About Glasgow
Glasgow is more than a city; It's an experience of its own. The city comes alive with street art, live music, and
beautiful old buildings, and is a perfect combination of creativity and history. Whether it’s museums such as
Kelvingrove, eating street food at local markets, going for a walk, or doing nothing in one of the parks, Glasgow
has something for everyone. Glasgow is home to great universities like the University of Glasgow, University of
Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the Glasgow School of Art. The student experience in Glasgow is
vibrant, inclusive, and exciting, with plenty of cafés, shops, and fun and interesting places to discover and
explore. It is easy to get around Glasgow, and you can easily hop on a train to spend a few days in Edinburgh, Loch
Lomond, or the Highlands. All of this combined makes Glasgow a great city for students to live in.
Best Student Accommodation in Glasgow
At Alphaway, we have some of the best student housing in Glasgow, shared student apartments in Glasgow,
budget-friendly shared flats, welcoming en-suites, and modern studios with first-class facilities for student life.
Every property is verified, safe, and specifically designed to make student life in Glasgow easy. Plus, we offer
24x7 service, and you can be fully confident in your booking. Here are some of the most popular Glasgow student
rooms waiting for you:
Why Choose Glasgow for Higher Education
Glasgow is one of the most dynamic and student-friendly cities in the UK. It has excellent universities and strong
industry connections, helping students find job opportunities in areas like tech, engineering, and the arts. The
friendly vibe of Glasgow, the variety of students, and the busy social scene appeal to students, both UK and
international. When combined with low-cost living and a cultural life that stretches for miles, it's easy to see why
Glasgow is a fantastic student city.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Glasgow
- West End: The most popular area for student accommodation in Glasgow, known for its proximity
to the University of Glasgow, charming cafés, and lively student scene.
- City Centre: Ideal for luxury student accommodation near Glasgow Caledonian University, with
unbeatable access to shopping, nightlife, and transport links.
- Finnieston: A trendy hotspot for private Glasgow student accommodation, offering a buzzing food
scene, bars, and riverside walks.
- Dennistoun: A budget-friendly area with great transport, perfect for affordable student housing
in Glasgow, Scotland, without sacrificing convenience.
- Partick & Hillhead: Vibrant student hubs with easy access to universities, offering a mix of
shared student accommodation in Glasgow, UK, and modern private halls.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Glasgow
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA): These are modern purpose-built student housing in
Glasgow, exclusively for students. There are a variety of PBSAs available in the form of shared student
apartments in Glasgow, en-suite student rooms (your bedroom with a toilet and bathroom!), and studio rooms (your
bedroom with your bathroom and kitchenette). All rooms are furnished, and rent is inclusive of bills, wi-fi, and
a range of shared amenities such as study areas, gym, laundry, and 24/7 security. PBSAs are safe, comfortable,
and sociable, and provide a great option for students' housing in Glasgow.
- University Halls: These are accommodations provided by the university, usually on or near the
campus. They can be great for meeting other students, but they may not always have the same type or standard of
room as your friends. There are strict rules from the university for the students to follow.
- Shared Flats: These are flats that are rented with friends or other students. Shared flats
allow for independence, but you will have to manage your bills, cleaning, and contracts.
Cost of Living in Glasgow for International Students
Glasgow is an affordable city to live in for students. Although budgeting expenses can help you save money while
living your best student life. Here is a breakdown of the average cost of living in Glasgow for students:
- Rent: £120-£250/week depending on the room and location. Most private student accommodations in
Glasgow include Wi-Fi and other bills in the rent.
- Groceries: £80-£120/month if you often eat at home. Discount supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi,
Tesco, and Morrisons are popular with students in Glasgow.
- Travel: £40-60/month with a student card or a Subway pass. Public transport in Glasgow is
inexpensive and offers student discounts.
- Eating out: £8-20 per meal, depending on the location. Cheap eats around Sauchiehall Street or
student faves like Paesano Pizza or Bread Meats Bread are sure to satisfy.
- Entertainment & Shopping: £40-£80/month. Live music gigs, comedy nights, vintage shopping, and
museums are all part of student life in Glasgow, and there's lots to do, some of which is free!
Transportation in Glasgow
Glasgow offers an efficient and affordable transport network, making it easy for students to commute to universities,
explore the city, and travel across the UK. Here’s everything you need to know:
- Subway (The Clockwork Orange): The Subway in Glasgow is fast, simple to navigate, and a quick
and efficient way to get around the city centre and West End area of the city, where you will find many students
living and studying.
- Buses: Buses travel frequently throughout the city and the surrounding areas. They are
affordable, and they are also available at night, which is perfect for students on a night out.
- Trains (ScotRail): Trains are ideal for travelling throughout Glasgow and going off for day
trips to places like Edinburgh, Stirling, and Loch Lomond from Glasgow Central and Queen Street train stations.
