Study in Glasgow: a guide for international students

Study in Glasgow: a guide for international students 

The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow  is one of the most vibrant and exciting places to study.  No matter what you're into, you'll find an outlet when you're at the University of Glasgow or another institution. Whether you want to stroll around the city's art galleries and museums or check out edgy street art, you'll never be bored. There are endless things to do in Glasgow.

Worried about the weather in Glasgow? Well, nobody gets excited about the Scottish summer – but there's plenty to do indoors. The historic King's Theatre in Glasgow is always putting on fun shows, and of course there are some great pubs and clubs. Plus, this city is seriously affordable, giving you way more bang for your buck. 

Glasgow is one of the most welcoming cities around, with a ton of bars and clubs for the LGBTQIA+ community and places to worship for all religions. You don't have to eat deep-fried Mars bars every day, either – Glasgow has a thriving international community, with a culinary scene to match!

Reasons to study in Glasgow 

It's easy to see why so many students choose to study in Glasgow. The cost of living is low, the city is full of inspiring history, and there's a ton of fun to be had! Here are some of the best things to do in Glasgow for students: 

Cultural and historic landmarks Glasgow 

There are some great museums dotted around the city, and there's always something for culture vultures to do. You'll find thriving theatres in Glasgow, with everything from Shakespearean classics to modern productions. The Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow hosts everything from philharmonic orchestras to rock and pop concerts. It's no wonder this city has been named a UNESCO City of Music!

Around the city, you'll also find some fascinating religious buildings. Glasgow Cathedral was built in 1197, and just oozes history. The modern Glasgow Central Mosque, the largest mosque in Scotland, is a lot newer, but just as beautiful. 

Glasgow nightlife for students

Scotland is known all over the world for its great social scene. Students will find a ton of fantastic bars in Glasgow, with something to suit all tastes. Like to rock out to headbanging classics? No problem. Prefer to dance all night to some EDM? We've got you covered. There really is something for everyone in Glasgow nightclubs.

You'll also find some fabulous restaurants. Even better, the Merchant City quarter has a number of dining options that offer student discounts – just what every foodie on a budget likes to hear.

Top universities in Glasgow

There are five universities in Glasgow, including some highly ranked, world-renowned institutions. Most of them have a reading week in the middle of the semester, allowing students with itchy feet to get out of the city and do some travelling – or stay in and catch up on your studies, if you prefer. 

The Glasgow universities

• University of Glasgow: Dating back to 1451, this is one of Scotland's four ancient universities and is ranked in the top 100 worldwide. It's the largest university in Scotland, renowned for its law and medicine departments.
• University of Strathclyde: This large university is in the UK's top ten for subjects like electrical engineering, architecture, and pharmacology and pharmacy. John Logie Baird, the inventor of colour TV, studied here. 
• Glasgow Caledonian University: This is a modern university, with an emphasis on business, engineering and computing. In particular, it's well known for its cutting-edge degrees in cyber security and applied computer games. 
• Glasgow School of Art: Creative types have been studying architecture, fine art and design at this university for well over a century. It ranks 11th in the world for art and design. 
  
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Since its foundation in 1847, this has become Scotland's busiest performing arts venue. If you're eager for a career in the theatre, this is one of the best places in Europe to tread the boards 

Glasgow student accommodation 

There are some great options for student accommodation in Glasgow as this is a popular university city. The universities have their own residences, but they tend to fill up quickly. They're not always particularly well-equipped, either; don't expect housekeeping or room services, and you'll be lucky to find a gym on-site. Many students prefer to look elsewhere for accommodation, either renting directly from a landlord or going to a private student residence.

The Social Hub has a great location, in walking distance from four of Glasgow's universities as well as Glasgow City College. The University of Glasgow is tucked away in the city's west end, but there's a handy subway line that allows for easy commuting. An on-site gym and coworking space are some of the perks for students living in the Social Hub – and, of course, it's a great place to make new friends.  

What to do in Glasgow as a student?

From visiting museums to dining out at the best restaurants, it's hard to get bored in the Merchant City. We've put this list together of the best things to do in Glasgow – and if you organise your time properly, you might even be able to squeeze in a couple of lectures, too. 

Visit one of the famous museums

Even if you're not a history student, it's worth checking out a museum or two – and Glasgow really has a lot of them. Why not spend an afternoon admiring the classic cars at the Riverside Museum or enjoying the passion that drives the Scottish Football Museum? The Glasgow Science Centre, with its massive planetarium and enormous IMAX cinema, is a must for anyone majoring in STEM subjects.

