Moving to Glasgow for university? Choosing the perfect place to call home will be at the top of your priority list. This guide gives a run-through of all you need to find the best place to live in Glasgow as a student.
Student areas in Glasgow
University of Glasgow
Hillhead
Hillhead is the heart of university life at Glasgow. The area includes the main campus, so when living here, you’re never more than a 5-minute walk away from lectures. Most student housing is situated between Bank Street (near the Glasgow University Union), Byres Road, and Great Western Road. It is connected by Hillhead subway station on Byres Road. Because of its proximity to main buildings such as the Boyd Orr and Adam Smith buildings, Hillhead is home to most of the university’s undergraduate students. It’s full of attractive but affordable bars and restaurants, charity shops, high street retailers, and even a Nando’s!
Estimated monthly cost of living in the area: £750
Woodlands
Woodlands is the leafy suburb of Glasgow’s west end. Situated between the university campus and the city centre, the morning commute is never more than 10-15 minutes of walking. The area is popular with postgraduates and teaching students (as the St Andrew’s building is located nearby), and is connected by Kelvinbridge and St. George’s Cross subway stations. As the name suggests, Woodlands is surrounded by parks and green space: with Kelvingrove Park and Kelvin Walkway (connecting to the Botanic Gardens) bordering its Georgian tree-lined streets. It’s a perfect place for anyone who wants a little more peace and quiet without having to sacrifice campus and city connections.
Estimated monthly cost of living in the area: £750
Partick and Dowanhill
Dowanhill lies to the west of Byres Road and is a popular residential area among students. Its large sandstone terrace houses are best suited to undergraduates sharing in large groups, but a short 10 minute walk onto the main campus makes it home to a wide range of university students. The area is absorbed into Partick by Dunbarton Road to the south, which hosts loads of restaurants, international supermarkets, and boutiques. Partick is a connected and affordable area served by Partick train station (next to a Tesco, Morrisons, AND Lidl – so you’ll be spoiled for choice on your weekly shop!) and subway, as well as Kelvinhall subway on Dunbarton Road. It’s a little further out from the main campus (up to a 25-30 minute walk) but is a perfect place for anyone looking for a bustling and exciting neighbourhood that doesn’t go over-budget.
Estimated monthly cost of living in the area: £650
University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University
Townhead and St. Mungo’s
Townhead is a vibrant and central location that incorporates the University of Strathclyde campus and the area of St. Mungo’s – a part of Glasgow rich in cultural history. It is a popular residential area among students, including many private halls of residence, and is a short walk from Buchanan Street bus station, Buchanan Street subway, and Queen Street train station. It’s an ideal place for anyone looking for a central location while maintaining that local, homely feeling.
Estimated monthly cost of living in the area: £700
Sauchiehall Street
Sauchiehall Street is the gateway to the city centre from the west end and is packed with bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets. Although it’s a very central location, flats on offer are spacious and affordable, making them popular among second and third-year students at both Strathclyde and Glasgow. It’s a quick 5-10 minute walk onto Strath campus and into the rest of the city centre via Buchanan Street, including both Queen Street and Central train stations.
Estimated monthly cost of living in the area: £650
Cowcaddens
Cowcaddens is the buzzing entertainment district of Glasgow’s city centre, connected to the west end by the infamous Great Western Road. Towards the south, where the area merges with the city centre, you’ll find the Theatre Royal, Cineworld, Royal Concert Hall, and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – making it the perfect location for anyone with a cultural or artistic streak.
Estimated monthly cost of living in the area: £650
Cost of living as a student in Glasgow
- Average rent: (University halls) £146 per week; (Private halls) £180 per week; (Private rental) £138 per week (£550 pcm).
- Average pint: £2.78 from PintPrice
- Travel: £1.33+ per day (based on yearly SPT Subway smartcard)
- Nights out: (Including entry, drinks, and taxi) ~£25-40 per night
Glasgow was recently named by Time Out as the most affordable city in the world, so no extortionate prices are going to get in the way of your student life if you study here. According to breakdowns provided by the University of Glasgow website, the average rent for a shared student flat is £550 pcm, though prices vary by up to £100 either way with location and time of year. You can expect to spend around £130 on groceries and £70 on utility bills (including internet/line rental), though that all depends on whether you do your weekly shop at Byres Road Waitrose or Maryhill Lidl!
Though most areas are well within walking distance, Glasgow is connected by a subway system that runs trains in either clockwise/anticlockwise direction every 6 minutes, with a smartcard free to register online that saves you 20p on a single ticket (£1.55 with smartcard, £1.75 without). The subway serves most of the west end, city centre, and southside, and mainline trains cover further areas such as Maryhill, Anniesland, and Hyndland. Many students also regularly venture out to the rest of Scotland, with regular trains to Edinburgh (off-peak same-day return: £13.40, cheaper in advance), Stirling (off-peak same-day return: £8.80, cheaper in advance), and Dundee (off-peak same-day return: £40.30, cheaper in advance).
