WELCOME TO GLASGOW!
WELCOME TO GLASGOW The members of the Libraries Committee are so pleased to present you with the second edition of G-You’s ‘Guide on the Side’! We completely understand the uncertainty of moving to a new city and not knowing your way around - so to help provide you with some local knowledge on what you, as a broke student, actually want to know, we produced this handy guide! From the hangout spots people actually use, to the best nights out you may have missed, this is our guide for stidents, by students!
Welcome to your guide to .... ~ A Walking Tour of Glasgow ~ Killing Time
~ Eat Out, Help Out ~ Preparing for Zoomiversity ~ ‘Buyers’ Road (Hidden Treasures)
~ Student Room Essentials ~ Celebrating the Scottish Way
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~ Glasgow Night Life
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~ Letter to a Fresher
MEET THE TEAM
Catherine Bouchard : Co-Editor In Chief
Ana Negut : Production Officer
Olivia Swarthout : Graphics Coordinator
Nina Munro : Events Co-ordinator
Duncan Henderson : Campus Editor
Lina Leonhard : Arts Editor
Erin Graham : Lifestyle Editor
Radoslav Serafimov : Science Editor
Samyukta Vidyashankar : Politics Editor
Evan Colley : Show-
Finn Macdonald : Groundings Editor In Chief
case Editor
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Fuad Kehinde : Convenor/ Editor In Chief
A Walking Tour of Glasgow : Evan’s semi - comprehensive guide to exploring the dear green place
Glasgow is a city of profound beauty. Though its character and charm is traditionally exemplified through its people, the city is also widely known to be a place with many physical attributes which add to its unique sense of wonder. With era defining architecture, a stunning skyline, a bustling shopping district and many natural feats to stop and marvel at - Glasgow is certainly a city to appreciate visually. To get an idea of the city and its distinct character, I have devised a small walking tour, perfect for seeing the main attractions as well as getting a general feel for the truly magical environment of our dear green place.
1. Gilmorehill Campus I believe that the best place to start with our little tour would be the main Gilmorehill campus. With its grandiose 19th century architecture, Hunterian museum and iconic cloisters, it makes a perfect entry to start exploring the beauty situated right here, in the heart of the city. 2. Ashton Lane Moving westward, head along University Avenue and then up onto Ashton Lane. A classic cobbled lane full of hip pubs and restaurants serving delicious food - it’s the perfect place to grab a necessary pint for the walk ahead.
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3. Botanic Gardens Heading up Byres Rd. (and perhaps doing a wee bit of shopping on the way), make your way up north to the Botanic Gardens. Full of exotic plants nd beautifully designed greenhouses, the gardens are a picturesque scene which necessitate sitting down on the grass with friends and chatting amid the sweet, fragrant air (so long as the weather permits it). 4. Kelvin Walkway Moving on from the Botanics, make your way down the exit on the side of the gardens onto Kelvin Walkway. Much like the botanics, the walkway is a placeacked with natural beauty. You can hear the crashes of the river echo, the trees whistle, and if you’re lucky you will spy Heron in the middle of the river waiting patiently for their next catch. The walkway is easily one of my favourite places in Glasgow, and proves to be a perfect conduit to lead you to the next destination. Another fine example of Glasgow’s stunning natural scenery, Kelvingrove Park, is the next spot on the tour. A classic location for any University of Glasgow student, the park is full of greenery, large hills which provide stunning views of the city, towering trees which line the walkways and the famous Stewart Memorial Fountain. An essential location for anyone visiting the city, and also a good spot to have a little sit down fore continuing with the tour.
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5. Kelvingrove Park
6. Sauchiehall Street If you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy, then the next location is certainly the place to be. Exit the park onto Argyle Street and then head left until you can cross to Sauchiehall. Here you’ll find a myriad of coffee shops, clothing stores and much more. Not necessarily the most scenic place you will find in Glasgow, but certainly an excellent place to do a spot of shopping. 7. Glasgow Necropolis Heading all the way up Sauchiehall Street you will easily be able to maneuver your way to the site of the famed Necropolis. At the top of this location, you will find what is in my opinion, the best view of Glasgow. A s well as this, you have the Cathedral, an incredibly impressive Gothic masterpiece, as well as the old hospital right along it. The Necropolis and the surrounding area is simply one of the most fantastic places to visit , and so I have included it as a must see on the list. 8. Glasgow Green The final stop on the list is Glasgow Green. Another place filled with greenery and ripe with nature, Glasgow Green is the perfect place to finish a long day’s walking. As well as the green you have the People’s Palace, a beautiful museum full of Scottish history, as well as its neighbouring glasshouse. As well as this, if you’re looking for some second hand gems, the Barras market is situated right next door.