- Airports: Glasgow Airport is easily reachable via bus and taxi. You can also use train and tram
services to reach Edinburgh airport for even longer trips abroad.
- Student Travel Discounts: Make sure to check out the Young Scot Card, 16-25 Railcard, or
local/regional bus and rail services for student passes to keep your travel costs down!
Student Life in Glasgow
Glasgow offers so much for students- from lip-smacking food, an exciting social scene, to huge shopping malls and
nearby weekend destinations to explore. You’re sure to be as busy as a bee all year long. Here's everything you
should know about Glasgow as a student:
- Restaurants & Cafés: Whether you want a big brunch in the West End or a late-night takeaway on
Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow’s food scene has something for everyone.
- Student Clubs & Events: Visit a university society, go to an open mic night, or attend a
student rave. There's always something on somewhere, whether it be music, tech, or theatre.
- Markets & Malls: Find a vintage item at The Barras Market or buy basics at Buchanan Galleries
and St Enoch Centre. These are all great for clothes and books.
- Weekend Getaways: Catch a train to Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Stirling, and even the Isle of Arran
for fresh air, scenery, and beautiful landscapes - all just a short train ride away.
- Libraries & Study Spots: Come and study at beautiful places like the Mitchell Library,
university libraries, or cute cafes located throughout the West End and the City Centre.
- Live Music & Art: Soak up live music at King Tut’s, visit the Gallery of Modern Art, or even
attend a pop-up cinema event. The creative vibe in Glasgow is everywhere.
Universities in Glasgow
- University of Glasgow: The university is consistently ranked among the world’s top 100. Known
for its historic campus (featuring the iconic Gilbert Scott Building), it excels in Medicine, Law, Humanities,
and Sciences.
- University of Strathclyde: The University of Strathclyde is a triple-accredited business school
(AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) and a leader in Engineering, Technology, and Innovation.
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU): Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a dynamic,
career-focused university specializing in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Business. Known for its strong
industry links, GCU partners with NHS Scotland, Cisco, and Santander to provide work placements and graduate
opportunities.
- Glasgow School of Art: The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is one of the top art schools globally,
famous for its innovative design, architecture, and fine arts programs. The university is known for its industry
mentorships, small class sizes, and a friendly environment for students to thrive in the bustling West End area
of Glasgow.
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Ranked #3 in the world for performing arts (QS 2024), the
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) trains future actors, musicians, dancers, and filmmakers. With alumni like
James McAvoy and Karen Cargill, RCS offers intensive, performance-focused degrees in drama, music production,
and screenwriting. Its state-of-the-art studios and partnerships with the BBC and Scottish Opera provide
students with real-world experience.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: Universities such as the University of Glasgow, Strathclyde, and
Glasgow Caledonian offer scholarships for both undergraduates and postgraduates. Scholarships may be available
depending on your grades, background, or course.
- Government Loans & Grants: If you are a UK or Scottish student, you may be eligible for
assistance from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). They provide grants and loans to cover tuition fees
and living costs.
- GCC Scholarships: Students from Gulf countries, like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait, can
apply for scholarships from their government, embassy, or cultural office to study in Glasgow.
- External scholarships for international students: If you are an international student, you can
also apply for high-profile funding awards, such as the Chevening Scholarship or the Commonwealth Scholarship,
which are open to students from around the world. These can assist with travel, tuition fees, and living costs.
Tips for International Students
- Open a bank account: It is a good idea to open your student bank account soon after you arrive
in Glasgow, since it will help a lot with paying for your rent and managing other expenses daily.
- Get a local SIM card: Stay connected with student-friendly SIM plans from telecoms such as
giffgaff, EE, or Vodafone with lots of flexibility on data and call packages.
- Familiarize yourself with local customs: People are friendly. Use a smile and perhaps a casual
"Alright?" or "Cheers?" to say "hello". Don't be afraid to talk to the locals. It just makes things more
interesting.
- Plan your budget: Try to track your expenses and take advantage of student discounts using apps
such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans. Glasgow is a cheap city, but it always helps to be smart with your savings.
- Alphaway support: Whether it is arranging an airport pick up or assisting you in orientation in
the city, or helping you set up your room, we will do our best to help you make the transition to Glasgow as
smooth as possible.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Register with the NHS: When you arrive, register with a local GP close to your student's
accommodation to access free healthcare through the NHS.
- Save Emergency Contacts: In case of an emergency, call 999. Also, remember to save your
university's emergency or security number too!
- Stay Safe at Night: Remember to walk in well-lit areas when walking at night! Using
student-discounted night buses or a trusted rideshare app like Uber can ensure that you arrive at your
destination safely.
- Mental Health Support: Universities in Glasgow, like Glasgow Caledonian University, offer free
counselling, mental health services, and support groups. If you are feeling overwhelmed, help is always
available - you just have to ask!
