Thinking of studying in Glasgow? We've got a list of the top 10 things to do in and around the city while you're studying.
Updated: 09 Mar 2025
A city with a reputation for being both scary and friendly, one thing you can’t accuse Glasgow of is being boring, and as a student you’ll have the opportunity to experience some of the most interesting things the city has to offer. To get you started, here’s a list of ten of them…
Good for: Bonding with your pals and meeting new people.
What it is: The number one student pastime. With literally hundreds of bars and clubs to choose from, Glasgow nightlife caters for every taste.
Why you should go: There's a wide selection of club nights on offer to suit different music tastes, as well as bars with different atmospheres so you can mix it up. Resist getting stuck in the habit of only going to your union and that one other club you went to in Freshers’ Week. There are so many places to try, so why not start straight away! First year doesn’t count anyway, right?
Good for: An afternoon walk with a difference.
What it is: A huge cemetery built as a memorial for wealthy Victorian merchants. It was first opened in 1833.
Why you should go: It’s fun in a morbid, creepy kind of way, and an interesting way to get a feel of Glasgow’s history. It contains approximately 3500 monuments, dedicated to the most eminent Glaswegians of the time. Easy to walk to from the city centre and very close to Strathclyde Uni, it is a peaceful space to wander and ponder, regardless of whether you make a habit of hanging out in graveyards. Plus, its hilltop location provides a fantastic view of the city.
Good for: Topping up your culture levels.
What it is: The most visited museum in the UK outside of London. A stone’s throw away from Glasgow Uni, and just down the road from Kelvinhall subway for those who live further afield.
Why you should go: The museum is split into two wings, with the themes Life (nature and history) and Expression (art), so you’re bound to find something that interests you. Many of the exhibitions are based around Glasgow or the rest of Scotland, so it’s a great way to absorb some local history. The art collection is impressive, its most famous piece being Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross – a definite must-see.
Good for:Having a good laugh after a long day of studying.
What it is: Glasgow’s prime venue for live comedy.
Why you should go: The Stand’s most popular night, Red Raw, costs a mere £5! There are regular events that showcase new talent (some good, some very very bad), and if you’re lucky you might catch a familiar face drop in to try out new material (Frankie Boyle lives round the corner). Pot luck fun, though you’re guaranteed a good night regardless of who turns up. Be warned: this event fills up quickly. Book your tickets in advance or get there well before doors open to snap up one of limited on-the-door tickets.
Good for: Escaping the city.
What it is: The local loch. Okay, so this isn’t actually in Glasgow but it couldn’t be easier to get to. If you’re not lucky enough to have a flatmate who has a car, you can get to Balloch by train in under an hour and for around a fiver.
Why you should go: The perfect way to spend one of those rare sunny days. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the city and the ‘uni bubble’ and there’s no better way to do it than by taking in some stunning Scottish scenery.
Good for: Design and architecture enthusiasts.
What it is: One of the city’s most celebrated sons, Charles Rennie Mackintosh was an Art Nouveau architect and designer whose designs and aesthetic influence can be seen all over Glasgow.
Why you should go: It’s hard to live in Glasgow without hearing about this guy. You can find examples of his work in the Kelvingrove Museum, the Lighthouse and Glasgow School of Art, and even see a meticulous reconstruction of his former home, the Mackintosh House (much more interesting than it sounds!). If visiting museums isn’t your cuppa, you could always go to the Willow Tea Rooms and see some of Mackintosh’s interior design work while enjoying lunch.
Good for: Tea, tea and more tea.
What it is: A hippy tea shop in the West End.
Why you should go:Widen your tea-drinking horizons and try something new from their extensive menu, which contains over 80 types of tea from around the world. This place is so laid-back it’s almost intimidating at first, but once you get used to the hippy vibe you won’t want to leave until you’ve tried all the teas! They also serves tasty food, all vegetarian or vegan.
Good for: Seeing your favourite bands and discovering up-and-coming acts.
What it is: Glasgow is famous for its thriving music scene, which over the years has produced acts as diverse as Belle and Sebastian, Chvrches and Hudson Mohawke.
Why you should go: The advantage of living in a big city is that most bands will stop off near you during their UK tours. Bars across the city play host to both local legends and alternative bands from afar. King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut is the city’s most famous venue (Oasis were signed after playing a gig there) and well worth a visit if you love going to gigs. As well as local bars, there are also larger venues that pull in a lot of big name acts.
Good for: Film geeks and indie lovers.
What it is: An alternative to the big chain cinemas.
Why you should go: GFT offers a varied programme of cult classics and contemporary art house flicks. Perhaps you’ll get the chance to see your favourite film on the big screen or watch one of those arty foreign films that are never screened in your hometown. It is also one of the main venues for the Glasgow Film Festival, which takes place every year around February/March time.
Good for: Picking up a wee bargain.
What it is: If you’re a vintage fan, Glasgow has plenty of places where you can stumble across something cheap and unique.
Why you should go: Clothes shopping may not be the top of your priorities when living on a student budget, but who can resist a vintage find every now and then? There are options in the city centre and in the West End for vintage shopping. If you love charity shops, have a walk down Byres Road and Dumbarton Road, or browse the cute boutique-style Barnardo’s in the Merchant City.
Glasgow is the fourth largest city in the UK, and is home to the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Consequently it has a large student population, so in theory you shouldn’t be stuck for places to go or people to meet. Getting around is easy as Glasgow has its very own subway system, consisting of one line that runs in a circle. Friendly, diverse and teeming with art and music, Glasgow is a city in which anyone can feel at home.