Experience in Glasgow, United Kingdom by Sarah

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

I love Glasgow, it's my favourite city. The city is huge but the subway system and buses make it relatively easy to navigate. There is never a day where something isn't happening, be it music, comedy or food festivals.

What is the student lifestyle like in Glasgow?

Glasgow has 3 universities which makes it ideal for students. Almost all shops and restaurants offer student discounts and every week night there's a student night at various clubs. Glasgow caters extremely well for students, even within the university itself there are countless clubs and societies to join that will provide friendships and new experience.

Source: Mar Muñoz

How much does it cost to live in Glasgow?

The average rent I'd say is around £375-£450 per month. Rent is quite expensive. I usually spend around £15-20 per week on food and about £50 per week on leisure activities. It is quite expensive but definitely manageable. Im awful with money and I survive, but my friends all manage to spend far less than I do. I would recommend getting a job though.

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

I've always found accommodation easy to come across. Halls in Glasgow are a sure way to make friends, particularly Murano Street Student Village if you're a first/second year coming to the city. If you're going for a private flat I recommend going on Gumtree or sites similar and getting a private landlord. Even if the flats don't have pictures, it's worth viewing (that's how I found mine! ). Companies like Gibson/Rightmove etc. are often way more expensive than if you were to rent from a private landlord.

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

The food is hugely diverse. There's a large Asian population in Glasgow which in turn offers an amazing range of cuisine. There's a growing number of sushi/Chinese/Japanese restaurants which are all hugely popular. Also, Glasgow is famous for it's excellent Indian food. There are also places like Bloc+ and The 78 which offer relatively cheap and very tasty vegetarian and vegan food. My flat mate is vegan and finds eating out at restaurants very simple in Glasgow. If there's a type of food you want, Glasgow will definitely have it on offer.

What places would you recommend visiting in Glasgow?

The People's Palace, the necropolis, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art are (to name but a few) all central places that are free to get into in Glasgow. There's also Buchanan Street for shopping and the Barras Market, which even though may be past it's prime, is still excellent to visit to get a feel for Glasgow and its history.

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

The 78, Tchai Nova, Bread Meets Bread, Bloc+, McPhabbs, Bar Soba, Bucks Bar and Topolabomba are all popular with students because of their good food and student-friendly prices. A walk down Bath Street, Byres Road or around Finnieston will find countless bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. I've lived here for almost 2 years and haven't even began to scratch the surface with in terms of what food is on offer!

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

There is always something on in Glasgow. Subclub is the longest underground dance/house club in the world and it is still as popular as ever. Buffclub is also a popular spot with students as it usually offers free entry. HipHop Thursdays at The Buffclub are a personal favourite. The Polo Lounge is the city's largest LGBT+ club and - if you're looking for cheesy pop and cheap drinks - it offers some of the best nights the city has to offer - I would recommend their "Lollipop Wednesday" student night. 'Mainstream' clubs like Kokomo (student night is Monday), Kushion (student night is Tuesday) and Bamboo (student night is Wednesday) are always a safe bet if you're looking for a good, simple night out.

What advice would you give future students heading to Glasgow?

Bring a big jacket (with a hood) and don't worry.