The end of another year in Glasgow means one thing, the final years are out and the first years are soon to be in.
But, as much as they get might get on your nerves, we’ve all been there, in a new city surrounded by people you don’t know with unlimited freedom for the first time. What we wouldn’t give to go back to that!
So, here’s my guide to starting uni in Glasgow, so I can live vicariously through you.
If you’re actually heading to Strath and looking for some top tips, you can also check out our guide here.
1. You won’t go to every Freshers’ Week event, and that’s okay
By now I’m sure you’re on countless group chats with someone always pressuring you to buy a wristband that guarantees entry to all the Freshers’ events at the unions.
Whilst Freshers’ Week is jam-packed with exciting nights with tribute bands or foam parties, you will realistically not attend all of them.
Nights will be spent playing ring of fire with your flatmates and mornings will be spent hiding under covers and trying to get rid of the hanging headache.
Instead, pick a couple of events to attend, such as the infamous white T-shirt party and save your money. Or just spend it on drinks, which you probably will.
2. Know your unions
The University of Glasgow has two students’ unions, Queen Margaret Union (QMU) and Glasgow University Union (GUU).
Both will have events on all throughout Freshers’ in the day as well, such as poster sales or vintage clothing sales. Though QMU throws a great Freshers’ Week, most students prefer GUU for parties throughout the year.
HIVE Thursdays are a must, just be prepared to spend a long time queuing. And, if you want cheaper entry, get a GUU membership for free by bringing your student card to the reception beforehand.
3. Don’t be afraid to attend things alone
The University of Glasgow boasts over 300 societies and sports clubs, so there really is something for everyone.
It can be daunting attending the first society event, especially if no one you know is coming with you, but these places are a great place to meet new people with the same interests as you.
Remember everyone is in the same boat, trying to find a place for themselves as well.
4. Sports Wednesdays are a big deal
I know this is not specific to Glasgow Uni, but Sports Wednesdays are a staple here.
Be prepared to see 20 minions, 15 peas and 1,000 rugby boys headed to the GUU every Wednesday evening. But, don’t worry by your third week, this will be the norm for you.
You also don’t need to be a member of any sports club to attend GUU on Wednesday, in fact most people join a sports society just for the socials.
However, joining a society is a great way of meeting like-minded people and making new pals, so we’d definitely recommend it for the friendship aspect.
5. Be prepared to hike every morning
Though our uni campus is fairly easy to navigate and adorned with gorgeous old buildings that will no doubt be on your Insta Stories, take this as your warning for the hill on University Avenue.
Glasgow is a very hilly city anyways, but University Avenue will take your breath away – literally. And it’s even worse when coming from the St Andrews Building, little hint, get the bus up to the library using your Young Scots Card. Work smarter, not harder!
6. Don’t flock to the library between classes
It’s exhausting at the beginning of every year when freshers first encounter the library, suddenly the floors are filled with loud voices, the sound of food wrappers and older years begin questioning their sanity.
Although our library is pretty good, with 12 floors to explore and make use of, other buildings on campus have good study spaces too.
Try the JMS with seven floors, and great views of the West End skyline, or the Reading Room for a more traditional feel, with its unique round architecture.
Other lesser known buildings include the Fraser Building, the chemistry library tucked within the Joeseph Black Building, or the ARC Building.
7. Superstitious much?
Like any other university, Glasgow is host to its own superstitions. The most notable being the grass in the quad of the main building, where its believed that if you step on it you will fail all your upcoming exams! Personally, a risk I wouldn’t take.
8. Explore the area
Being a student often means being in constant search of cheap, cool places to hang out with your friends.
GUU can be a great place for a cheap pint, but don’t be fooled into only going there or to a Spoons. Places like Kitty’s, Coopers or Inn Deep on Great Western Road are a great start to discovering Glasgow’s pub and bar scene.
Other famous spots include Vodka Wodka on Ashton Lane, or Hillhead Bookclub and Oran Mor, if you’re fancying making the West End your second home.
9. The buildings are a nightmare
Was it the beautiful architecture of the Gilbert Scott Building that cemented your decision to attend Glasgow Uni? If so, I have some pretty disappointing news, you likely won’t have classes there.
The biggest disappointment I had when I had my first English lecture was being sent to the brutalist Joseph Black Building, away from the main building with its easily romanticised features.
Instead, I was trekking down long corridors with winding stairs that left me exhausted by the time I got into class, and don’t even think about using the lift as undergraduates are somehow banned from it?
Other notable not so pretty buildings you might have to encounter include the Hetherington Building, the Boyd Orr and the god forsaken Adam Smith Building, where dreams of romanticising your uni lectures go to die.
10. Get familiar with other student halls
Finally, though you’ll be getting to know everyone in your halls and getting used to the early fire alarms that has everyone outside at 6am, don’t limit yourself to only hanging out within your space.
Murano is infamous for being the party halls, and Queen Margaret is too, if you can be bothered to trek all the way over.
Firhill is surrounded by the canals, which can make for a nice walk, just don’t walk too far or you’ll find yourself in the depths of Maryhill.
Kelvin Court, Kelvinaugh Street and Gate are all located on the south of Kelvingrove Park, choosing a classy West End scene to the chaotic Maryhill one.
All in all get out of your own accommodation and befriend the others, you don’t all have to be enemies you know!
If you want to know more about accommodation at Glasgow Uni, we also have a guide about that here.