The list is certainly not comprehensive. Glasgow is a city full of wonder and awe, and this list only begins to scratch of all its interest and beauty. Throughout your years here you will undoubtedly come to find this out for yourselves.
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ANA’S ALL-PURPOSE GUIDE FOR KILLING TIME BETWEEN LECTURES
for bookworms, introverts, coffee lovers, extroverts, vsco girls, pint lovers, girl bosses, squirrel enthusiasts and people who want to break their shoes in If you’re new to Glasgow Uni, you’re perhaps scared of the unknown to a certain degree. For a person with a horrible sense of direction like me, finding my way around and identifying hangout spots was a bit of a challenge. As a fresher, I would spend plenty of time exploring the surroundings with nothing but my tote bag over my shoulder, a hot latte in hand, and Charli XCX in my headphones for a mood boost (works every time). I shall make use of my experience as a curious 18 year old, as well as my friends’ experiences, in order to offer you a head start and familiarize you with a few cool spots. Your windows in between classes are the perfect opportunity for you to discover the charm of the location and really get immersed in the Glasgow Uni life. While this guide largely targets freshers and newcomers on campus, I believe all students could get inspired by these suggestions as the new academic year commences. Here are my careful recommendations! •
Enjoy a creamy latte and a good book (with a view) on one of the higher floors of the Library Take advantage of the rare sunny weather by taking a stroll in Kelvingrove Park
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Wearing a cute outfit? This calls for a spontaneous photoshoot at the Cloisters
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Visit the James McCune Smith Learning Hub for a perfect place to enjoy a snack and catch up on your readings
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Take a walk to the charming Offshore
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Hit up Bank Street Bar for food and drinks with your mates
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If you’re up for a bit of a longer walk, make your way to the Ottoman Coffeehouse
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For all the art lovers: delight in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (and the Hunterian Art Gallery)
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Hang out with the coolest people you’ll ever meet at Glasgow University Union (or alternatively enjoy some quiet study time in the Bridie library)
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If you have a couple of hours to kill and the weather allows it, make your way to the
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Try Hillhead Bookclub after 11AM- it has a little something for everyone
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Treat yourself with the roses from SugarFall Patisserie
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Enjoy the 05’’ Margerita from Spuntini
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This is a bit of a random one - enjoy the view from near the Joseph Black building
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Treat yourself to a nap at home. You deserve it.
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Botanical Gardens, linger around the lovely scenery, and befriend the squirrels
My idea of making the most of your time at Glasgow on campus is pretty much substantiated in this list: combine learning with taking time for yourself, make new connections, enjoy the food scene, the excellent views, and the dark academia aesthetics. Until we all meet again on campus, Ana
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LETTER TO A FRESHER : Samyukta’s advice to her younger self Dear wee fresher, You’re on your journey to being an ultimate Glasgow Uni wanker, and sure, you might know most of what’s to ensue but you never FULLY know what to expect. Here are some top tips, deep dark secrets and the inside scoop on the inner workings of the university and its unions, which will hopefully make this transition period a tad bit easier. •
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This definitely does not cover all of it, and there’s still so much more for you to learn and discover by yourself. This is the beginning of the next best 4 years of your life so make the most of it! Live in the moment and cherish every memory. We’re more than thrilled to welcome you to Glasgow – your home (hopefully) for the next few years. love always, Sam
