International Student Accommodation in Glasgow: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and one of the UK’s most welcoming places to study. Named the friendliest city in the UK in 2021, Glasgow combines world-class universities with a legendary music scene, rich cultural heritage, and a cost of living that’s significantly lower than in London or Edinburgh.
The city is home to three major universities, namely, the University of Glasgow (79th in the QS World Rankings), the University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University. Together, they attract around 70,000 students, creating a vibrant student community that shapes the city’s character. The University of Glasgow alone welcomes students from over 140 countries, with international students making up a significant portion of its 30,000 student body.
Student accommodation in Glasgow offers exceptional value. Weekly rents typically range from £100 to £200, with monthly budgets of £1,100 to £1,700 covering all living expenses comfortably.
What makes Glasgow special is its combination of ancient academic heritage (the University of Glasgow was founded in 1451, making it the fourth oldest English-speaking university in the world), a thriving arts and music scene, stunning Victorian architecture, and friendly locals. The city also offers free bus travel for students under 22, a benefit that is unique to Scotland.
The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students
Glasgow is a city with excellent public transport connections. Here are five neighbourhoods popular with international students.
West End and Hillhead
The West End is Glasgow’s premier student neighbourhood, home to the University of Glasgow’s stunning Gilmorehill campus. Hillhead sits at the heart of this area, centred around Byres Road with its independent shops, cafes, bookshops, and pubs. The area has a bohemian, intellectual atmosphere.
Kelvingrove Park and the River Kelvin provide green spaces for relaxation and jogging. The neighbourhood is well connected via Hillhead subway station and numerous bus routes. This is where most University of Glasgow students choose to live. Average weekly rent ranges from £130 to £200.
Partick
Partick sits just west of Hillhead, offering a slightly more affordable alternative while remaining close to the University of Glasgow (10-minute walk). The area has undergone significant regeneration and now features a mix of traditional tenements and modern developments.
The neighbourhood has excellent local amenities, including supermarkets, gyms, restaurants, and the Partick Interchange transport hub. Rent typically ranges from £120 to £180 per week.
City Centre
Glasgow’s city centre is ideal for students at the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University, both located centrally. Living here puts you within walking distance of shops, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural venues.
Modern purpose-built student accommodation dominates the city centre, offering contemporary facilities and social spaces. The main drawback is being further from the West End’s leafy streets. Rent typically ranges from £140 to £220 per week.
Finnieston
Finnieston is Glasgow’s trendiest neighbourhood, located between the West End and the city centre along the River Clyde. The area is known for its excellent restaurants, bars, and proximity to cultural venues, including the SEC (Scottish Event Campus) and Riverside Museum.
Students who want a more urban, cosmopolitan lifestyle often choose Finnieston. The neighbourhood is walkable to both the University of Glasgow and the city centre. Rent typically ranges from £150 to £220 per week.
Dennistoun
Dennistoun offers the most affordable student accommodation in a central location. Situated east of the city centre, this up-and-coming neighbourhood has a strong community feel with local parks, bakeries, and independent shops.
The area is particularly popular with students at Strathclyde and GCU. Good bus connections link Dennistoun to both the city centre (10 minutes) and the West End (20 minutes). Rent prices range from £100 to £150 per week.
Getting to Glasgow as an International Student
The city has excellent transport connections for international arrivals.
Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Airport is located 8 miles west of the city centre and handles flights from across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The Glasgow Airport Express (Bus 500) runs 24 hours a day, departing every 10 minutes during peak times. The journey takes just 15 minutes and costs £3.50 single or £5.50 return.
Taxis from Glasgow Airport to the city centre cost approximately £25 to £30. The airport has no direct rail link, so the bus is the most practical public transport option.
Edinburgh Airport
Some international students fly into Edinburgh Airport, which has more long-haul connections. Direct coaches run from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow city centre, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and costing £12 to £15. Alternatively, take the tram to Edinburgh city centre, then a train to Glasgow (50 minutes, from £15).
London Connections
For students arriving at London Heathrow, several options exist. Direct trains from London to Glasgow take approximately 4 hours 30 minutes via the West Coast Main Line (from £30 advance). National Express coaches take around 8 hours but can cost as little as £15 if booked early. Some students fly from London to Glasgow (1 hour flight).
Getting Around Glasgow
Glasgow has an excellent public transport system built around three main components.
The Subway: Glasgow’s circular subway system (the third oldest underground railway in the world after London and Budapest) connects the city centre to the West End and the south side. A single journey costs £1.90, with day passes at £4.20. The system runs from approximately 6:30 am to 11:40 pm (there are shorter operating hours on Sundays).
