As the locals say, “people make Glasgow”.
This is a city of warm welcomes, and community is easy to come by.
It’s also home to the second largest student population in the whole of the UK. In Glasgow, you’re sure to find your place in one of the city’s bustling neighbourhoods, with plenty to do nearby wherever you choose.
But which area is right for you?
Finnieston
Once an industrial no-man’s land, today Finnieston is cool as a cucumber.
Trendy bars. Bougie restaurants. Buzzing pubs. There’s even a local weigh-shop for plastic-free veggies.
The University of Glasgow is a short walk across Kelvingrove Park, and Finnieston is a top choice for students. It’s also a hotspot for young professionals buying in the city, so expect a mixed crowd.
Although technically in Glasgow’s West End, it’s not too far to walk into the centre. You’re easily connected to the rest of the city (and beyond) thanks to the Exhibition Centre train stop just down the road.
On the other hand, the area’s growing popularity means space can feel at a bit of a premium here, with cars squeezed into parking spots along just about every stretch of the streets.
And just be aware that Finnieston can get busy and noisy whenever there’s an event on at the OVO Hydro, the biggest entertainment venue in Scotland. It’s only a stone’s throw from Finnieston’s main thoroughfare, Argyle Street.
Average commuting times from Finnieston:
University of Glasgow: 15-min walk.
City centre: 25-min walk.
Hillhead
Just north of Finnieston, in Glasgow’s West End proper, is Hillhead – very much the go-to student neighbourhood for Uni of Glasgow.
And, once you pull up a map, it’s not hard to work out why: staying in Hillhead puts the university mere moments away.
Here, you can make those morning lectures in record time, hop home between seminars, and nip to the library to pick up essential reading material… all in less time than it takes coursemates staying further out to walk to the bus stop.
Thanks to its popularity with students, you can also bet that Hillhead has plenty going on. Think bougie cafés, hip restaurants, and cosy bars, not to mention the lush Botanic Gardens for sunny afternoons (or keeping warm in the greenhouses!).
There’s a risk of being swept up in the student bubble here, though, and missing all the charms of authentic Glasgow. Look out for landlords charging sky-high rent for poky accommodation, simply because the demand is there.
Average commuting times from Hillhead:
University of Glasgow: 5-min walk.
City centre: 35-min walk / 10 mins on the subway.
City centre
You’ll be hard pressed to find a livelier city than Glasgow.
It’s famous for music. For art. For shopping. And if you want to be right in the thick of it at all times, city centre life might just be for you.
From here, you’ll have many of Glasgow’s big attractions at your fingertips, not to mention its vibrant nightlife down Sauchiehall Street. Living in the centre also makes it that bit easier to explore the wider area, with both of the city’s main transport hubs just a walk away.
If you’re studying at Strathclyde or Glasgow Caledonian University, getting to lectures is straightforward from the centre.
On the other hand, if you’re a Uni of Glasgow student, city centre living puts you further away from lectures than any of the other student hotspots.
And it’s worth remembering that Glasgow may be fun – but it isn’t quiet.
Trying to get a decent night’s sleep in an apartment in the middle of Scotland’s biggest city is easier said than done if you’re not used to it.
Average commuting times from the city centre:
University of Glasgow: 30-min walk / 10-mins on the subway.
City centre: On your doorstep!
Partick
Partick is one of those rare neighbourhoods.
It’s changed over the years to make way for a younger student population, with independent bakeries, cafés, and restaurants aplenty. But at the same time, it’s still kept its sense of community and a real flavour of Glasgow’s keen spirit.
In short, it’s a great balance between old and new. Between that traditional neighbourhood feel and an area that’s going somewhere.
It’s also super convenient.
Living in Partick, you can walk to Glasgow University in no time. All the benefits of the West End are on your doorstep – including Kelvingrove with its park and museum – and getting into the city centre is simple on Glasgow’s easy-as-pie subway system.
From Vita Student West End, you’re just around the corner from two handy supermarkets, and literally two minutes from Partick train station, opening up Scotland’s beautiful west coast by rail.
If you’re feeling energetic, hire a bike instead and ride along the traffic-free cycle path (just down the road from West End) all the way to famous Loch Lomond and back again in one day.
Staying at Vita Student West End also means regular housekeeping, a 24-7 gym, weekday breakfasts, and bookable study rooms.
This is the place to be if you want to find that sweet spot between uni and life!
Average commuting times from Partick:
University of Glasgow: 10-min walk.
City centre: 10 mins by subway.
