaded UCAS form I had no problem putting the University of Stirling down. Now I have made my decision to accept my offer from Stirling and hopefully on September 17th of this year I will officially be a
student of the University of Stirling.

My advice to any potential University applicants - don't just look at those league table positions, or the for the universities with the most firsts - really look at the universities. Ask questions and see how much they want you. Go and visit and find out how welcoming they are. Only then will you find where you belong.

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