Like any other city, the price of a night out depends on where you go and when. Many first and second-year students tend to stay around the west end, with the GUU’s club LIVE open on a Thursday and Saturday night (plus other nights for special events – and every night during Freshers’ Week!), as well as another student favourite, Sanctuary. City centre clubs and bars also host student nights, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, where they offer free entry and drinks for less than £1. Indie bar and nightclub Firewater on Sauchiehall Street offers 89p mixers on Thursday nights, and other popular clubs like Kokomo and Bamboo give discounted entry and 99p drinks on their respective student nights*. The Subway only typically runs until 11 pm Mon-Sat and 6:30pm on a Sunday, so unless you’re living in the city centre, you’re going to need to book a taxi to get home. Local firm Glasgow Taxis and Uber both offer similar prices: around £10-15 for a 4-seater between the city centre and the west end.
*Pre-COVID-19 restrictions. Offers may change if and when these clubs reopen.
The best student halls in Glasgow
University of Glasgow
(All of UofG’s halls of residence are managed in partnership with Sanctuary Students.)
Murano Street Student Village
Price from: £126.77 per week
Murano is Glasgow University (and Scotland)’s largest halls of residence. It is self-catered and exclusive to undergraduate students, with the vast majority being first-year freshers. Flats are typically shared between 5-12 people, with shared living room/kitchen and bathroom facilities. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and membership of the Glasgow University Sports Association (which gives you access to the gym, as well as being a requirement to join any sports societies affiliated with GUSA).
Queen Margaret Residencies
Price from: £155.89 per week
Queen Margaret Residencies (QM) is one of the closest halls of residence to the University of Glasgow: the campus is only a 15-20 minute walk away via the Botanic Gardens. It is self-catered with ensuite bathrooms in each room and the choice between single and double beds. Flats are shared between 5 people, with shared living room/kitchen and bathroom facilities. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, communal area cleaning, and membership of GUSA.
Kelvinhaugh Gate
Price from: £154.42 per week
Kelvinhaugh Gate halls of residence is located in the Kelvinhaugh area, over the River Kelvin from the university campus. It’s one of the closest halls to the university itself – only a 15-minute walk – as well as proximity to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It is self-catered and exclusive to undergraduates, with ensuite bathrooms, and a shared common room/kitchen among 3-5 people. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and membership of GUSA.
Wolfson Hall
Price from: £166.18 – £183.75 per week (catered)
Wolfson Hall is the University of Glasgow’s only catered halls of residence and lies within the West of Scotland Science Park in Garscube. Due to its close proximity to the Veterinary School (and distance from the main campus), it’s residents are mainly veterinary students. Rooms are available ensuite or with shared bathroom facilities among 5 people, as well as a shared snack kitchen. Fees include catering, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, membership of GUSA, and a First Bus Travel Pass worth £350.
Cairncross House
Price from: £126.77 – £136.50 per week
Cairncross House is a smaller halls of residence located in the Kelvinhaugh area, over the River Kelvin from the university campus. It’s one of the closest halls to the university itself – only a 15-minute walk – as well as proximity to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It is self-catered with flats shared over four floors, a shared common room/kitchen and bathroom facilities. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and membership of GUSA.
Gibson Street (Student Roost)
Price from: £159 per week
Gibson Street accommodation is located a short 2-minute walk away from the University of Glasgow, near the Glasgow University Union and St. Andrew’s Building. It includes a vibrant common room, quiet study area, and outdoor courtyard. Students can choose between en-suite and studio rooms and shared flats with up to 6 people, including a common room and shared kitchen facilities. The fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, and bike storage.
Beith Street (Vita Student)
Price from: £204 – £305 per week
Located in Partick a short 5-minute walk from the University of Glasgow, these halls offer a wide range of room options from basic studio to deluxe rooms and are most popular with international students. Cluster rooms share a communal space (including kitchen facilities) with up to 4 other people, and accessible rooms are available for those who need more space. The halls are right next to Partick Lidl, so you’ll never have to carry your shopping far.
University of Strathclyde
Birckbeck Court
Price from: £104 per week
Birkbeck Court is centrally located in the Strathclyde campus – right across the road from the University Library. At these halls, you’re a 5-minute walk from Merchant City and the city centre. It offers single rooms in flats shared among 6 people, with a shared communal area, kitchen, and bathroom. The fees include a shared television, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and communal area cleaning.
