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CONTENTS

1. Why study in Glasgow?

2. About Glasgow

3. University of Glasgow

4. University of Strathclyde

5. Glasgow Caledonian University

6. Glasgow School of Art

7. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

8. Living in Glasgow

9. Entry requirements

10. Transport links

11. Getting around Glasgow

12. Things to do in Glasgow

Why study in Glasgow?

Glasgow is one of the UK's largest cities, boasting a large student population between its five university-level institutions and three major colleges. As Scotland’s largest and most diverse city, it’s home to museums, galleries, music, comedy and the arts, as well as famous festivals such as Celtic Connections.

About Glasgow

Few cities have as friendly a reputation as Glasgow. It must be what makes it one of the UK’s most student-populated cities, with student numbers exceeding 115,000. The city is known for its vibrant and lively culture, with a reputation for great food, a colourful art scene and championing diversity.

Students also find Glasgow reasonably affordable, which is why so many graduates choose to stay and work in the city.

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow is the largest institution, with nearly 40,000 students. It offers a wide range of subjects, many of which appear in the top ten of our UK subject league tables.

Location

Gilmorehill campus is in Glasgow's fashionable West End, a vibrant area packed with cafes, pubs and independent shops. You might recognise the cloisters at the historic main building, as they featured in the movie Cloud Atlas and the TV show Outlander. The campus is surrounded by museums, galleries and parks, and city centre is just two miles away, easily accessed by the underground, bus or on foot. It’s a compact, campus-style environment with all the benefits of being in a major city.

Dumfries campus is set in 85 acres of leafy parkland with stunning views to the Solway Firth estuary and hills. It is near hiking and cycling trails, rivers and lochs, and only a walk or short bus ride to the historic town centre.

Facilities

The uni has world-class sports facilities, including a 25m swimming pool, all-weather pitches, grass pitches, tennis courts, and a gym. Unusually, students can choose between two Students' Unions. The Queen Margaret Union hosts great gigs, while Glasgow University Union is famed for its debating. Among the cluster of university buildings are the Hunterian museum and art gallery, and an enormous library spread over 12 floors.

See the University of Glasgow profile page for an interactive map and more information.

University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde provides excellent industrial placements, scholarships and opportunities to study abroad. Strathclyde students can spend up to one year of a degree studying at an overseas partner university. Locations include Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Location

The University of Strathclyde is in Glasgow's city centre. It's close to supermarkets, high street and second-hand shops, boutiques, restaurants, clubs, theatres, museums and more.

Facilities

The Students’ Union has bars and clubs that cater for all. Strath Union has 200+ societies to join, while the Sports Union has around 50 active clubs. These range from team sports like football and rugby to archery and athletics. Sports facilities include a swimming pool, fitness suite, sports halls and squash courts, dance studios and playing fields.

See the University of Strathclyde profile page for an interactive map and more information.

Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has city-centre campuses in London and Glasgow. It also enjoys partnerships with leading institutions around the world. Students pursuing undergraduate programmes at GCU can get hands-on work experience in their field of study.

Location

The university is in the heart of the city of Glasgow. Recent investment has reshaped the campus into a modern and welcoming environment for students.

Facilities

The large main restaurant serves everything from a healthy breakfast to a hearty lunch at student-friendly prices. You'll also find pop-up food stalls at different times of year, serving a varied choice of food including vegan and veggie options.

The modern health and fitness centre hosts affordable classes and activities, and is home to the many university sports clubs.

At the hub of the campus, the Sir Alex Ferguson Library has movable library shelves for easy access to books and group study pods with whiteboards. Students can also access over 2,000 computers across the library, study areas and halls of residence.

See Glasgow Caledonian University profile page for an interactive map and more information.

Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow School of Art was once housed in the renowned building by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Twice devastated by fire this building is currently out of use, but students still study in buildings nearby.

Location

Glasgow School of Art is based in Garnethill. This old residential area overlooks Sauchiehall Street, one of the city's most famous roads. It's a quiet neighbourhood, despite the M8 motorway encircling the area to the north and west. There's easy access to shops and nightlife in the pedestrianised city centre. Halls of residence are available nearby.

Facilities

GSA provides all the course-specific facilities you'd expect of an art school of its stature. There's a well-stocked library of art, design and architecture collections. IT facilities include bookable PCs and Macs, and workshop technicians support students with their expertise.

See Glasgow School of Art profile page for an interactive map and more information.

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Focusing on the performing arts, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is truly multidisciplinary. It offers courses in acting, music, composition, film making, ballet, musical theatre, opera and more. RCS encourages collaboration and with only 1,250 students on campus you'll be able to meet those studying other disciplines.

Location

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is also near Sauchiehall Street, not far from Glasgow School of Art. There's easy access to bus and train stations, shops and nightlife. The recommended provider for student accommodation is Base Glasgow, less than five minutes' walk away.