Buses: First Bus operates most routes across Glasgow. Single fares cost around £2.50, with day tickets at £5.20. Students under 22 with a valid Young Scot card can travel free on all buses throughout Scotland, a major benefit that can save you hundreds of pounds annually.
Trains: ScotRail manages both local and national rail services from Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street stations. Local trains connect suburban areas, while direct services run to Edinburgh (50 minutes), Aberdeen (2 hours 30 minutes), and London (4 hours 30 minutes).
A Young Person’s Railcard (£30 per year) saves one-third on most rail fares for students aged 16 to 25.
Universities in Glasgow
Glasgow has three major universities with distinct characters and strengths.
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is Scotland’s fourth-oldest university and one of the most prestigious in the world. Founded in 1451, it ranks 79th globally and is a member of the Russell Group. The university has produced 8 Nobel Prize winners and educated figures, including economist Adam Smith and physicist Lord Kelvin.
The university has over 30,000 students from more than 140 countries, creating a genuinely international community. It is particularly highly ranked for Veterinary Science, Anatomy and Physiology, English Language and Literature, and Medicine.
The main Gilmorehill campus in the West End features stunning Gothic Revival architecture, often compared to Hogwarts. The campus includes the iconic tower, historic cloisters, and modern facilities, including the £90 million James McCune Smith Learning Hub.
Most University of Glasgow students live in the West End, Partick, or Finnieston.
University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde is a leading technological university located in the heart of Glasgow city centre. Ranked 251st globally, Strathclyde is known for its strong industry partnerships and excellent graduate employment rates.
The university has over 30,000 students from more than 140 countries. Strathclyde is particularly strong in Engineering, Business, and Science. It was named UK University of the Year 2019 by The Times and Sunday Times.
The city centre campus stretches across several blocks near George Square, with modern facilities including the Technology and Innovation Centre. The location offers excellent access to shops, transport links, and nightlife.
Students at Strathclyde typically live in the city centre, Dennistoun, Merchant City, or the West End for those wanting to experience the ‘student village’ atmosphere.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a modern university with a strong emphasis on widening access to education and practical, career-focused courses. The university has approximately 20,000 students and ranks highly for graduate employment.
GCU is particularly known for courses in Health Sciences, Business, and Built Environment. The university is the best in Scotland for finding graduate jobs according to recent surveys. Its city centre campus sits alongside Glasgow’s main shopping district and is well connected by public transport.
Students at GCU typically live in the city centre or nearby affordable areas like Dennistoun and Merchant City.
Other Glasgow Institutions
Glasgow School of Art is one of the UK’s leading art schools, known for producing influential artists and designers. The school has suffered significant fire damage in recent years, but continues to deliver world-class creative education.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a world-renowned performing arts institution offering degrees in music, drama, dance, production, and film.
Cost of Living in Glasgow for International Students
Glasgow is one of the more affordable major cities in the UK for students.
Accommodation (weekly)
Shared flat in Dennistoun: £100 to £130
Shared flat in Partick: £120 to £180
University halls: £130 to £200
West End flat share: £140 to £190
En-suite PBSA: £150 to £220
Studio apartment: £180 to £280
Food and Groceries
Budget around £150 to £250 per month for groceries. Aldi, Lidl, and Asda offer the best value. Glasgow has excellent international food shops, including Asian supermarkets in the city centre. The Barras market offers cheap produce on weekends.
Transport
Students under 22 get free bus travel across Scotland with a Young Scot card. For others, a monthly bus pass costs around £55. A weekly ticket costs approximately £15. Many students walk or cycle, particularly in the West End.
Other Costs
Cinema tickets cost around £8 to £12. A pint of beer averages £4 to £5. Gym memberships run around £20 to £30 per month, though university gyms are often cheaper. Live music gigs can vary depending on which venue you visit.
Realistic Monthly Budget
The University of Glasgow estimates students need £1,100 to £1,700 per month for living expenses. Budget-conscious students can live well on £1,000 to £1,200 per month, particularly if they qualify for free bus travel. For visa purposes, you need to show £1,023 per month (outside London rate) in savings.
Glasgow Saving Tips
Apply for your Young Scot card immediately if you are under 22 for free bus travel. Download the First Bus app for cheaper fares. Take advantage of UNIDAYS and TOTUM discounts. Cook at home and shop at budget supermarkets. Many museums and galleries are free, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Riverside Museum, and Gallery of Modern Art.
International Student Community in Glasgow
Glasgow has a welcoming and diverse international community.
