Looking for student accommodation in Glasgow? We have private student accommodation available in locations across the city, including Glasgow West End, Paisley and the city centre – all in close proximity to the top universities.
Many of our properties offer both shared and private rooms, so whether you like to share with friends or prefer your own privacy, we’ve got you covered. If you need help choosing your accommodation, don’t hesitate to give us a call or talk to us via live chat.
Start browsing our range of student housing at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn about student life in Glasgow, including the best things to do and top tips for booking your accommodation!
Universities in Glasgow
Home to some of Scotland’s best universities, Glasgow truly is a great place to study. Between the city's three main universities, you won’t be short on options.
University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and a consistent feature in the top 100 universities globally. Home to around 30,000 students, it offers world-class courses across arts, sciences, medicine and engineering.
The historic main campus is based in Hillhead, surrounded by cafes, pubs and the trendy Byres Road. You’re also just minutes from Kelvingrove Park and the city's cultural quarter – so you couldn’t be better placed!
Making the move to the city's highest-ranked university? Check out our University of Glasgow accommodation!
University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde traces its origins back to the founding of the Andersonian Institute in 1796. It later gained university status in 1964 and is today known for its high-quality teaching across the fields of business, engineering, politics, law and architecture.
The main campus is located right in the city centre on George Street, putting you within easy reach of Glasgow’s top attractions. It’s home to around 30,000 students, so you can expect a buzzing social life with lots of events and student societies.
Heading here for your studies? We also offer a wide range of accommodation near the University of Strathclyde.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) was founded in 1993 following a merger between Queen’s College Glasgow and Glasgow College of Technology. It's gone from strength to strength since then and now has over 20,000 students on its books.
GCU has a great reputation for health sciences, social care, business and engineering. The compact Cowcaddens campus has some amazing facilities and is based just north of the city centre, putting you close to the action.
Secured your place at the university? Explore our selection of GCU accommodation!
Things for students to do in Glasgow
You may be moving to Glasgow for your studies, but Scotland’s largest city has so much more to offer than just studying. It’s easy to see that Glasgow boomed back in the day and is today renowned by students for its energy, humour and creativity.
Arts & culture
Glasgow is packed with world-class galleries and museums – many of which are completely free. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has everything from Salvador Dali to a Spitfire hanging from the ceiling, while the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) showcases cutting-edge contemporary work.
The West End is brilliant for smaller venues like the Òran Mór, where you can catch live music, comedy and theatre in a converted church. Glasgow's street art scene is phenomenal too – just wander around the Merchant City and you'll discover some epic murals.
Sports
If you’re into sports, Glasgow is a great place to live in. You don’t want to miss the fiercely contested Old Firm match between local rivals Celtic and Rangers, often said to be the most famous derby game in football.
If you can’t get your hands on a ticket, you can always visit Hampden Park – Scotland’s national football stadium – for a tour and wander around the Scottish Football Museum. Rugby, swimming and cycling are all really popular too, so there are plenty of other options!
Food & drink
Glasgow's food scene is booming, and as a student, you can eat incredibly well without breaking the bank. The West End is foodie heaven – Byres Road and Ashton Lane are packed with everything from cosy pubs serving proper Scottish fare to trendy independent restaurants.
The Merchant City has loads of great spots for special occasions, and the city centre has every chain you could want, plus some hidden gems. Glasgow's also famous for its pubs, which you’ll find in great numbers in the main student areas.
Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Glasgow has something for everyone. Sauchiehall Street is where you'll find the big clubs like Cathouse and The Garage, playing everything from indie anthems to heavy metal.
The Merchant City has sophisticated cocktail bars and late-night spots, while the West End is perfect for a more relaxed vibe. Glasgow's comedy scene is huge too, with venues like The Stand Comedy Club serving as a great alternative to clubbing.
Outdoors
Did you know that Glasgow is one of the greenest cities in the UK? After your lectures, you can explore the city centre, passing by sights like the stunning Glasgow Cathedral and leafy Necropolis, before heading back to your flat.
