Accommodation
Housemate blues
Housing reviews from seniors and alumni. Prices are subject to annual change
Accommodation Location Prices Option Pros Cons Private Flat Varies £400-700/month (excluding utilities) Website for flat hunting - Spacious flat with a cheaper price - Need to set up and pay utility, internet, and get council tax exemption Private Student Accommodation Byres road and Westend £580-880/month (including utilities) - Internet and utility fees included in the rent at a flat rate. - Relatively expensive compared to other options. 15-30 mins from University (except for student flat which is located behind Uni campus) £400-700/ month (including utilities) - Near main campus - Communal area cleaning - Wash hands basin in the room - No ensuite toilet/ shower - Far from main road (difficult to access public transport, hence not ideal for hospital transport)
(One bedroom flat/Shared flat)
- Zoopla
- Citylets
- Right Move
- More private space with friends
- Sharing common areas with fewer people
- Lesser restrictions
- Utility fees may be very expensive usage of electricity and gas is high
- No reception to collect parcels
- No extra facilities, e.g. gym, common area, etc.
(Shared flat with ensuite or shared toilet, and studio or one bedroom apartments)
- Group insurance cover for possessions
- Council tax and water bill are exempted and accounted for by accommodation management
- Extra facilities including reception, gym, game room, pay-to-wash laundry service, etc..
- 24hr security
- Need to move out from the room at the end of tenancy ( unless the contract is 56 weeks )
- Catering (only Wolfson Hall)
- Free GU sports membership (£132/year)
- Group insurance cover for possessions
- 24 hr Security,
- 1st year student applications prioritised
survival basics
Eat at home
Cooking at home is relatively easier (and gentler for the wallet) in Glasgow given the proximity of shops and availability of ingredients. You’ll find about the same range of groceries at any price point, but feel free to up your budget if you’re feeling particularly lush!
Western
Higher range: Marks & Spencer (M&S), Waitrose
Middle range: Tesco (express, metro, extra), Sainsbury, Morrison’s
Budget range: LIDL, ASDA, ALDI
east asian
Sea Woo, iMart, Matthew food, Tian Tian, Koi, Oaka
south asian
K.R.K. Bros, Food Asia (House of Sher)
“We canny go out on an empty belly—any chance of some scran?”
Food and drink
Food is universal yet unique – this harmonious distinction is made clearer in the multicultural city of Glasgow. Trendy restaurants and cafes pop up like mushrooms after a good rain, but the classic eateries hold its own as well. Here are some of our reccos for good grub, be it a quick bite between lectures or a fancy meal before a nite oot.
Nothing beats a good chippy 😉
east asian
From dim sum to ramen, cravings to be satisfied anytime.
European
Pizza or pasta, doner or gyros, Glasgow has got you covered.
south asian
There is a 99% chance that chicken tikka masala was founded in our wee Glesga!
Scottish Cuisine
You might be surprised that there are no restaurants awarded with Michelin stars in Glasgow. Stay hopeful though, for Ox and Finch have been recommended by Michelin for a few years in a row with its creative fusion dish, great service and comfortable dining environment.
A fine dining concept restaurant with a dynamic menu that changes every six weeks, lauded for its innovation and creativity of themes. Fit for the finest of occasions, although be warned that it may get quite packed – early reservations recommended!
Sharing the same founder with Six by Nico and soon to be rebranded as 111 by Modou, this restaurant features a 10 course Trust Menu concept which is tailor-made by the chefs to cater to individual guests. Getting there may be a bit of trouble as it is out of the way from the usual student hotspots.
You can find KAF just by the outdoor basketball court in Partick. It’s a hidden gem and can be missed easily. It offers very few seats so it can be a problem during the weekend afternoon. What can’t be missed is their coffee and brunch.
Located at East Glasgow, one of the best cafes in Glasgow, highly recommended.
Located at Great Western road, the brunch they served reminds me of Australian brunch. Excellent alternative dietary options available, which is typical of our foodie-friendly city. You might have to queue during the weekend but it’s worth it!
They have 2 locations (Crow road and Great Western road), personally prefer the one in Crow road. If you’re sick of cold sandwiches and subway, why not try a toasty panini with brinjal, sundried tomato and halloumi. Oh, and need I mention the chic decor for class instagrammery?
Singl-end
Another brunch hotspot with two branches (Merchant city and Garnethill). Breads and pastries that are freshly made are being served here everyday. Both cafes are a stone’s throw from the city centre which make for a good brunch spot to start your day in the city.
European Cuisine
One of the best pizza restaurants in Scotland, this classic is famous for its stone baked pizza. A great place for gathering, you can have a pizza for yourself for the low price of £10 or less.