Facilities

The modern building has five purpose-built performance venues. There are many practice rooms, recording studios, dance studios and professional production facilities. The Whittaker Library has comprehensive materials for music and drama, and access to online resources for film and music. Head to the cafe bar to enjoy some food or a hot drink, and you may also find yourself enjoying a performance from fellow students or guests.

See Royal Conservatoire of Scotland profile page for an interactive map and more information.

Living in Glasgow

With five higher education institutions in the city there's a lot of demand for somewhere to live. Accommodation is prioritised for first-year students, but check your options early.

Each of the three universities has their own halls, and arrangements with private providers may also be in place. Glasgow School of Art and the Royal Consevatoire of Scotland may recommend partner halls for their new students.

The benefits of living in student halls include being near campus, and having access to uni facilities. You're likely to have 24/7 security and support, as well as social spaces to meet people. Some halls will also offer a range of rooms, from single or standard to a studio or with an en suite.

Most students live in private accommodation from their second year onwards. Where you choose to live and the size of your accommodation will dictate how expensive your rent is. Common student areas in Glasgow include Finnieston, Hillhead, Kelvinbridge, Dennistoun and Scotstoun.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary from uni to uni and course to course. The best way to check what you need to get into your preferred course at each university is to use our . There you can see what each course’s entry requirements are.

Transport links

Average train journey times from Glasgow

Getting around Glasgow

Glasgow offers an array of public transport, making it easy to travel across the city to your uni campus or halls of residence. There are also three international airports within 45 minutes of the city centre: Glasgow Airport, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and Edinburgh Airport.

Bus

First Bus operate Glasgow’s main bus network around the city and offer student tickets at a cheap rate. Citylink and other coach operators will take you to other parts of Scotland and the UK.

Underground

It’s quick and cheap to get around Glasgow on the city’s subway. One of the oldest underground systems in the world, it is definitely the simplest – you can go round in one direction, or the other, and that's it! Between the north and south of the River Clyde there are fifteen stations. It's only four stops from Buchanan Street to Hillhead station in the West End. Get a Subway Smartcard for cheaper travel if you’re using the underground often.

Train

There are two main train stations in Glasgow. Glasgow Queen Street will connect you to other parts of Scotland. Glasgow Central takes you to southern Scotland, London and around the UK. Buy a 16–25 Railcard for one-third off train tickets.

Cycle

Thanks to Nextbike, cycling around the city is made easy. These bikes are dotted around the city. You’ll need to download the app and sign up to rent a bike. Nextbike runs a Campusbike scheme with deals for students at Glasgow and Strathclyde universities. Glasgow also has many cycle lanes, so it’s worth investing in a bike. Keep your eyes out for any second-hand bike shops or see whether your uni has any bike schemes.

Walk

Glasgow is a walkable city. If you’re living near campus, this will not only be your cheapest transport option but a fantastic way to explore the area. You’ll come across some spectacular architecture along the way.

Other

If in need, Glasgow does have taxi services, along with Uber. This will be your safest option for getting home after a night out.

Things to do in Glasgow

Students thrive in Glasgow thanks to the variety of places to go, activities to do and events to attend. While you're working hard towards your degree it’s important to take breaks to enjoy yourself and take advantage of all there is to see and do.

Food and drink

The West End is where you’ll find a truckload of independent pubs, bars, and food spots to meet up at with friends. Go to Argyle Street in Finnieston for great bars, cafes, and street food, along with the Dockyard Social food warehouse. Other popular spots to go out for drinks include Sauchiehall Street and Bath Street.

Arts and culture

Glasgow's art scene is vibrant. Go for a walk along the City Centre Mural Trail to see some remarkable street art, or spend a few hours at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. If you’re after a movie, pop into the Glasgow Film Theatre or Everyman Glasgow. Experience more of Glasgow’s arts scene by going to performances by the Scottish Ballet or the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Events

For gigs in Glasgow, see who’s performing at OVO Hydro, Barrowlands, King Tut’s or Glasgow’s O2 Academy. If you’re after live sport, you can watch two of football’s most famous clubs, Celtic or Rangers. Or find other footie options at Partick Thistle and Glasgow City. Aside from football, there’s the Glasgow Warriors rugby team and top sporting venues for cycling and athletics. Glasgow also has film, comedy, science, jazz, and theatre festivals throughout the year.

Outdoors

Many consider Glasgow as one of the UK’s greenest cities, given it has over ninety parks and public gardens. The Botanic Gardens, the Hidden Gardens in Pollokshields and Pollok Park are all ideal for an adventure through nature. Further out from the city, Loch Lomond and the Highlands both offer spectacular scenery for a weekend away from the city.