Kelvingrove Park is right on your doorstep if you're in the West End, with beautiful walking paths along the River Kelvin and plenty of space for frisbee or football. Glasgow Green, over in the East End, is the city's oldest park and hosts loads of events throughout the year.
Best student areas in Glasgow
Finding the right area to live can make or break your university experience – and in Glasgow, there are a few key parts of the city where most students live.
West End
Glasgow’s bohemian West End is student central – and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it home to the University of Glasgow, but it’s also packed with shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Byres Road is the main high street, with lots of cool independents on Ashton Lane.
The area has a mix of purpose-built student accommodation and more traditional housing converted into flats. Rent can be a bit pricier than other parts of the city, but you're paying for the convenience and lifestyle.
City centre
Living in the city centre puts you right in the middle of everything – culture, nightlife and all three universities are easily accessible from here. It's particularly convenient for University of Strathclyde students, but the subway and bus links make it work for everyone.
You'll find loads of modern apartment blocks that come complete with their own on-site facilities. It can be a bit noisier than other areas, but if you love being in the thick of things and don't mind the urban buzz, it's perfect.
Merchant City
The Merchant City is Glasgow's cultural quarter, and it has a unique, artistic vibe that appeals to many students. It's home to loads of galleries, independent shops and some of the city's best restaurants and bars, as well as lots of events that give it a strong community feel.
The area is full of converted warehouses and Victorian buildings that have been transformed into stylish apartments. While it’s not as popular as the West End, there’s still a strong student presence with excellent transport links to all three universities.
Student cost of living in Glasgow
Glasgow is one of the more affordable UK cities for students – you’ll typically need £1,000–£1,500 to cover the combined cost of accommodation, utilities, food, transport and other living expenses.
Free things to do in Glasgow
When you need your budget to stretch, Glasgow offers plenty in the way of free entertainment. Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the Hunterian Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, the People's Palace and the Botanic Gardens are just a few of the city’s free attractions.
Student discounts in Glasgow
Many of Glasgow’s pubs and restaurants offer deals and discounts, while cinema chains like Cineworld and Vue often have special student pricing. You’ll also want to register with discount platforms like TOTUM and UNiDAYS for additional savings.
Public transport in Glasgow
Getting around Glasgow is easy thanks to the city’s extensive public transport system, which includes the subway, buses and trains.
Subway
Nicknamed the “Clockwork Orange” due to its orange trains and circular route around the city centre, Glasgow’s subway consists of just one line that takes around 25 minutes to complete the full loop. It’s easy, affordable and great for hopping between the West End and the city centre.
Bus
The bus is your next port of call for reaching areas not directly served by the subway, such as the East End, Southside and further out suburbs. Services run frequently during the week, with night buses also operating along select routes.
Trains
Trains are ideal for day trips and weekends away in other UK cities. Glasgow’s Central Station runs trains south to England and southwest Scotland, while Queen Street has services to Edinburgh and north to the Highlands.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glasgow a safe place for students to live?
Glasgow is considered a safe city for students, especially in major student areas like the West End. Like any big city, you should use common sense – avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, keep your belongings secure and stick to well-lit main roads.
Is there a high demand for student accommodation in Glasgow?
Glasgow’s large student population drive high demand for accommodation, particularly in the West End. The most sought-after properties get snapped up quickly – often within a few weeks of being listed on the market – so it’s best to start your search as soon as possible.
How much does student accommodation in Glasgow cost?
Accommodation costs in Glasgow vary considerably depending on location and type of housing, but it's generally more affordable than cities like London and Edinburgh. Most student housing ranges from £150–£250 per week.
Where are the best areas for students in Glasgow?
The West End has long been the most popular area for students living in Glasgow, particularly Hillhead right next to the University of Glasgow. The city centre and the Merchant City are also popular and offer a mix of convenience and lifestyle.
Do I need a visa to study abroad in Glasgow?
If you’re coming to study at a university in Glasgow and currently live outside the UK or Ireland, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. You can learn about the application process and your eligibility here.
What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?
For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!