Pizza with personality made with the finest ingredients sourced closest to home, this campus fave is a classic go-to while still being agreeable to the student budget.
With a cosy deli front and a homey sit-in area, there is no question about Celino’s authenticity. Open for business in both the East and West End of Glasgow, this diner is great for a quaint break in a busy day.
Fresh handmade pasta is never in shortage in Glasgow, but this wee joint in the heart of Great Western Rd takes it to the next level and sweetens the deal with their Pasta + Prosecco promo. A perfect place for small celebrations or dinner before an inner circle night out.
A beautiful Italian diner fit for any occasion, made more visually aesthetic with their sleek decor and indoor cherry blossoms. With 5 branches in Glasgow, the ones situated in Gordon St, George Sq and Byres Rd are the student hotspots.
An old Scots word meaning “to wander”, this beautiful gastropub fulfills both culinary and aesthetic wanderlust. Touting itself as the best Scottish restaurant in Glasgow, you’ll find a bit of everything from drinks to dessert here.
Enjoy a traditional Scottish fare in this quirky diner bursting of rustic charm.
East Asian Cuisine
Located on Sauchiehall street, this place offers traditional Cantonese style dishes and an authentic dimsum experience.
China Sea Restaurant
A nice regal upstairs place in the city centre with classic Chinese dishes with some overseas Chinese touches that remind you of a home away from home.
Chinatown Restaurant
Chinatown serves Cantonese style dishes at a more affordable price. It’s the best place to go for a dimsum brunch, and next door is a Chinese bakery with classic Hong Kong pastries to die for. It is conveniently situated a little ways off the Cowcaddens subway stop.
Tast-East
Next to the basketball court in Partick, if you are a fan of beef noodle from Ding Tai Fung, mark this restaurant down as this is the nearest food you can find in Glasgow.
Korean food enthusiasts can skip the DIY at home and head to the city for this vibrant bar & restaurant to enjoy some modern Korean cuisine. Rejoice as a sister branch has recently opened in the West End, featuring a novel Korean BBQ experience complete with sides and soju.
Silla Korean Restaurant
Located in Finnieston, this tiny authentic Korean restaurant is frequented and well-vouched by Korean locals and nationals alike. Staying true to its traditional roots, their menu delivers in the soul of home-cooked food.
A popular joint for Chinese BBQ and hotpot, this is the place for the ultimate all-you-can-eat cheat meal. The drinks and sides make up for its dear price, so save up to celebrate a special occasion here.
Rice Noodle
Good place to go when you have classes on the University campus. It’s about 5 minutes walk from the medical school. £6 for 3 dishes, unfortunately they don’t offer rice refill, but the dishes taste good so it’s forgiven.
Crazy Wok
Huge dishes and rice is their selling point.
Chows
£6 for 3 dishes, unlimited rice and free soup. What more can you ask for 😉
Okemi
You will love their lunch menu with Curry katsu and yakiniku set. It’s only £6 and you can satisfy your jap food cravings.
Non Viet
The weather in Glasgow can be quite a drag, so a bowl of hot pho with raw beef and claypot braised pork sounds like the exact comfort food to lift your spirits, and what luck – you can get it here on the Great Western Rd or Sauchiehall St.
South Asian Cuisine
Bombay cuisine is served in a classic Iranian cafe, famous for its Irani chai tea, Iranian grill dishes and classic Bombay dishes.
First open in 1996, this national treasure is well known as one of the best Indian restaurants in Scotland. It consists of 3 floors, each boasting its own distinctive features. Located just a few streets away are its sister branches so you can enjoy a change of scenery if desired.
Well known for its affordable yet tasty menu. The family naan bread can last you for a few meals so i’ll suggest that you share it with a few friends.
Credited as the inventor of the national British dish, chicken tikka masala, this fine dining place elevates Indian cuisine while retaining its traditional taste.
Specialising in Indian street food, their sharing dishes are good for a group out for a chill dinner. Located square at the crossway of Byres Rd and Dumbarton Rd, it’s a convenient spot for dinner before heading home.
This takeout place located right across the street from Ushas offers friendlier budget options of Indian street food – perfect for a lazy night in.
- Food
- Western
- Ox and Finch:
- You might be surprised that there are no restaurants awarded with Michelin stars in Glasgow. But worry not, we have one restaurant that is close enough to acquire a Michelin star. Ox and Finch have been recommended by Michelin for a few years in a row with its creative fusion dish, great service and comfortable dining environment.
- Six by Nico:
- A fancy western restaurant for special occasions, good vibes but it can be quite packed during dinner.
