Why Study in Glasgow - Top 10 Reasons
Glasgow, Scotland’s second city, should be top of your list of places to study in the UK.
Here’s why….
1. Prestigious Universities
The University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world, a member of the Russell Group and famously inspired Harry Potter’s Hogwarts!
Glasgow Caledonian University boasts internationally-renowned research and a high-tech campus. 95 per cent of its graduates find employment or further education shortly after graduation.
The University of Strathclyde, twice named University of the Year by the Times Higher Education, has a five-star QS ranking for academic excellence and employability.
As if three world-class universities wasn’t enough, the University of West Scotland is close to the centre of Glasgow and The Glasgow School of Arts.
2. Friendly People
Glasgow, famous for its warm atmosphere, was twice voted the World’s Friendliest City by Rough Guide readers - in 2014 and 2021.
Annually Glasgow welcomes 50,000 new students from 140 different countries, so meeting people and socialising is easy.
The Glaswegians have a great sense of humour, which is why Glasgow hosts the International Comedy Festival, one of the biggest in Europe. It has produced legendary comics Billy Connolly and Frankie Boyle!
3. Music
Glasgow’s lively and broad ranging music scene led to its recognition as the UNESCO City of Music in 2008.
Big artists play at the 13,000 seater SSE Hydro Arena or the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
The iconic King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut 300 capacity venue is slightly more intimate and is where Oasis were first signed to a label.
New artists are constantly discovered in Glasgow, so you may even see some big names before they become famous!
4. Shopping
Shopaholics flock to Glasgow’s ‘Style Mile’ as it’s the best place to go shopping in Scotland.
Centrally-based Buchanan Street is the main hub for high street labels, while designer boutiques can be found on Princes Square.
Vintage lovers will be at home in Finnieston in the West End, and designer labels are everywhere in shopper’s paradise, Merchant City.
5. Nightclubs
Shake off the stress of studying with a night out.
Glasgow can offer trendy cocktail bars, pubs, and even Scotland’s biggest nightclub, The Garage. This famous club plays a wide range of music in every room.
Alternative options are the Corinthian Club, located in the former High Court building, and Sub Club which boasts the longest running house nights in the world.
6. Cuisine
Food lovers will be pleased to know that a multitude of Michelin-standard restaurants, delis, cafes and food markets are to be found in Glasgow.
A blend of Scottish produce and world cuisine can be sampled in the West End, while there are plenty of restaurants in Merchant City.
PETA even crowned Glasgow as the UK’s most vegan-friendly city in 2013, so there’s definitely something for everyone.
7. Green spaces
Glasgow means ‘Dear Green Place’ in Gaelic and you’ll see why.
Located in the Clyde Valley, it’s surrounded by 90 country parks and gardens.
Take a peaceful stroll by the River Clyde in Kelvingrove Park or enjoy exotic plants in the Botanic Gardens.
A short train ride away is the famous Loch Lomond, noted for its stunning scenery.
The Highlands of Scotland are dotted with beautiful castles, waterfalls and mountains.
If you’re lucky (and quiet) you might even spot a stag in the Trossachs National Park, a paradise of 720 square miles of forest, mountains and lochs.
8. Culture
Glasgow is extremely culturally rich.
From the striking architecture of Kelvingrove Art Gallery, to the Gallery of Modern Art, to the futuristic Glasgow Science Centre or the zigzag structure of the Riverside Transport Museum, you can see why Glasgow is a former European Capital of Culture.
The jewel in the crown is the Mitchell Library, one of the biggest in Europe with over 1.3 million items!
Then there’s The University of Glasgow’s Hunterian which is the oldest museum in Scotland.
Add to that the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, National Theatre of Scotland and Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the many festivals that Glasgow hosts, and you’re spoilt for choice!
9. Sports
Glasgow famously loves sports. It was named the European Capital of Sport in 2003 before hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
It jointly hosted the inaugural 2018 European Championships, as well as some of the Euro 2020 matches.
Celtic and Rangers are the two big rival football clubs, and its Old Firm Derby at Hampden Park is a display of fiery celtic competitiveness.
Glasgow also has a professional rugby union, speedway, and basketball team.
Check out each university’s amazing sports facilities and gyms. Choose from rowing sessions on the River Clyde, taekwondo, rugby, basketball, swimming and ice hockey.
The Scottish Boat Race, the world’s third-oldest university boat race, is not to be missed. It pits the University of Glasgow against the University of Edinburgh on the River Clyde every year.
To enjoy the more traditional Scottish sports like tossing the caber, you can go to the annual Highland Games.
10. Transport Links
Exploration outside of Glasgow is easy, with direct trains to all major UK cities.
Glasgow has an extensive subway network, nicknamed ‘The Clockwork Orange’ thanks to its colour scheme. It’s the third-oldest underground metro system in the world!
There are even 3 international airports in the city so if you fancy exploring the rest of Europe, it’s right on your doorstep!
After all that excitement there’s nothing better than putting your feet up at home. Yugo’s new, impressive Glasgow residences provide the perfect base from which to explore the sights and sounds of Glasgow!