What is it Like to Live in Glasgow?

Whether you’re coming from south of the border or you’re relocating from elsewhere in Scotland, if you’re considering studying in the “Dear Green Place”, you’ll probably be wondering what is it like to live in Glasgow. From its famously friendly locals and thriving student community to its buzzing music scene and bountiful green spaces, here’s what you can expect from life in Scotland’s largest city.

The locals are very friendly

Glasgow is one of the most friendly cities in the UK – it’s official. It’s been regularly voted as the UK’s friendliest city, most recently in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s the type of place where people will strike up conversations with you at the pub, in the queue at the post office or waiting at the bus stop. It may take some getting used to if things are a little more reserved in your hometown. Our advice? Go with it! You never know; you might make a new friend, discover a new favourite pub or get some insider tips on the city.

It's relatively affordable

Cheaper than cities such as London and Edinburgh, you’ll probably find that your student budget stretches a little further in Glasgow. The University of Glasgow estimates that it costs an average of £1,400 per month to live and study in the city. That’s compared to up to £1,700 per month in London and £1,546 in Edinburgh, giving you a little extra cash to spend on nights out or treat yourself to a croissant with your morning coffee. Take advantage of student discounts on travel too: if you’re under 22, you’re entitled to free bus transport across Scotland.

There’s a thriving student population

With five university-level institutions, Glasgow is one of the UK’s largest university cities; around 50,000 people opt to study here. The West End, home to the University of Glasgow’s main campus, is packed with cafés, pubs, vintage and independent shops, as well as The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

The University of Strathclyde is a city-centre campus close to all the major retailers. It’s a five-minute walk away from Merchant City, with its medieval architecture, galleries and theatres. This is also the heart of Glasgow’s LGBTQ+ scene, with plenty of gay bars and pubs.

There’s a legendary live music scene

Glasgow has a well-earned reputation for being a hub of live music. In fact, it was the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music. The city hosts around 130 events per week at its many and varied music venues. Perhaps its most iconic is the Barrowland Ballroom, which has hosted everyone from Grace Jones to David Bowie, Foo Fighters to Oasis, Snoop Dogg to Daft Punk. 

King Tut's Wah Wah Hut specialises in showcasing new music. Over the years, the likes of Blur, Olivia Dean and CMAT have played some of their first gigs here. For electronic music fans, Sub Club is a must-visit. It’s the longest-running underground dance club in the world and is renowned for its banging sound system and immersive atmosphere. Glasgow is also home to TRNSMT festival, as well as Scottish Opera and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. So whether you’re into indie, classical or dance, there’s always something happening.

It's got a great food scene

Glasgow’s unofficial foodie hub is Finnieston, next to the University of Glasgow. Here you’ll find some of the city’s best independent bars, cafés and restaurants, along with a popular food market that happens on the third Sunday of every month.

The city is also famous for its South Asian cuisine, so if you like Indian and Pakistani food, you are spoilt for choice. There’s good news too if you’re vegan or vegetarian: Glasgow is one of the world’s most vegan-friendly cities. Check out Mono, where delicious vegan comfort food is served alongside a weekly schedule of live music; Honeytrap Bakery for its vegan baked goods; and Ranjit’s Kitchen for delicious vegetarian Panjabi food.

It's filled with amazing green spaces

The city’s nickname, Dear Green Place, is a translation of its Gaelic name, and it’s easy to see why it’s so called. From the riverside setting of Kelvingrove Park in the West End to the stunning cityscape views from Queen’s Park, there are over 90 parks and gardens to explore. Perfect for quiet study sessions under a tree or a catch-up with friends after lectures.

You can also hop on a bus or train and find yourself in beautiful countryside without too much effort. With ancient woodland and walking trails, Pollock Country Park is a short car journey away. Catch a train to Ayr and you’ll be paddling in the Atlantic Ocean in under an hour. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are around 1 hour and 20 minutes away by train, so it’s always easy to escape the bustle of the city and get out among nature.

From its thriving cultural scene, strong student community and easy access to green spaces, we hope we’ve given you a good idea of what it’s like to live in Glasgow. If it seems like the kind of place where you’d like to live, why not take a look at our student accommodation? With spacious en-suite rooms and amazing social spaces – including a sky roof terrace – you’ll have everything you need to make the most of student life in the city.

Take a look now or arrange a viewing: true student Glasgow