So, You Got into the University of Glasgow Now Where Are You Going to Live?
So, you’ve just received that long-awaited offer letter from the University of Glasgow. Exciting, right? You’re officially headed to one of the most prestigious and student-friendly universities in the UK.
But once the buzz wears off, reality kicks in and with it comes the dreaded housing hunt.
Whether you’re flying in from Delhi or Dundee, finding the right student accommodation near the University of Glasgow can feel honestly more stressful than applying to the university itself. I’ve seen students land in the city with nothing but their suitcases and a short-term Airbnb, only to be hit with overpriced, poorly located rooms or worse, housing scams.
This guide is here to give you a head start. Real talk, real listings, and tips from someone who’s walked these same cobbled streets.
Why It Actually Matters Where You Live
Look, accommodation isn’t just about having a roof over your head. It determines how far you’re walking in cold winter mornings, how fast you can pop home during long days on campus, and even how easily you’ll make friends.
I met a student last year who signed a great-looking room online only to find out it was 45 minutes away from campus and had a £25/week bus cost on top. She barely made it to early lectures, hated the commute, and moved out mid-semester.
Lesson? Proximity and quality matter and so does living somewhere that feels like home.
The Top 10 Student Apartments Near University of Glasgow (2025 Picks)
Here’s a list based on what students actually recommend plus a few I’ve toured or helped others book myself. Each of these ticks the boxes for location, security, community, and mid-range pricing.
1. The Combworks
- Garscube Road, less than 15 mins walk from campus
- Private studios & ensuite options available
- 24/7 support, secure access, modern facilities
- From £159/week
This one’s super popular with postgrads. Quiet but right near all the key uni buildings.
2. IQ Elgin Place
- Just east of the University
- Premier-level rooms with private bathrooms
- Free gym membership, study lounges, rooftop
- From £165/week
Modern and well-managed. Lots of students from Uni of Glasgow and Strathclyde stay here.
3. True Glasgow West End
- 10 minutes from Gilmorehill campus
- High-end rooms with insane common areas (cinema, music room)
- Weekly wellness events, amazing social atmosphere
- From £169/week
Think of this as the place for social butterflies who also want peace during exams.
4. West Village Student Accommodation
- Kelvinhaugh Street, walking distance to campus
- Modern, minimalist rooms
- All bills included, strong student community
- From £146/week
Solid choice for first-timers. Also my personal favorite based on pricing to quality ratio.
5. Bridge House Apartments
- Great Western Road
- Mix of studios and shared flats
- Fully furnished, high-speed Wi-Fi
- Averaging £160/week
Tends to fill up fast, especially with returning undergrads. Ask around by spring.
6. Student Roost – Gibson Street
- Just down the road from the uni gates
- En-suite and shared options
- Highly rated for safety & location
- From £152/week
The convenience of this place is unreal during 9 AMs. Worth every pound.
7. Unite Students – Thurso Street
- Less than 5 minutes from campus
- Large shared kitchens, ensuite options
- Bills included, maintenance team on-site
- From £165/week
Good mid-range option that balances budget and accessibility.
8. Kelvin Court
- Right in the West End
- Cosy rooms that feel more like apartments
- More independent living vibe
- From £150/week
Great for students who want less of a traditional “flatshare” and more peace.
9. Foundry Courtyard
- Not immediate campus proximity (~20 mins), but great value
- Spacious common areas, ensuite rooms
- Advanced security, strong Wi-Fi
- From £140/week
If you’re happy with a slightly longer walk, you’ll save quite a bit here.
10. Meadow Court
- In the West End, close to shops and buses
- More affordable than other options, smaller rooms
- Friendly management, great starter spot
- Starting around £135/week
I’ve had friends start here and move later on it’s a very beginner-friendly base.
How I Actually Compared Prices Without Opening 50 Chrome Tabs
Real talk: The secret weapon when helping my cousin start their Bachelors at the University of Glasgow last year?
Student Accommodation Guide.
Saved me hours. They let you compare accommodation from 25+ providers, check student reviews, and (best part) avoid listings with those misleading “starting at £99/week” headlines that never include bills.
They didn’t try to upsell us or push flashy properties. Just clean info, verified listings, and no fake photos.
When you’re new to the process, having everything in one place is a game-changer.
What to Watch Out For (So You Don’t Get Scammed or Stuck)
I won’t sugarcoat this finding student housing abroad is stressful. Here are a few red flags to keep on your radar:
🚫 Listings with no video tours when you ask 🚫 “All bills included” but then hide a “fair usage cap” 🚫 Asking for full deposit over WhatsApp without a formal lease 🚫 Photos that look too polished (check Google Maps or Street View)
One student I helped almost paid a deposit for a Glasgow flat that didn’t even exist. Always go through trusted providers. If they’ve got no digital footprint run.
Final Tips That Actually Help
Here’s what helped me (and others) the most:
- Start early. May is golden hour. By Aug, pickings get slim.
- Look beyond price. £10/week savings means nothing if your commute is 40 mins.
- Ask to meet flatmates over Zoom. Try to gauge the vibe.
- Ask about heating. Scottish winters are no joke.
- Set a budget that includes bills then stick to it.
It’s super tempting to splurge for a fancy place. But trust me: somewhere clean, safe, and warm > flashy décor.
Last Thought Before You Start Swiping Listings
Finding accommodation near the University of Glasgow doesn’t have to feel like a gamble.
Start by listing your actual priorities: walking distance? Privacy? Shared kitchen? Then narrow it down from there. Use tools like Student Accommodation Guide to avoid falling down the “40-tabs-open” rabbit hole.
Will it be perfect? Probably not. But if you apply these tips, you’re way less likely to end up rooming with snakes. (Yes, I’ve heard that story. Don’t ask.)
You’ve got this and soon, you’ll find your perfect student home in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
