Experience in Glasgow, United Kingdom by Rosemary

What is it like to live in Glasgow? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Its an earthy city - very down to earth with some nice places to see and be seen!

What is the student lifestyle like in Glasgow?

As I understand it - very lively - with a lot organised by the universities - particularly Glasgow university.

How much does it cost to live in Glasgow?

A decent room in a shared flat can be anywhere from £300 to £400 per month (be careful to check whether your rent includes bills)
As a student you are NOT liable for council tax in the UK - so make sure that no-one tries to charge you for council tax.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Glasgow? Is there any advice you can give?

In the UK, there is a statutory 6 month lease period for renting. This means that some landlords are reluctant to let for a period less than this. If you want to get some accommodation in a decent area, its certainly worth looking early and posting some adverts either on this site, Spareroom or Gumtree - or on the facebook pages for Glasgow .
In a flat where there are more than 2 people sharing (excluding the landlord if they live there), there needs to be a license called House of Multiple Occupancy - this is something that a landlord pays for and ensures that you are living in safe accommodation that has been inspected by the council.
There is also a PADI website that the universities support which will only allow registered landlords to advertise their rooms. This can also be a good place to look
There are a couple of hostels in the city if you arrive without accommodation - but these get booked up early as well - so make sure you have somewhere to live as being on the streets in a city is not the best welcome.
If you take a room for a short period that doesn't have a longer term person staying there it can be difficult to get broadband etc set up for a shorter period.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Glasgow has a big curry culture - with loads of excellent indian restaurants. Scotland is the home of the "deep fried mars bar" - so not the healthiest place on the planet.

Haggis, tatties and neeps is a traditional dish - lovely
Square sausage on a roll.....perfection!

What places would you recommend visiting in Glasgow?

Art galleries and museums are all FREE to enter in the UK - which is a total bargain and there are loads in Glasgow worth seeing.

The countryside near Glasgow (Loch Lomond) is stunning and definitely worth a visit and travelling further afield - Scotland is stunningly beautiful

Is it good to eat out in Glasgow? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes - loads and loads of choice

Is the nightlife good in Glasgow? Where is good to go?

Yes - Sugar Cube seems to get mentioned a lot!

What advice would you give future students heading to Glasgow?

Be prepared and get your accommodation sorted out as soon as you know you are going.Ask your landlord for ID (I always send a copy of my driving license/passport) so you know who you are dealing with.
Take photographs of your accommodation when you move in to record the condition of the property - the most common reason for deducting deposits is that the landlord has to make good some damage.
Have your wits about you - if you are careful you will be safe (as in any city). There is not a lot of street crime (bag snatching, pickpockets etc) like in some european cities - it tends to be drink related at nightclubs etc so if you are sensible then you will have a good time.
Make sure you travel further afield - Scotland is a gorgeous country and pretty small so you can get around easily by bus.