Check out the art galleries 

Top of the list is the phenomenal Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Set in a gorgeous manor house, it contains works by masters like Salvador Dalí and Vincent van Gogh. Wander off into the left wing and you'll feel like you've stumbled into a different world – while the right half of the gallery houses gorgeous paintings, the left contains everything from a Spitfire plane to a stuffed Indian elephant. You'll find more quirky places to visit in this guide to the best-kept secrets in Glasgow.

Concerts and music events

Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music, and you'll soon see why. There are several orchestras permanently based here, but if classical music's not your jam, don't worry. The city also hosts a huge number of gigs each year. There's also the annual Glasgow Music Festival, held in the early spring, when amateur performers get their turn to grab the spotlight. 

A trip to the Highlands or Solway Firth

 If you've got your own transport, great. If not, just head down to Buchanan Bus Station and hop onboard for a trip out into the heart of nature. There are two great destinations a little over three hours from Glasgow. The Scottish Highlands are famous around the world for their epic, sweeping green scenery. You may not have heard of Solway Firth, a windswept coastal region with sand dunes, salt marshes, and dramatic sea views, but it's a great spot for a weekend getaway.            

Glasgow cathedral 

You don't need to be religious to admire this, which is one of the finest medieval buildings in all Scotland. It's the only cathedral in mainland Scotland that survived the Scottish Reformation intact, and its gorgeous architecture is well worth taking a couple of hours to explore.

Dive in the West End area 

 If you get cold easily, you might want to sit this one out! Glasgow is a surprisingly good choice for scuba diving, although it's a far cry from the tropical reefs of Indonesia. In these chilly waters you can swim alongside creatures like sea otters, seals and even porpoises.

Cost of living Glasgow

A generic overview of the estimated costs for a student in Glasgow.

Glasgow is one of the most affordable cities in the UK, with cheap transportation and a range of supermarkets to suit all budgets. Your biggest expense will be your accommodation. In total, you can expect to spend about £1,800 per month, including rent – and savvy students will be able to keep that figure down by shopping in budget supermarkets and keeping their eyes peeled for student discounts.

International students do have to pay tuition fees in Scotland – and be prepared to pay a lot more than your Scottish classmates. The exact costs vary, depending on your university and your degree, but you should prepare to spend around £20,000 per academic year for most degrees. Be aware that some degrees have a significantly higher price tag. A year spent studying medicine at the University of Glasgow costs around £53,000, for example. 

Student friendly transportation Glasgow 

There's some great news for students who like to travel. Scotland offers free buses for people under 22, making it easy to head out for a weekend break. There are trains and buses that connect Glasgow to cities and towns across Scotland. You'll also find trains and buses heading south to major cities in England.

Many universities now offer safe taxi schemes so that your nights out don't end in disaster. Make sure to keep your student ID on you at all times. If you can't afford the fare, show the taxi driver your ID. They'll charge the fare to the university. Just remember that you will have to pay it back at some point!

If you’d rather get around town on two wheels, then just grab a bike from The Social Hub. The bikes are free for residents, and the city has over 300 km of dedicated bike lanes. Don’t forget your raincoat. 

Where to stay in Glasgow

One of the best things about staying at The Social Hub is the chance to meet new people. You won't just be staying with students from your university – instead, you'll be able to rub shoulders with students from other institutions and broaden your social circle. Of course, you'll also be living in clean, modern comfort.

The Social Hub offers on-site laundry facilities and a fully equipped kitchen. It also has a 24/7 gym to ensure your body is as healthy as your mind and coworking spaces where you can do some studying. There's even a monthly room cleaning service – because who says students have to live in grotty apartments?

Accommodation options at The Social Hub 

All our rooms are fully equipped and designed to meet all your needs as a student in Glasgow! Standard single: This budget-friendly room contains all the essentials you need, including a desk, private bathroom with a shower and comfy single bed. There's also climate control – an essential in the Scottish winters. Executive queen: Want a bigger bed? You've got it! This queen-size bed is ideal for students who love to sprawl. There's a wall-mounted TV aimed right at your head so you can spend your downtime enjoying total relaxation. Oh, and of course you've got a desk and private bathroom, too. Deluxe queen: This is the biggest room of all. It comes with all the perks of the executive queen room, but with more floor space. If you're bringing extra suitcases to start your student life, this is the room for you.

Come study abroad in Glasgow 

Want to study in Glasgow? All the excitement of Scotland's biggest city is waiting for you! Find your perfect student accommodation at The Social Hub Glasgow and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.