James Goold Hall
Price from: £141 per week
James Goold Hall is located on the edge of the university campus and provides accommodation for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The rooms are ensuite with a ¾ size bed, and communal areas including the kitchen are shared among 5,6, or 8 people. Fees include a shared television, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and communal area cleaning.
Garnett Hall
Price from: £110 per week
Garnett Hall connects the Strathclyde campus to the city centre and is perfect for anyone looking for a central location. It offers single rooms with washbasins in flat shared among 4-6 people, with shared communal area, kitchen, and bathroom. The fees include a shared television, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and communal area cleaning.
Andrew Ure Hall
Price from: £110 per week
Andrew Ure Hall is located off-campus in the heart of Merchant City, so is a perfect choice for anyone looking to stay a little way away from the centre of university and close to some of the best bars and restaurants Glasgow has to offer. The halls of residence offer single rooms with washbasins in flats shared among 4-6 people, with shared communal area, kitchen, and bathroom. The fees include a shared television, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and communal area cleaning.
Merchant Studios (Student Roost)
Price from: £155 – £179 per week
Merchant Studios accommodation is located a short 5-minute walk away from the University of Strathclyde and offers a range of studio rooms from bronze to the gold standard. It includes a vibrant common room, quiet study area, and outdoor courtyard. Students can share flats with up to 6 people, including a common room and shared kitchen facilities. The fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, and bike storage.
St. James House (Nido Student)
Price from: £129 – £165 per week
St. James House offers ensuite and studio accommodation a short 5-minute walk from the Strathclyde campus. Ensuites share kitchen and common room facilities with seven other people, while studios offer all amenities in a single private flat. The halls offer a wide range of communal facilities including a yoga studio, gaming rooms, cosy TV rooms, a library, group study rooms and a private dining room. Fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, communal area cleaning, and bike storage.
Glasgow Caledonian University
333 Bath Street (Hello Student)
Price from: £185 – £232 per week
333 Bath Street is located in the heart of Glasgow city centre and provides accommodation for both Glasgow Caledonian and Strathclyde University students. Rooms are ensuite and include a ¾ size bed, with communal areas shared among a flexible group of people. Fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, and access to communal areas such as a cinema and tv room.
Willowbank (Hello Student)
Price from: £185 – £232 per week
Willowbank is located in the Woodlands area of the west end and provides accommodation for both Glasgow Caledonian and University of Glasgow students. Rooms are ensuite and include a ¾ size bed, with communal areas shared among a flexible group of people. Fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, and access to communal areas such as a cinema and tv room.
Buchanan View (Student Roost)
Price from: £99 per week
Buchanan View is a popular hall of residence located right next to Glasgow Caledonian University. It includes a vibrant communal lounge, quiet study area, and garden perfect for barbeques. Students can choose between en-suite and studio rooms and shared flats with up to 6 people, including a common room and shared kitchen facilities. The fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, bike storage, and free car parking.
Dobbie’s Point (Student Roost)
Price from: £139 – £159 per week
Dobbie’s Point is located a short 2-minute walk from Glasgow Caledonian University and provides students with prime-location access to the city centre. It includes a spacious communal lounge, a quiet study area, garden, and a private rooftop terrace for residents to enjoy. Students can choose between en-suite and studio rooms and shared flats with up to 6 people, including a common room and shared kitchen facilities. The fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, and bike storage.
Caledonian Court
Price from: £99 – £139 per week
Caledonian Court is Glasgow Caledonian University’s only halls of residence, which all students studying at the university can apply for. Places are prioritised for international students, particularly non-EU, and students with disabilities or otherwise requiring special assistance. The flats share communal areas among 6-8 people. Fees include utilities and Wi-Fi.
The cheapest student halls in Glasgow
University of Glasgow
Cairncross House
Price from: £126.77 – £136.50 per week
Cairncross House is a smaller halls of residence located in the Kelvinhaugh area, over the River Kelvin from the university campus. It’s one of the closest halls to the university itself – only a 15-minute walk – as well as proximity to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It is self-catered with flats shared over four floors, a shared common room/kitchen and bathroom facilities. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and membership of GUSA.
Murano Street Student Village
Price from: £126.77 per week
Murano is Glasgow University (and Scotland)’s largest halls of residence. It is self-catered and exclusive to undergraduate students, with the vast majority being first-year freshers. Flats are typically shared between 5-12 people, with shared living room/kitchen and bathroom facilities. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and membership of the Glasgow University Sports Association (which gives you access to the gym, as well as being a requirement to join any sports societies affiliated with GUSA).
Student Apartments
Price from: £126.77 per week
Glasgow University’s student apartments are located in the traditional tenement buildings on the university’s campus. They are self-catered and exclusive to undergraduate students, with single-sex twin rooms sharing kitchens and living space. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and membership of GUSA.
