Is Glasgow a Good Student City?
As the most populous city in Scotland, known for its nightlife, diverse architecture and infamous football rivalry, Glasgow is without a doubt a great student city. We chose to set up two true student accommodation sites in Glasgow for a reason! Read on as we round-up 12 reasons to study in the world’s friendliest city.
1. Brilliant universities
Before you choose your student accommodation, you need to select the right university for you! Glasgow is home to three fantastic universities. The University of Glasgow is one of the top 100 universities in the world, making it a firm favourite with students. Recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the University of Strathclyde is another popular Glasgow learning destination. Glasgow Caledonian University brings the total to three, offering a vast range of courses.
2. The rich history
Your surroundings can be an integral source of learning and information on your student journey. Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in mainland Scotland and the oldest building in Scotland, so this piece of history should be at the top of your Glaswegian bucket list. The church was built for the patron saint of Glasgow, Saint Mungo, and his tomb is in the lower crypt. Glasgow Cathedral is the pinnacle of Scottish gothic architecture and the birthplace of the University of Glasgow, as the first classes were held here. Combine this with buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, parks and cultural amenities, such as the Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Opera and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, this is a city enriched with history and culture.
3. Job opportunities
Did you know 55% of students work while at university? If you’re looking to gain a steady income whilst studying, Glasgow is the place for you. With an array of cafes, shops and restaurants, the city provides a range of opportunities for part-time work.
4. Natural surroundings
Glasgow has a variety of parks inside and outside of the city. The city’s largest green space is Pollok Country Park, where you can take a break from the city atmosphere to relax and stroll between studies. You can’t live in Scotland without spotting a highland cow. There is a famous cattle fold within the park, with baby calves usually roaming in the spring!
5. The art offering
Spark your imagination by visiting one of Glasgow’s 13 art galleries. Many of these are free to walk round, leaving your wallet untouched. One of the most famous is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum where you can see pieces from the likes of Salvador Dali, Monet and Renoir. For extra creativity points, take a pen and paper with you to try and copy the artwork!
6. The food
The food experiences you’ll have in Glasgow will transform your taste buds. The city is the best place to sample haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink or a deep-fried mars bar! Glasgow has a wealth of restaurants, from traditional Scottish cuisine to Indian, Asian and Italian venues. Many of these run student discounts, so keep your eyes peeled for a saving.
7. The music scene
As the birthplace of rock and roll legends AC/DC and more contemporary artists such as Lewis Capaldi, Glasgow has firmly left its footprint on the music scene. Featuring a number of orchestras, live music venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the infamous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut (where Oasis were discovered), there is no limit to the number of genres you can listen to across this musical city.
8. Fantastic theatre
Looking for an activity with a difference? With an abundance of theatres such as: King’s Theatre, The Pavilion Theatre and Theatre Royal Glasgow, just to name a few, there is no shortage of performances to watch whilst living in Glasgow. Glaswegian theatre alumni consist of stars such as Gary Oldman, Pierce Brosnan and is the city of origin for ex-time lord’s David Tennant and Peter Capaldi.
9. Sports
Sports fans will feel at home in Glasgow! With deep roots in football, the world’s first international match was held in Glasgow in 1872 (Scotland vs England 0-0). Much closer in proximity are Scotland’s biggest and most successful teams: Rangers and Celtic, with a rivalry dubbed ‘Old Firm’ that is deeply embedded in Scottish culture as it stems back to political and religious divisions. Rugby fan? The Glasgow Warriors play in the European Rugby Champions Cup, with other Glaswegian teams in the Scottish League. Also hosting the oldest swimming club in Glasgow, Arlington Baths Club,, it’s fair to say this city has something for every and any sports fan.
10. Excellent transport links
Did you know Glasgow has the third oldest underground metro in the world? From a host of bus services to the most extensive urban rail network in the UK outside of London, you can travel this bustling city with ease. Arrive directly in Glasgow with no need for connections, thanks to two international airports, both accessible via public transport. So, leaving the city is just as easy as getting around it - but why would you want to?
11. Student discounts
Glasgow has an abundance of retail stores for you to browse and spend that student loan. The Buchanan Galleries shopping centre in the centre of Glasgow hosts over 80 stores. Also centrally located is the St. Enoch Centre, the largest glass-covered enclosed area in Europe. Throw in the main 2.1-mile-long shopping street Argyle Street, and you can truly shop until you drop.
12. The nightlife
Our final point of why you should study in Glasgow is of course, the nightlife. Glasgow has the biggest club in Scotland, The Garage, hosting club nights and live music across six rooms and four floors. Whether you’re a clubber or pint-drinker, Glasgow has got you covered with an array of authentic pubs and independent bars to large scale nightclubs. Sounds like a fun bar crawl to us - cheers! Looking for inspiration? Click here: 10 Best Beer Gardens in Glasgow
Now you know why Glasgow is a good student city, it’s time to choose your student accommodation! We’ve set up two locations in the heart of the city, each with a whole host of amenities including a cinema, gym and study zone. Browse our two sites today: Glasgow Student Accommodation