Things To Do in Glasgow as a Student

It might not be the capital, but Glasgow certainly is the largest city in Scotland. Drawing students from far and wide, the city has long been a hub of music, culture and architecture offering a blend of internationally acclaimed museums and galleries combined with vibrant nightlife and delicious eateries.

Glasgow has a long-standing reputation for cultural and academic hotspots, but it can be difficult to decide where to go and what to see when there’s so much to do. So just what do you do when you have some spare time away from your studies?

The Collegiate team has put together this handy little guide to one of the most vibrant and energetic cities in the UK to give you tips on things to do in Glasgow when you’re not in lectures.

Enjoy Glasgow’s Live Music Scene

Glasgow’s student population is one of the biggest in the UK, and no wonder, with four universities within 10 miles of the city centre. For this reason, it’s one of the liveliest cities, and there’s a little something for everyone, especially if you are interested in becoming part of the music scene.

Because Glasgow is so expansive most bands will stop off near you during their UK tours. The most famous venue is King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, as the place where Oasis were signed. It is a homely basement bar with an upstairs band space and pool tables!

The O2 Academy is also a great place to visit, sitting nicely in between an intimate gig area and a tour venue. The O2 academy used to be an Art Deco cinema, and offers a mix of music genres, so there will always be a performance you will want to see.

Taste Glasgow’s Culinary Delights

Glasgow has a thriving restaurant scene with a fine array of cuisines to choose from. With a culinary heritage as rich as that in the city, it is easy to see why visitors flock north every year. But what is there on offer for the those more adventurous, or sophisticated students?

Living as a student in Glasgow and eating well comes easy thanks to the plethora of Indian restaurants, seafood bars and cafés that serve traditional Scottish staples.

For the best breakfast in town we recommend Café Strange Brew on Pollockshaws Road. It’s hidden away, but once you find it you won’t be able to stay away, which explains why it’s always so busy. Food starts from £5, but we think even the more refined palates out there will be far from disappointed.

Another gem, and not your typical student pub, is the Hug & Pint, serving up delicious pan-Asian comfort food which is just what you need after a long day of lectures.  For casual dining and easy eats, this restaurant should be top of your list.

For those who know Glasgow, you’ll understand that the city is a hot bed for delicious vegan restaurants and cafés.  Always at the top of our list is Mono, with its relaxed atmosphere and all vegan pub classics. Whether you are vegan or not, Mono is a must-visit for students and tourists alike.

Explore Glasgow’s Cultural Attractions

If you’re new to the city of Glasgow and want to sample the cultural life there are plenty of things for you to do. The cultural attractions dotted around the city are a great way to introduce your family to the city should they come to visit.

At the top of any list of what to do in Glasgow are the many galleries and museums which are among the most visited in the country.  We recommend Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for the best of art, nature and history in the city.

For a beautiful walk in the bustling city, Pollock Country Park is perfect.  It’s a 10-minute train journey from Central Station down to Pollockshaws West and once there you’ll find 146 hectares of gardens and wildlife to explore.

As well as the beautiful cultural attractions in Glasgow, there’s plenty of fun activities to get your teeth sunk into, such as the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre (a glorious show where pieces of scrap metal and carved figures perform choreography to music and light),  Escape Glasgow ( a game that requires you to solve puzzles to escape a locked room), and the Scottish Football Museum.

After lectures are finished for the day we hope our guide to things to do in Glasgow as a student provides you with all the inspiration you need to truly enjoy this great city. A mix of eating fine food, exploring cultural attractions and having fun with your friends should refresh you suitably, and leave you wanting more for the next time you visit one of the UK’s best student locations.

If you are studying in Glasgow, or will be, and are on the lookout for some of the finest student accommodation in the city, then be sure to check out the Collegiate website.