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Don’t schedule seminars or labs for 9AM on Fridays. You might think you’ll be efficient and proactive – but after a Thursday hive night filled with pints of fun, your perception of time is bound to change. Get involved!! Whether it be with the fantastic union (big ups GUU), or GUSA if you’re more of a sporty spice and are keen on being part of the numerous clubs offered, or one of the variety of societies present at Glasgow Uni – you’re spoilt for choice(s)! Be easy on yourself! First year will be an adjustment for most, so don’t feel the need to immediately settle and adapt to your surroundings. Everyone moves at a different pace and it’s completely okay to take the time to find what suits your needs best. Piggybacking off of the last piece of advice, seek out social circles that genuinely spark joy within you. Don’t latch onto the first 5 people you meet during Fresher’s Week. Your flat mates won’t necessarily end up being your best mates. And for the love of God, don’t sleep with your flat mate/ roommate – no matter what anybody tells you, it (usually) never ends well. Never wear your best pair of trainers on a night out: the sticky union floors and spilt pints of fun are not a good look for your white air forces. And while we’re on the topic of shoes – NEVER wear toe exposing sandals or heels because you’ll wake up with a ripped bloody toenail the next morning. Make mistakes, lots of them in fact. But also know how and when to bounce back from them. Set boundaries for yourself, some things just can’t fly and your future self will thank you for standing your ground. Nights out are a great part of Glasgow and a memorable part of university life. So, don’t try to be a smartass and try to skip the queue or get yourself barred from the clubs just because you got into a fight with the bouncer. And no matter what people tell you, THEY NEVER FORGET A FACE. Write for Libraries and Groundings, we have more fun ;)
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done by Jenna Fraser// @jfrayzor
EAT OUT, HELP OUT : Duncan’s favourite food spots The West End is full of fantastic spots to grab a bite to eat - whether it’s for a quick lunch between lectures, a casual meal with friends, or a celebration. Ranging from chain restaurants to small independent places, here are some of my top places to eat in Glasgow’s West End : Urban West Located perfectly on the corner of Great Western Road and Oakfield Avenue, Urban West is the go-to spot for a perfect brunch. Their menu includes everything from a Full Scottish Breakfast, American-style waffles and pancakes, to the millennial classic of Avocado Toast. With a range of vegetarian options alongside meat-laden dishes, carnivores and vegetarians alike will find a brunch for them at Urban West.
Nando’s Nando’s may have only opened their West End location on Vinicombe Street (just off Byres Road) recently in 2019, but it is a restaurant that needs no introduction to most. Serving perfectly cooked chicken and a variety of sides, Nando’s the perfect place to grab a meal with friends at reasonable prices. And if you miss it over the holidays, chances are there’s one in your nearest city too!
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Paesano Paesano pizza has long been a UofG classic - and for good reasons. Easily found just after the corner of Bank St and Great Western Road, Paesano serves up authentic Neapolitan pizzas at student-friendly prices. Perfect for a meal with friends or a date spot, Paesano is hard to beat for pizza in the West End.
Bank Street Bar & Kitchen Bank Street Bar & Kitchen becomes a favourite of students year after year for its reasonable drink prices and good atmosphere. But if you’re looking for a place for a quick and decently priced lunch, why not head down to Bank St? With plenty of deals on during the day and a range of options, Bank St can be a perfect place for a quick meal with friends. Just don’t do what I did and go for lunch and end up staying for 8 hours instead of going back to the library! The Union Kitchen After surviving off the Library Cafe and Fraser Building pizzas in my first term, I was introduced to the Union Kitchen at the start of my Semester 2 and never looked back. The Chicken Burgers have a well-earned reputation for their taste, and there’s always plenty of options for a healthy and filling meal at student prices. Located in the Glasgow University Union, it’s the perfect place to duck into after a morning of classes.
te Seba te Seba is a hidden gem of the West End. After stumbling upon it as a Freshers’ Helper in 2019, I’ve never looked back - even if nobody else seems to have heard of it. Found towards the Woodlands end of Great Western Road (near the Tesco), te Seba serves up perfectly cooked pasta every time. At between £8 to £11 for a dish, the prices aren’t too expensive - and it is a certainty you will leave with a full belly. It is the perfect place to take a partner for a nice meal or to go for a celebration - I’ve already decided I’m having my graduation meal there!
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Of course, these are only a handful of the dozens of eateries dotted around the West End. With so many options, don’t just limit yourself to a handful of places - over the course of your degree make the most of having so many options nearby and try out some new places!