Student Societies and Support
Both the University of Glasgow and Strathclyde have over 200 student societies, including active international student groups. Societies exist for students from specific countries and regions, plus cultural, religious, and interest-based groups.
The University of Glasgow’s Students’ Representative Council runs an International Student Committee that organises events, trips, and support services. Strathclyde has a dedicated International Office offering similar support.
Global Food and Culture
Glasgow’s diversity is reflected in its food scene. The city centre has excellent Asian restaurants, Middle Eastern takeaways, and European cuisine. Sauchiehall Street and the Merchant City offer diverse dining options. International supermarkets in the city centre stock products from around the world.
Where to Socialise
The West End has legendary student pubs including Oran Mor, The Hillhead Bookclub, and Jinty McGuinty’s. The city centre offers mainstream nightlife along Sauchiehall Street and Bath Street. Glasgow is famous for its live music scene, with venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, The Barrowlands, and numerous smaller clubs hosting bands every night of the week.
Banking, Healthcare, and Essential Services
Banking
Major banks have branches throughout the city centre and the West End. To open an account, you need your passport, visa or eVisa, proof of address, and university enrolment letter. Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut offer quick setup.
NHS Registration
Register with a local GP during your first week. Universities have student health services. In Scotland, prescriptions are free for everyone (unlike in England). For non-emergencies, call NHS 24 on 111. In emergencies, call 999 or visit the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital A&E.
Police Registration
No longer required. This requirement was removed for international students by the Home Office.
What Makes Glasgow Special for International Students
Scottish Culture and Identity
Glasgow offers a uniquely Scottish experience distinct from English cities. You will encounter Scottish accents (Glaswegian is famous for being hard to understand at first), Gaelic traditions, and a fierce local pride. Scotland has its own legal and education systems, its own parliament, and a distinct cultural identity. Glasgow hosted the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in 2021, reflecting its growing international profile.
Music and Arts Capital
Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music and has produced an incredible number of influential acts, from Franz Ferdinand to Chvrches and Gerry Cinnamon. The city has more live music venues per capita than almost anywhere in the UK. The arts scene extends to theatre (Citizens Theatre), contemporary art (Tramway, Gallery of Modern Art), and the world-famous Glasgow Film Festival.
Weekend Adventures
Glasgow’s location makes it perfect for exploring Scotland. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is just 45 minutes away. The Scottish Highlands are accessible for weekend trips. Edinburgh is 50 minutes by train. The Isle of Skye, the Cairngorms, and the Scottish Islands are all reachable for longer adventures.
Football Culture
Glasgow is home to two of the world’s most famous football clubs, Celtic and Rangers, with a rivalry known as the Old Firm. Match days create an electric atmosphere across the city. Even if you are not a football fan, experiencing a match at Celtic Park or Ibrox Stadium is a memorable cultural experience.
Architecture and History
Glasgow has stunning Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, including buildings by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (The Lighthouse, Scotland Street School). The city centre features grand Victorian civic buildings, while the West End has beautiful sandstone tenements. The Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery on a hill overlooking the city, offers atmospheric walks and panoramic views.
Glasgow FAQs
Will I understand the Glasgow accent?
Glaswegian can be challenging at first, but you will adapt within a few weeks. Locals are friendly and will happily repeat themselves or speak more slowly. Your university will have students and staff from across the UK and internationally, so you will encounter a range of accents.
Is Glasgow safe for international students?
Glasgow is generally safe, particularly in student areas like the West End. Like any large city, take normal precautions at night in the city centre. Student areas have low crime rates and a strong community feel. The friendliness of locals is genuine and extends to helping newcomers.
How does Glasgow compare to Edinburgh?
Glasgow is larger, more affordable, and has a grittier, more industrial character. Edinburgh is more compact, historic, and tourist-focused but significantly more expensive. Glasgow has a stronger live music and arts scene, while Edinburgh is known for its festivals. Many students prefer Glasgow’s affordability and authentic character.
What is the weather like?
Glasgow has a cool climate with mild temperatures year-round alongside frequent rain. Winters can be extremely cold, with occasionally freezing temperatures. Summers are mild (15 to 20 degrees Celsius). Pack waterproof clothing and layers. The rain is part of what makes Scotland so green and beautiful.
Do I get free university tuition in Scotland?
Free tuition in Scotland applies only to Scottish and EU students (under certain conditions), not to international students from outside the EU. International students pay full tuition fees, though these are often lower than at comparable English universities.
Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Glasgow?
Now that you have seen all that Glasgow has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Glasgow student accommodation options.
If you have more questions relating to a variety of international student topics, read our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.