Félicie's Erasmus Experience in Glasgow, UK

Why did you choose to go to Glasgow, UK?

The courses at the university interested me, and I wanted to go to a country where I would be able to master the language so that I could actually communication with the people there. Going to Glasgow meant I could immerse myself for a year in an English-speaking country!

Furthermore, I was attracted to Glasgow as it an old industrial city that has been revitalised by cultural projects, including music and concerts.

Lastly, Glasgow is very close to the Highlands and the sea, where it is easy to go explore, hike, camp... and in my case kayak, a hobby that I have practised for 8 years and that I looked to continue during my Erasmus.

How long did you spend in Glasgow? What sort of financial aid did you get?

I stayed for two semesters (September to May) and I received an Erasmus grant of 1680 euros and another 1140 euros from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

What is student life like in Glasgow?

Student life is based much more on "societies" (sports clubs, art clubs... ) which allow you to participate in activities and make friends. In addition to playing sports, these "societies" organise various "social events"! They are an integral part of university life and create a welcoming atmosphere.

The University Library is a good place to study, in groups or alone. The 11 floors and their shelves filled with books encourage you to read and expand your learning!

There is also a huge sports complex for lovers of indoor sports (the "gym") with a pool and sports hall.

Would you recommend Glasgow and its university to other students?

Absolutely! I found that the teaching style and way of working is very different to that of France, it is more about independent work and reflection. The professors are much more accessible and they encourage you to study what interests you. There were fewer students in the majority of my lectures - at least in third year - which allowed more discussion. The "tutorials" (of about 6 or 7 students) allow discussion and exchange with the other students and the tutor surrounding a text and your own work.

Besides the university, the city is a real mix of different people and cultures, and the people are very nice. There are numerous parks (Kelvingrove Park next to the University) where you can walk when it's not raining!

What is the food like in Scotland?

Since Glasgow is very far north and in a rainy climate, there is minimal agriculture and food has to be imported, except beer, cheddar and other dairy products. Don't expect to get high quality, fresh, nice tasting products, or you will have to pay a high price.

The university has a strong partnership with AMAP (a provider of hampers of local, organic vegetables) which is called food uni- coop, which means you can eat well for cheap. (£5 for a basket to last a week. )

Also, you can find all sorts of global cuisine in Glasgow's restaurants (particularly Indian, Pakistani and Chinese) and it's really worth a try!

Glasgow has been deemed the vegan capital of the UK and this title is well deserved. In every restaurant and even the university's restaurant there are vegetarian and vegan menus.

And if you aren't vegan/vegetarian, try fish and chips!

Did you struggle to find accommodation in Glasgow?

Unlike in France, most students in Glasgow live in shared accommodation.

Housing in Glasgow is expensive and the landlords are dodgy. I must warn you that the laws relating to renting are much less clear and can lead to a number of nasty surprises and confusing leases. Certain landlords try to scam students, especially foreigners. (I have experienced this myself. )

However this doesn't apply to all the landlords, and it is entirely possible to find decent accommodation, they can even be quite spacious (in the beautiful, old buildings). Expect to pay around £400/£450 per month, bills not included.

The university accommodation (student accommodation) is a good option because it is modern, practical and the bills are included in the rent. The university offers several buildings and there are also some private ones. Expect to pay about £460/£480 per month (heating and internet included).

What is the cost of living in Glasgow?

Rent, at least in the university quarter, is more expensive than in France (£400/480)

Food is generally more expensive, but there are many ways to save (products with short sell-by-dates are cheaper)

Transport is more expensive, especially the passes! (£2 for a bus ticket, £1 for the metro) but the train (Scotrail) offers a good alternative at a better price to get to the city centre or to travel around Scotland. Biking and walking is always a good way to get around.

Nights out generally cost the same (concerts, a beer down the pub... )

How did you find learning the language? Did the university organise language classes?

I didn't attend any language lessons at the university, but daily life forced me to learn as I went along.

However, I attended 4 hours a week of a lesson called "university writing for foreign students", which taught me the principles of essay writing: punctuation, bibliography, etc...

This was fairly easy for me even if at the start it required a certain amount of concentration (and sometimes a headache by the end of the day).

What was the cheapest way of getting to Glasgow from your hometown?

Ryan Air offers flights from Nantes to Edinburgh. Aer Lingus does flights from Nantes to Dublin, you then need to get a Ryan-Air flight to Glasgow. There isn't a direct flight, at least via the low-cost companies.

Where would you recommend to go out in Glasgow?

Nice & Sleazy, Sub Club, Buff Club, Mango for dancing.

Oran Mor, an old church transformed into a bar.

The Ben Nevis, a nice pub to grab a beer and listen to folk music.

Eating out? What are your favourite places?

Drygate a Glaswegian beer brewery that also serves as a restaurant and café. The building and the atmosphere are really nice.

All the coffee shops on Byres Road and the Great Western Road in the West End!

Which cultural sites would you suggest?

Street art in Glasgow!

In order to truly understand the city's history you need to go beyond the tourist spots, visit all the different parts of the city beyond the West End and the town centre.

Any advice for students going to Glasgow in the future?

Bear in mind that it is the people who give Glasgow its charm. Don't stop at the architecture, explore further and you will discover little gems which make Glasgow such a fun and interesting city.