Preparing for Zoomiversity : Rado’s digitized advice for surviving another year If the last year has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected, prepare for the worst and rejoice when it turns out that we were overly cautious. So despite restrictions easing, we wanted to provide Freshers with some tips on experiencing university online, just in case they come in handy during the new year - though let’s desperately hope that they don’t! Be disciplined Procrastination is going to be your worst enemy. Whether you’re in the lecture hall or online, it’s easy to let your attention slip and lose focus of your work. But the key difference is that a lecture hall provides some pressures – there is a time limit on how long you can take notes for, the students around you are observing you, as is the lecturer. These factors make it harder to procrastinate egregiously. But at home there are no such stops and if you’re not careful you’ll find yourself spending hours scrolling TikTok during your “5-minute break” and taking days to finish a 30-minute lecture. The best way to go about actually learning anything is to create a good study space and routine – clear your desk of distractions, hide your phone somewhere you physically cannot see it, close all other tabs and distractions on your computer and do your best to focus and take notes for all your lectures of the day (don’t let them pile up)! Take regular breaks, but use these to get some fresh air, make some tea or move your body as opposed to doom scrolling. A bit of discipline will take you far and leave you with a lot more free time during your day if you manage to bang out your lecture notes quickly and efficiently!
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Be innovative Take full advantage of the digital format. Play slow lectures at double speed, pause to draw out complex diagrams and rewind to understand difficult concepts better. Online lectures carry many advantages that you can make use of to improve your learning experience, if only you know where to look for them. The secret to success is using the online format to take clear, detailed notes, so that when exam season rolls about you have all your information ready and waiting!
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On the social side of things, the online format frees you up to do new and inventive things. Don’t try to simply rehash in-person events in an online format – having drinks with a group of friends just doesn’t work when you keep drowning each other out on the Zoom call and people are incapable of splitting off into small groups to have chats of their own. Try and adapt to the format – find free, online versions of games you like to play with your friends (cards against humanity, risk and Pictionary work very well) or maybe invest in something bigger and more long term, like starting a roleplaying game with your friends (who called me a nerd and how did they know?!) or maybe something like a Minecraft build together. Be inventive and adaptable and the long days spent in front of the screen at home won’t feel quite so lonely.
Be bold Organising a bunch of students to do anything is a challenge to begin with, but add to that the extra barriers of having to interact online and being able to flake out easily and it seems nigh on impossible. This is exactly why you should totally do it! Everyone is equally lonely and awkward and everyone feels weird about stepping up and making the first move, whether that be saying hi to a course mate or organising something with your new flatmates. You shouldn’t let that isolate you however. University is hard enough as it is, but doing it alone is crushing. Reach out to anyone and everyone, spark up conversations, organise events, get involved in societies and clubs you have no experience with whatsoever, do whatever it takes to put yourself out there, despite the anxiety and awkwardness you may feel at first. You’d be surprised by how many people are desperate for a friend or at least a chat, but are too uncomfortable to initiate one. Clubs and societies are the easiest way to find a group of people with a shared interest, but you can also simply drop a message in a course group chat and invite people to hang out, or try and connect with your lecturers and postgrad teachers. Bonus tip – this also works for academic help! Everyone is just as confused as you are and desperately wants a place to vent and get help, so definitely reach out to your course mates to whine about that one terrible module!
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‘Buyers’ Road : Erin ‘s inside scoop on shopping sustainably Peak 2020 lockdown… what a time to be alive. The sustainable and ethical fashion movement generated a lot of conversation during lockdown when people were doing ‘the big clear out’, but so did the consumption of fast fashion pieces from brands such as Pretty Little Thing and Boohoo. Fashion cycles and trends repeat themselves: a lot of people think second hand is dirty or tacky, but in reality, they are beautiful nostalgia bombs showcasing what your mum wore to the disco 20 years before you. For half the price. Yes, charity/second-hand shopping requires a good sift and search (we don’t skim and scan here) but putting in the work will get you the most unique outfits in the city, and make you feel pleased with where the money is going! The surge in fast fashion purchases and impulse buys is understandable as skint students had nothing to do but shop, however bargains don’t need to be unethical - *cue me*! Here I am, to give you a list of my personal favourite vintage and charity shops in Glasgow, so we can shop cute but keep it sustainable.
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Cancer Research – Queens Street (my bby) A modest sized store with some hidden gems. There is no gender in clothing, but CRUK Queen Street has a good selection of both ‘mens’ and ‘women’s’ clothing which I sometimes find a lack of in second-hand stores. Queen Street has divided the store evenly for you to snatch up a cute skirt, or an oversized flannel. Or both. I have a friend who copped some new-condition LEVIs for £3 in here and has no shame in flaunting it every time someone asks.