- Paesano:
- One of the best pizza restaurants in Scotland. It is famous for its stone bake pizza. It’s a great place for gathering, you can have a pizza for yourself with the price of £10 or less. Don’t expect any student discount because the price is affordable enough even for a student.
- Ox and Finch:
- Cafe
- KAF:
- You can find KAF next to the outdoor basketball court if you’re staying in Partick. It’s a hidden gem and can be missed easily. It offers very few seats so it can be a problem during the weekend afternoon. What can’t be missed is their coffee and brunch.
- https://www.instagram.com/kafcoffee/
- Lagom:
- Located at East Glasgow, one of the best cafes in Glasgow, highly recommend that.
- https://www.instagram.com/lagom.kitchen/
- Paper cup
- Located at Great Western road, the brunch they served reminds me of Australian brunch. You might have to queue during the weekend but it’s worth it !
- https://www.papercupcoffee.co.uk
- Kothel
- They have 2 locations ( Crow road and Great Western road ), personally prefer the one in Crow road ( although it’s further ). If you’re sick of cold sandwiches and subway, why not try a panini with brinjal, sundried tomato and halloumi. Oh, did I just forgot to mention the chic decor they have ?
- Kothel Crow Road: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/716931305/kothel-crow-rd/
- Kothel Great Western Road: https://www.instagram.com/kothelgwr/
- Singl End
- Another cafe with brunches ( Merchant city and Garnethill ). I’ve only been to the one in Gertnerhill. Breads and pastries that are freshly made are being served here everyday. Both brunches are near to the city centre which make it a good place for saturday brunch before heading to the city centre for shopping !
- Singl-end Garnethill: https://www.instagram.com/singlendcafe_garnethill/
- Single-end merchant city: https://www.instagram.com/singlend_merchantcity/
- KAF:
- Oriental ( Restaurant )
- Lung fung
- Located at Sauchiehall street, it offers traditional cantonese style dishes that can heal your homesickness during winter.
- Chinatown
- Chinatown is a restaurant that serves cantonese style dishes with a cheaper price compared to Lung fung. It’s the best place to go when you have a dim sum craving ( Don’t miss out their mix and match roast pork and char siew on deep fried noodles !! )( PS: there is a chinese bakery house next to the restaurant, their freshly baked egg tart is something to die for ! )
- Tast East
- Located in Partick ( next to the basketball court ), if you are a fan of beef noodle from Ding Tai Fung, mark this restaurant down as this is the nearest food you can find in Glasgow.
- Bibimbap ( korean )
- If you’re a fan of korean food and you’re too lazy to cook at home, try this. It can be quite packed during dinner time and it doesn’t allow reservation.
- Non Viets ( Vietnamese )
- It can be quite depressing with glasgow weather ( sometimes ? or all the time ), a bowl of hot pho with raw beef and claypot braised pork is what you need to get rid of the cold !
- Lung fung
- Oriental ( Takeaway in west end )
- Rice and noodles
- Good place to go when you have classes on the University campus. It’s about 5 minutes walk from the medical school. £6 for 3 dishes, unfortunately they don’t offer rice refill XD, but the dishes taste good so it’s forgiven.
- Crazy wok
- Huge dishes and rice is their selling point.
- Chows
- £6 for 3 dishes, unlimited rice and free soup. What else are you asking for 😉
- Okemi
- You will love their lunch menu with Curry katsu and yakiniku set. It’s only £6 and you can satisfy your jap food cravings.
- Rice and noodles
- Indian
- Chakoo
- Bombay cuisine is served in a classic iranian cafe, famous for its irani chai tea, iranian grill dishes and classic bombay dishes.
- Mother India
- It was first open in Glasgow in 1996. It’s well known as one of the best indian restaurants in Scotland. It consists of 3 floors which has its own distinctive features.
- Akhbar
- Well known for its affordable yet tasty menu. The family naan bread can last you for a few meals so i’ll suggest that you share it with a few friends.
- Chakoo
- Western
- Scenery
- Famous sceneries in Glasgow
- Botanic garden
- Necropolis
- Light House
- Glasgow Art Gallery
- Kelvingrove museum and park
- Walking along Clyde river and visit places like Clydeside distillery, BBC Scotland ,the Clyde Arc, the Riverside Museum and Glasgow Science Centre
- Famous sceneries around Glasgow
- Scottish Highlands
- Luss
- Loch lomond
- Oban
- Stirling
- Kirkaldy
- Events:
- Hiking
- Whisky tasting ( Pipers lane )
- Concerts
- Sports activities ( Go kart, bouldering, rock climbing, etc..)
- Scrub crawl: exclusive for medical students.
- Beer tasting ( Sterling Brewery,
- Famous sceneries in Glasgow