Guide to Glasgow

A student guide: the City of Glasgow

As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is a force to be reckoned with. While it has a reputation for being a bit scary, it is in fact a city with a rich history, a diverse arts scene and lots of friendly locals. With three universities in close proximity to one another, and two more in the city, Glasgow has so much more to offer than you ever expected. 

Good Areas to Live

West End is one of the most popular student areas in Glasgow as it is close to the city centre.

Transport

Glasgow is a well connected city. The buses are cheap and regular, and there is an underground service too. You could cycle if you like, but there is heavy traffic and lots of hills. The trains take four hours to get to London. Glasgow International Airport offers national and international flights. 

Sport

There are two football clubs, Rangers and Celtic, based in the city. You can get involved in football, rugby, sailing and skiing on the city’s dry ski slopes.

You can go walking around nearby Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park too.

Arts/Culture

With the Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Glasgow has lots to boast when it comes to culture. The city has a variety of theatres, and more than 20 museums and art galleries, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Burrell Collection and the Riverside Museum. The Glasgow Science Centre has a “science mall” and an IMAX cinema.



Nightlife

The city’s club scene is said to rival London and Manchester’s. One of the most popular student nights is Neverland at The Garage – a fun night where you don’t have to act like an adult. Viper is a club in the West End that has friendly vibes and floor fillers. For something quirky, try Flat 0/1. With granny décor and a strange drinks menu, it’s somewhere not to be missed. There’s something for every taste in Glasgow.

Places to Eat

With nearly 45,000 students, there are lots of cheap eats available, and places offering menus suitable for a variety of diets. From independent coffee shops like Riverhill Coffee Bar, to bar-restaurant hybrids like Meat, to the great value Singl-End.

Places to Shop

Whether you’re all about the fashion houses, or you’re rather thriftier, there’s a range of shops to suit you. For high end stuff, visit the Buchanan Galleries, Princes Square and the Merchant City. If you’re a typical cash strapped student, then the Barras street market offers lots of variety.