Blanca's Erasmus Experience in Glasgow, United Kingdom

Why did you choose to go to Glasgow, United Kingdom?

I chose Glasgow because it was the only Erasmus destination offered by my university for Joint Honours in the United Kingdom. I was very clear that I wanted to study in English, but I didn't want to go to Ireland to do so.

How long is the grant for? How much money do you receive as support?

My exchange is for 9 months, but the Ministry of Education is providing me with money for 5 months, and the Regional Government of Andulucia for the whole 9 months. In total, the Ministry has paid me 2000€ (in December) because I had a B2 level of English. I think the Andalucian Government pays me 190€ a month, but the payment is only made when the exchange ends.

What is student life like in Glasgow?

It's great. There are students from all over the world: the United States, Europe, China (many students from here), Australia... There is a great atmosphere and there are so many activities available to spend your time doing with the free university gym, as well as there being clubs and societies. You will never get bored. During the first few weeks, I didn't stop!

Source

Would you recommend the city and the University of Glasgow to other students?

Yes, it's a very friendly city and the university is extremely prestigious, with a fantastic teaching staff.

What is food like in the UK?

BAD, BAD, BAD... I'm sorry, but there's nothing like the Mediterranean diet of Serrano ham and tapas. Here, the food is of an okay quality, but there is little variety and it's VERY expensive. If you eat healthily (fruit, vegetables, meat, etc. ), you will easily find these foods in the supermarket, but they are poor quality and are double the price of those in Spain.

The really cheap things are fast food, sweets and baked goods, haha.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Glasgow?

A little bit. I went for the easy option and chose a student residence because I was in the middle of my exams and I didn't want to commit myself to looking for a flat. But there are flats available - the important thing is to be clear about which months you want them for, to be situated close to the university, and, if you can, meet your flatmates beforehand. But, there is accommodation; it's expensive, but it does exist. Facebook accommodation groups help a lot.

Source

How much does it cost to live in Glasgow?

A LOT! I didn't think it would be so expensive. Remember that we lose out when exchanging Euros to Pound Sterling. Rent prices for flats are around £300 a month, whereas residences are between £400 and £700 a month. I am spending £250 a month at the supermarket (and I don't buy luxury items like meat, but healthy food I do). Nightclubs are well-priced. Restaurants here are more expensive than they are in Spain.

There are things that will leave you scarred for life when you see their prices: cans of tuna for £3 (3. 78€); bags of ice also for £3; waxing strips for £9 (11. 33€); and, the worst vodka in the world for £15 (19€). What's more, every time you go to the city centre, it will cost you £2. 60 one way.

What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

Hahaha, the language is fine, but the accent is horrible. There isn't anyone who could understand the Glaswegians - their accent is like a mix of German, Romanian and English. People at university have the clearest accents, as well as the international students. But, taxi drivers, supermarket workers... there are times when nobody understands them! My trick is to smile and to say 'yes' to everything, haha.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Glasgow from your city?

I am from Granada, so I took a Ryanair flight from Malaga to Prestwick. If you buy the ticket in advance, it's really cheap. Watch out for flights to return home at Christmas - it's advisable to get your ticket in September or at the beginning of October because, after that, there is hardly any availability and the prices rise exponentially. It's worth going to Prestwick Airport and not to Glasgow International Airport, as ticket prices are much cheaper at the former. There is a train that will take you to the city centre in 30 minutes for £3. 50, and the landscape you see on this journey is beautiful. In the city centre, there is a circular subway system that can get you to the most important places in the city, or you can take a taxi to your destination.

Source

Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Glasgow?

Kokomo, Bamboo and El Barrio. The first two have chart music and very good DJs, and the latter has reggaeton and Latin music. If you just want to go out for a beer or a couple of chilled drinks, Ashton Line is a very cool street full of pubs. Erasmus students also go to Sugar Cube on Wednesdays, but I haven't been there yet. At university, there are two fraternities (GUU and QMU) that host American-style parties, but I don't really like them... they are more for first or second-year students (I'm a fifth-year).

And eating out in Glasgow? Can you name your favourite places?

My favourite places to go to are: Tony Macarony (Italian restaurant) on Byres Road; TacoMazama (Mexican eatery), also on Byres Road; Hard Rock Café on Buchanan Street; TriBeCa (American diner) on Dumbarton Road; and, BMB (really good quality hamburgers) on West Regent Street. I normally eat out at a restaurant once a week with my friends and cook in the residence the rest of the week.

For supermarket shopping, I go to Morrisons (perhaps the best in both price and quality). Tesco Express is really expensive, Iceland is cheap but the quality leaves a lot to be desired, and Marks & Spencer is also expensive.

My friends also eat in the dining halls at the university (£3. 50 for a meal, without a drink or dessert, but be savvy and take some fruit and a bottle of water). I have eaten in the dining halls when I couldn't be bothered cooking for myself, I have a lot of classes or it's exam season. The food is okay, but it's not Spain...

And cultural hotspots?

The University of Glasgow is amazing - it feels like you are at Hogwarts. Other places I would recommend visiting are: the cathedral; the Necrópolis; the bridge next to the SEC Arena; Buchanan Street, for shopping; the Botanic Gardens; the city's parks; and, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which are really good. But, at the end of the day, we still aren't in Paris, haha.

Source

I have travelled around all of Scotland and I'd say it's worth going to Edinburgh, St Andrews, the Highlands, and Inverness... at university, they organise loads of trips and visits.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Glasgow?

• Be really open and talk to everyone. The first few weeks are tough and you feel lonely, but everyone else feels the same way. Be brave, put yourself outside of your comfort zone and you will have one of the best experiences of your life.
• Save money or get your head around the fact that the experience will be expensive.
• I don't know how it is at other universities or with other degrees... but, studying Law and Management is hard and you have to study lots, just like at home in Granada.

  The exams are anonymous and are marked by your lecturer and a lecturer from another university (Cambridge, for example), so they won't do you any favours just because you're an Erasmus student. If you think that doing an Erasmus exchange is just about going out partying, travelling, drinking and passing exams just by showing up, DON'T COME TO THE UK, haha. Go to Poland, Hungary or Italy instead...

• You are going to have a great time. If I hadn't have come, I would have regretted it my whole life. I think that doing an Eramus exchange is one of the best life experiences - it teaches you how to grow as a person, it opens your mind, it allows you to become familiar with other cultures, and how to become more tolerant and independent... you have the best time!