7 reasons why studying in Scotland is amazing

We caught up with Meryem from Turkey, who recently completed her studies at INTO University of Stirling in Scotland.

I’m studying BA (Hons) Psychology on the University of Stirling’s beautiful countryside campus. It’s been a wonderful experience in a one-of-a-kind location. Even by the time you graduate, you won’t have been to a quarter of the castles in Scotland!

I’d like to share my top 7 reasons to study in this amazing part of the world.

Meryem (left) with #INTOfriends. 

1. It’s a really friendly country

I’ve had nothing but good experiences when it comes to feeling welcome! Stirling really does feel like home, and I can have a conversation with almost anyone, just like in Turkey.

Naturall,y you’ll miss your family and friends, but you’ll be sure to meet others who speak your language.

2. There are plenty of new things to explore

Scotland is renowned for its breath-taking scenery and endless outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to picnics on beautiful beaches in the summer.

Even if you don’t class yourself as fit, jumping from tree to tree at Go Ape is just so much fun! There’s also an underwater adventure park, a museum, castles, zoos, and almost anything else you can think of.

3. The food

There’s a wide variety of cultural influences in Scottish food, and the surrounding seas are home to the most amazing fish.

One of my best experiences was visiting an old-fashioned fishing village in Montrose. We were cooked fish that had been caught that very morning… it was amazing!

My other personal food recommendation is the Boozy Cow in Stirling – they serve huge portions at student-friendly prices.

For the more adventurous, there are also some more ‘unusual’ local specialities. One of the most popular is haggis with neeps and tatties – a savoury pudding made from sheep offal, served with swede, turnip and mashed potato!

4. An excellent university education

I’ve progressed from INTO to the University of Stirling, which is regarded as one of the world’s best young universities.

It continues to climb in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, features in the top 350 worldwide, and ranks number six in Scotland.

Studying abroad has allowed me to challenge myself, as well as gain the confidence in things such as asking questions in class.

My maths lecturer inspired me to critically think both for my studies and in my daily life, and I can never thank her enough for that.

5. Flexible learning

Since coming to INTO University of Stirling, I’ve been able to study subjects I never knew I was interested in, such as psychology, sociology and marketing.

I’ve been able to change what I want to learn, and by talking to my lecturers I’ve also been able to change the way I study my chosen topics.

This level of academic freedom is something I can’t get over. It’s made me a more motivated and energetic student, and is an amazing opportunity to discover what you love!

6. A fantastic reputation with employers

Studying in such an academically-recognised country is great for future employability. For example, the University of Stirling is ranked 1st for graduate employability by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

INTO students also have access to the careers services after they graduate, which is amazing as most people’s aim is to get a job straight after they’ve finished their studies.

7. You can come and see for yourself

My advice is to come and visit the university for yourself. The University of Stirling will bend over backwards to accommodate potential future students, and open days are run for people from all over the world.

It’s the best way to see what university life is like, and was a key aspect in my decision to come here!

If you’d like to find out more about studying with INTO University of Stirling or at another UK or US university, you can discover more on the INTO Study website.

Do you like the sound of Scotland? Learn more about it in Ali’s story: from the Gambia to Scotland, or the students guide to exploring bonny Scotland.

Want to study in Scotland? Find out what courses we have on offer at INTO Glasgow Caledonian University and INTO University of Stirling.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest studying abroad stories in Scotland.