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Oxfam – Byres Road ALL YOUR ACCESSORY NEEDS. I do not know why, but Oxfam on Byres Road (just across from Hillhead subway) has a large section of their store dedicated to scarves, bandanas, bags and other accessories. It’s a unique feature about the store that always serves me well! The great thing about this shop is the variety it offers to students combined with the affordability – there is something for everyone and it encourages you to explore your personal style in a deeper sense – accessorize people it changes your life! (For less than a fiver)
British Heart Foundation (Furniture and Electrical) – Dumbarton Road, Partick This recommendation is not so much fashion as practicality – this BHF in Partick has preloved furniture in varying conditions for reasonable prices and is a great place for students to purchase decent furniture or to buy some funky cushions to spice up a bland bed room. Yes, we want affordability, but we also want our flat to feel like home and this is the perfect compromise. BHF are also always looking for volunteers and employees, I recommend having a look at their site to work for a great cause
Happy (ethical) shopping!
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**Vintage shops tend to be more expensive, but the Glasgow vintage market is often considered an integral part of the Glasgow experience, so I will list some of my favourites here (which are all situated in the West End): Starry Starry Night , The Glasgow Vintage Co, West Vintage and Duds.
Night Life : Nina’s Top Tips on where to grab a pint and chill on your days’ off. Hello fellow GU-goer and future ‘world changer’! Welcome to glorious Glasgow – where it rains quite a lot, but the people and nightlife is FANTASTIC! In this wee segment, I’m going to take you through some classic night out recommendations for a fun, but different kind of night to what you might get clubbing, as well as a more general guide to Glasgow nightlife. First on the list, my workplace (shameless self-promo but it is SO good I promise) – Fore Play Crazy Golf! Don’t be frightened off by the name or where it is, it is a total hidden gem of a venue with all sorts to keep you entertained – sweetie covered cocktails, a stunning beer garden, and of course CRAZY golf! Fore Play is located in Kinning Park, easily accessible from the subway line – 14 minutes from Kelvinbridge on the ‘inner’ line. Also, next door is laser quest, trampolining and the roller disco, so you can totally make a day of it! This Glasgow themed course (there are two by the way) has everything, from a big cone in honour of the Duke of Wellington statue, to a stainless steel ‘Cran’ like you see on a stroll down by the Clyde! Prices are reasonable, with peak golf (Friday and Saturdays) costing £8.50 per course, and a golf package which includes golf, food, and drinks costing just £28pp. Open Friday-Sunday, Fore Play is the perfect way to spend a day in Glasgow!
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Now, no night life recommendation for Glasgow would be complete if I left out a DRAG bingo night! Every Thursday evening, head down to SLAY in the city centre, for a fantastic Drag night fuelled with a game of Bingo. The event is called ‘Bingo Wigs’, and tickets are free! You only need to pay a £5 deposit per person, which is then used against drink orders! The venom cocktails are fantastic, and the shows are so brilliant! On top of this, the queens are BEAUTIFUL and a night at Bingo Wigs is not to be missed! Another wee recommendation I have concerns pubs that are the best vibes in the West End! You will find often that travelling to town for a few drinks is just a tad too much effort, and therefore it helps that the West End has such good vibes for a chill few drinks, or a wild one with friends! No GUU Guide would be complete without recommending Beer Bar first of all – with cheap drinks, good atmosphere, the ability to watch sport, and the infamous PINT OF FUN (2 shots of vodka, a VK of your choice, topped with lemonade). A night that begins with Beer Bar always ends up a good one!
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On top of this, just a few doors down from our beloved GUU is Bank Street Bar and Kitchen. Go here for the Pakora alone – they are delicious, and even come in a £5 deal with a pint included! The cocktails are scrumptious, and they make a mean espresso martini. At Bank Street you are certain to meet someone you know, meaning the opportunity for plans after are never slim! Prices are reasonable, and a cocktail there certainly doesn’t break the bank! My last pub recommendation comes in the form of Old School House (or OSH), a Greene King venue just down Gibson St (the hill that runs past the GUU). OSH is incredibly reasonable with prices, with Aperol Spritzes coming in at just £5.50! The beer garden is spacious and lovely, and they have plenty screens so you can enjoy Champions League Nights, Premier League games and of course the Six Nations!
