Information and tips for Erasmus students in Glasgow, United Kingdom

Already thinking about your Erasmus in Glasgow? This Scottish city is an excellent choice for international students. It’s the largest city in the country and it has a large student community thanks to the University of Glasgow and Strathclyde University.

Glasgow is known for its dynamic atmosphere, its live music and its varied cultural offering, with free museums, theatres, and a lot of festivals throughout the year. Besides, the city's people are famous for their hospitality, making international students feel welcome from day one.

Let’s discover everything Glasgow has to offer!

Cost of living in Glasgow, United Kingdom

The cost of living in Glasgow varies depending on the lifestyle of each student, although in general it’s more affordable than in other British cities.

The biggest expense for students is usually the accommodation. Rooms in shared apartments cost from 600 GBP (700 €) per month, depending on the location and amenities. A room in a residence costs between 350 and 800 GBP (410 and 930 €) per month.

Transportation is efficient, with a bus and metro network that connects the entire city. A monthly transport pass costs around 65 GBP (78 €), although students can access discounts. In addition, many students choose to walk or ride a bike, since the city has many areas adapted for this purpose.

Adding up expenses for accommodation, food, transportation and some leisure, a student can spend between 900-1,400 GBP (1050-1630 €) per month.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Glasgow

This city has a very active student life. Although Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, Glasgow is the largest city and offers many leisure options. There are bars and clubs where students often meet, such as Club Tropicana & Venga, Under Club, or 142B Lounge Nightclub. In addition, many universities organise events and parties for international students.

If you prefer more relaxed plans, you can walk through Kelvingrove Park or take a route along Clyde river. In addition, the city is home to festivals like the Celtic Connections, dedicated to Celtic and folk music, and has emblematic concert halls such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Culture and gastronomy in Glasgow, UK

If you're interested in history and culture, Glasgow has many places worth visiting. One of the most important is Glasgow Cathedral, an impressive Gothic building from the 12th century. You can also visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which houses one of Scotland's most important collections. Another interesting place is Riverside Museum, a museum dedicated to transportation and industry.

For lovers of nature, Glasgow has numerous parks and green spaces. The Pollok Country Park is ideal for a quiet getaway, and from the city you can easily access the Scottish Highlands, a perfect destination for hiking and outdoor adventures.

As for gastronomy, there are several typical dishes that you can try. One of the most traditional is the "haggis" (a sausage made from sheep offal, oats and spices). Other popular dishes include "fish and chips" (battered fish with chips) and the "scotch pie" (a spiced meat pie). For dessert, you can try the "cranachan", a sweet made with oats, honey, cream, and raspberries.

Some affordable restaurants for students are Street Food Stop, Monster Munchies, or The Food Stop.

Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Glasgow

These are some of the pros and cons of studying for a while in this Scottish city:

Advantages

• You’ll have the opportunity to greatly improve your level of English.
• You can study in very prestigious universities at an international level, like the University of Glasgow and the Glasgow Caledonian University.
• The locals are very nice and welcoming! Take advantage of the opportunity to meet them and immerse yourself in Scottish culture to the fullest.
• From Glasgow, you can travel to other places easily, such as Edinburgh or nearby Natural Parks.
• If you love nature, Glasgow is an excellent base for discovering the Scottish Highlands, with its stunning landscapes and hiking trails.

Disadvantages

• The weather can be a challenge, especially for those not used to rain and cloudy days. Glasgow is known for its wet and rainy weather, so it's important to be prepared.
• If you’re looking for a destination with warm temperatures and sunshine, Glasgow may not be the best option, as the weather’s usually cool, even in summer.
• The Scottish accent can be difficult to understand at first, especially if you're used to Standard British English. However, over time, you'll get used to it and your understanding of the language will improve.
• Glasgow is cheaper than London, but it's still expensive compared to other Erasmus cities, especially in accommodation and transportation.

Cheap student accommodation in Glasgow, United Kingdom

Need accommodation in Glasgow but don't know where to find it? On Erasmus Play you can quickly compare prices across all websites. Easily find an apartment, room or student residence in Glasgow through our search engine.

FAQ about an Erasmus in Glasgow

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