Kelvinhaugh Gate
Price from: £154.42 per week
Kelvinhaugh Gate halls of residence is located in the Kelvinhaugh area, over the River Kelvin from the university campus. It’s one of the closest halls to the university itself – only a 15-minute walk – as well as proximity to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It is self-catered and exclusive to undergraduates, with ensuite bathrooms, and a shared common room/kitchen among 3-5 people. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and membership of GUSA.
Queen Margaret Residencies
Price from: £155.89 per week
Queen Margaret Residencies (QM) is one of the closest halls of residence to the University of Glasgow: the campus is only a 15-20 minute walk away via the Botanic Gardens. It is self-catered with ensuite bathrooms in each room and the choice between single and double beds. Flats are shared between 5 people, with shared living room/kitchen and bathroom facilities. The fees include bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, communal area cleaning, and membership of GUSA.
University of Strathclyde
Birkbeck Court
Price from: £104 per week
Birkbeck Court is centrally located in the Strathclyde campus – right across the road from the University Library. At these halls, you’re a 5-minute walk from Merchant City and the city centre. It offers single rooms in flats shared among 6 people, with shared communal area, kitchen, and bathroom. The fees include a shared television, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and communal area cleaning.
Garnett Hall
Price from: £110 per week
Garnett Hall connects the Strathclyde campus to the city centre and is perfect for anyone looking for a central location. It offers single rooms with washbasins in flats shared among 4-6 people, with a shared communal area, kitchen, and bathroom. The fees include a shared television, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and communal area cleaning.
Andrew Ure Hall
Price from: £110 per week
Andrew Ure Hall is located off-campus in the heart of Merchant City, so is a perfect choice for anyone looking to stay a little way away from the centre of the university and close to some of the best bars and restaurants Glasgow has to offer. The halls of residence offer single rooms with washbasins in flats shared among 4-6 people, with a shared communal area, kitchen, and bathroom. The fees include a shared television, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and communal area cleaning.
Forbes Hall
Price from: £110 per week
Forbes Hall is just a short walk away from the University Library and Merchant City, making it a prime location for students who know the balance between work and play. It offers single rooms with washbasins in flats shared among 4-6 people, with a shared communal area, kitchen, and bathroom. The fees include a shared television, bed linen, utilities, Wi-Fi, personal possessions’ insurance, and communal area cleaning.
St. James House (Nido Student)
Price from: £129 – £165 per week
St. James House offers ensuite and studio accommodation a short 5-minute walk from the Strathclyde campus. Ensuites share kitchen and common room facilities with 7 other people, while studios offer all amenities in a single private flat. The halls offer a wide range of communal facilities including a yoga studio, gaming rooms, cosy TV rooms, a library, group study rooms and a private dining room. Fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, communal area cleaning, and bike storage.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Buchanan View (Student Roost)
Price from: £99 per week
Buchanan View is a popular hall of residence located right next to Glasgow Caledonian University. It includes a vibrant communal lounge, quiet study area, and garden perfect for barbeques. Students can choose between en-suite and studio rooms and shared flats with up to 6 people, including a common room and shared kitchen facilities. The fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, bike storage, and free car parking.
Caledonian Court
Price from: £99 – £139 per week
Caledonian Court is Glasgow Caledonian University’s only halls of residence, which all students studying at the university can apply for. Places are prioritised for international students, particularly non-EU, and students with disabilities or otherwise requiring special assistance. The flats share communal areas among 6-8 people. Fees include utilities and Wi-Fi.
Dobbie’s Point (Student Roost)
Price from: £139 – £159 per week
Dobbie’s Point is located a short 2-minute walk from Glasgow Caledonian University, and provides students with prime-location access to the city centre. It includes a spacious communal lounge, a quiet study area, garden, and a private rooftop terrace for residents to enjoy. Students can choose between en-suite and studio rooms and shared flats with up to 6 people, including a common room and shared kitchen facilities. The fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, and bike storage.
Willowbank (Hello Student)
Price from: £185 – £232 per week
Willowbank is located in the Woodlands area of the west end and provides accommodation for both Glasgow Caledonian and University of Glasgow students. Rooms are ensuite and include a ¾ size bed, with communal areas shared among a flexible group of people. Fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, and access to communal areas such as a cinema and tv room.
333 Bath Street (Hello Student)
Price from: £185 – £232 per week
333 Bath Street is located in the heart of Glasgow city centre and provides accommodation for both Glasgow Caledonian and Strathclyde University students. Rooms are ensuite and include a ¾ size bed, with communal areas shared among a flexible group of people. Fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, and access to communal areas such as a cinema and tv room.