If drinking isn’t your thing, but you still want to go out and do something, Glasgow has plenty options! Hollywood Bowl in the Quay is ideal, with bowling costing £8 per person for two games on a student deal, an area accessible by the subway on the outer line to Bridge Street from Kelvinbridge. Or, if you fancy catching a film, the Everyman Cinema in the City Centre is ideal. Get here by subway, bus, or taxi – whatever floats your boat! This is also a great date location – you can be served a glass of wine (or softie) and a pizza to your seat to enjoy with the film, in your double ‘love’ seat! With a wide array of independent, classics and mainstream films, and the occasional special event, the Everyman is guaranteed to have something that suits you!
Most importantly, make sure to treasure those random moments of Glaswegian nightlife – Glasgow is special, and if 2020 is anything to go by, you never know when those moments will happen again!
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I’ll now finish off with some general night out advice for a good one in Glasgow. Now, with Glaswegians you are never short of entertainment, regardless of what day of the week it is. However, some nights are better than others for going out. Thursday-Saturday definitely have the best clubbing vibe, especially a Thursday in the West End (HIVE, here’s looking at you), but drinks and entry tend to be more expensive. Therefore, if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful night, head into the city centre on a Monday-Wednesday, where you can go to clubs like BUFF Club, Sub Club (for the techno queens), Rumor (Strathie’s night out venue on a Wednesday), and Berkeley Suite. Entry is often free on these days, or will maybe cost as little as £1! On top of this, on Monday-Wednesday many places run drinks deals so that you can go out for a little pre-game at a nice cocktail bar! Or, if you don’t fancy a night out OUT you could enjoy a little West End Ashton Lane Pub Crawl. It won’t be your cheapest, but any night has a vibe in Ashton Lane with the gorgeous fairy lights! Start at ASHOKA for a lovely Indian meal, then wander past Jinty McGinty’s (a great wee Irish pub), head to Vodka Wodka for the infamous Jolly Rancher cocktail, to Brel for some snacks and a nice wee beer garden, and finish at Innis and Gunn with a craft lager.
Lina’s Room Essentials : Life saving knick knacks for every student As an incoming fresher, you’ll probably find yourself down the rabbit hole of uni preparation websites at one point or another! I know I spent hours putting together lists and scouring Ikea’s website to put together my room. This list of room essentials is based on my experience as a Fresher so you may find that some of the things you’ll need and some you won’t. Don’t take lists like this one too seriously though, you’ll start to get a better feel for what you need a couple weeks in. Most of all, make sure you have fun with it! And don’t forget to get some fairy lights and decorate with things you love! BEDROOM • • •
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Table Mirror - Makes it a lot easier to do your makeup!
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Slippers - A good way to keep your feet warm and clean! Drying rack - For when circuit laundry starts to steal your money--I would recommended getting one that folds very small as to not waste space in your room Shoes you don’t care about - The quickest way to ruin a nice pair of shoes is to wear them to a club. I would recommend bringing a pair of ratty sneakers from home that you don’t care about damaging Ear plugs/eye mask - For when your flatmates are loud and the sun doesn’t set until midnight Tacks and Command Strips - To hang up your lovely posters and pictures from home Mattress protector - To help you get your deposit back, plus you can get a thicker one that can help make the mattress more comfortable for you Color matching towels and sheets - If you are buying new sheets and towels, I would recommend getting them in the same color (or at least similar colors) so you can wash them together Laundry bag - I recommend a soft one which can easily fold/be stuffed into a corner of your room over a wicker or other more stiff laundry bag Coasters - Another way to protect your deposit Doorstop - Keep your door open the first day! It’ll be easier to meet people walking by and ease some of those meeting new people nerves
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Reusable grocery bags - Keep one in your bag all the time and you’ll always be ready for that after uni stop at the Tesco on Byres road! Reusable plastic cups - Handy to have when you’re heading to pres at a friend’s and they won’t have a glass for you to use! Bottle opener - Duh Meat thermometer - I bought mine to roast a turkey and now use it almost every time I cook (plus my flatmates constantly borrowed it)--it’s a great way to feel more confident about your meat being fully cooked if you’re a beginner! Unique cutlery - You’ll be very thankful for your neon green forks when all your flatmates have the same set from Ikea--trust me on this one.
BATHROOM • Squeegee - You might find this helpful if you have an ensuite bathroom • Medicine (pain, allergy, anti-diarrheal) - For when you get the flu/eat something bad/ have an allergic reaction • Bandaids - For when you wake up after a night out with a mysterious scratch/broken nail • Thermometer - I caught a really bad cold first year and my thermometer helped me track if I still had a fever, it’s much more reliable than the back of hand to forehead method • Shower caddy - Handy if you’re sharing a bathroom and need to carry products back and forth
a big hit and a fun night in!
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GENERAL • Sharpie, Scissors, Batteries, and Tape - Items I always need and can never find • Air freshener - For when someone inevitably burns toast • Laundry pods - So you don’t accidentally use too much soap • ID card holder - I like to keep my student card with my keys so that if my wallet gets stolen or lost, I can still get home in an emergency using the Glasgow taxi safe home scheme (give your student ID to a taxi driver and they will take you home and you can pay later) • Lint roller - If you like to wear leggings a lot! • Umbrella - So you don’t have to worry about matching your outfit to your raincoat • Speakers/Headphones - There’s always a need for them! • Storage cubes - Use them to organize clothes in your closet or for other random storage • Plug converter - Make sure you double check that the voltage is correct and won’t damage your device • Board games - Twister, What do you MEME, and Cards Against Humanity are always
Festivals ; Catherine shows you how to celebrate the Scottish way Around the world, cities have become synonymous with some of their boldest, brightest and best celebrations. Think Carnival in Rio, Oktoberfest in Munich, Songkran in Bangkok...every city has that one tradition that brings visitors from across the world to celebrate. Whilst here in Glasgow for university, it can be a great idea to make the most of trying to catch some traditional Scottish festivals, and some more modern events, such as the ones described below.
HOGMANY - Hogmanay is Scotland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and is perhaps our most famous celebration - notable for our extra bank holiday on the 2nd January to rest off the revelry. Whilst Glasgow enjoys celebrating New Years as much as anyone else, celebrations in Edinburgh are particularly famous, where the cannon at Edinburgh Castle is fired and people gather to sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’. However, each city in Scotland retains its own unique celebrations - for instance, people in Aberdeen light swinging fireballs and launch them into the harbour on midnight.
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BURNS NIGHT - Burns Night is another essential tradition to celebrate at least once. In honour of the famous Scot poet Robert Burns, a traditional Burns Supper is held, which includes the piping in of the haggis (a traditional Scottish dish), followed by a reading of one of Burns’ most famous poems: “Address To a Haggis” and a whiskey toast. You can often also find a ceilidh (traditional Scottish dance) to join either here in the GUU or elsewhere in Glasgow! MATCH DAY - Whilst less traditional, football fans would be remiss to have left Glasgow never having watched an Old Firm match. The infamous rivalry between Glasgow’s two biggest football teams - Celtic and Rangers - takes over the city when the two teams play each other. If football isn’t your thing, the Six Nations at Murrayfield is always a shout, or more locally, a classic Glasgow Warriors game is always a good time. For something more niche, catch the Highland Games in August which celebrates traditional Scottish sports including Caber tossing where contestants throw tree trunks as far as they can.
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EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL - No list of Scottish events could be complete without a mention of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which sees thousands of acts come perform stand up, drama and poetry in venues across the city. It truly makes August come alive in Edinburgh, and the atmosphere is always incredibly loud and welcoming. Other festivals including the cultural Edinburgh Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh Food Festival also usually run alongside the Fringe so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
TRNSMT - Long gone now are the days of T in the Park - RIP a legend - but in its place, TRNSMT has sprung up to give Glasgow a great three days of music and dancing on Glasgow Green. Whilst by now its probably too late to cop tickets to TRNSMT 2021, next year’s festival is always a shout! This year’s headliners include the Courteneers, Little Simz, Liam Gallagher, Snow Patrol and The Chemical Brothers. If this isn’t your thing, other notable music festivals in Glasgow include Riverside, Playground and the local Great Western Festival.
Whilst this is just a selection of the events on offer, Glasgow has many other great occasions such as Night at the Museums, the Christmas Markets, folk festival Celtic Connections, the Glasgow Film Festival or the halloween GlasGLOW displsays in the Botanics.
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done by Jenna Fraser// @jfrayzor
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done by Ana Negut// @annadrianne
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