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Regardless of whether you are simply considering studying in Glasgow or if you have already received your acceptance letter, you must be wondering “how much money will you need to live comfortably in the city”. Despite the fact that Glasgow is one of the most affordable cities to live in in the UK, students, especially international students might still find it to be a little more expensive as compared to their home country. Not only do the students need to maintain a tight budget every month, but they also need to adopt various measures to cut down their daily expenses. This blog lists a few tips for saving money along with the various essential and non-essential expenses which determine the cost of living in Glasgow for students.
Cost Of Living Calculator
| Description | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Accommodation | 100 |
| Total Cost of Transport | 50 |
| Total Cost of Utilities | 30 |
| Total Cost of Food | 70 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 250 |
Things To Consider Before Moving To Glasgow
Moving to Glasgow as a student is an exciting and transformative journey that brings both opportunities and challenges. Whether it’s navigating accommodation options, managing finances, or embracing the city’s diverse social and cultural offerings, these pointers will help you begin the exciting chapter of being a student along with managing the average cost of living in Glasgow:
University Choice
Research universities in Glasgow to find the best fit for your academic goals and preferences. Consider factors like courses offered, campus facilities, and the overall university environment.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation plays a crucial role in the overall cost of living expenses. Explore options of different student accommodations in Glasgow, including university accommodations and private rentals. Consider factors like location, amenities, and budget when making your decision. UniAcco’s purpose-built student accommodations will save you from the hassle of finding that dream student housing in Glasgow.
Budgeting
Create a realistic budget that includes tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Understanding your financial situation will help you manage your finances effectively. This will play a key role in creating a financial strategy for the your cost of living in Glasgow.
Healthcare Access
Understand the basics of healthcare services in Glasgow. Register with a local doctor and be aware of the healthcare facilities available. Stay familiar with the nearby hospitals where you choose to reside in Glasgow.
Social Life and Activities
Glasgow has a bustling student community. Explore clubs, societies, and social events to make friends and enrich your university experience.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Glasgow For Students?
A variety of expenses including accommodation, food, groceries and miscellaneous costs define the cost of living in Glasgow. On average, students can expect their monthly expenses in Glasgow to range between £1500 – £1600. However, these expenses are subject to change and are largely determined by your spending habits, personal preferences and lifestyles. Here is a tabular representation of the same to help you understand:
| Item | Monthly Cost (£) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £850 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £840 |
| Transportation | £70 |
| Food | £420 |
| Entertainment | £40 |
| Groceries | £128 |
| Clothes | £70 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,578 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,568 |
It is important to note that these expenses are subject to change and are likely to fluctuate.
Cost Of Living In Glasgow For Indian Students
The living costs in Glasgow are significantly influenced by multiple factors that are required to be taken care of as a student. This primarily includes food, accommodation, groceries and many other miscellaneous expenses. Indian students living in Glasgow can estimate their living expenses per month to range between INR 1,60,000 – 1,70,000. Here is a representation of the average total costs that Indian students will have to incur while pursuing their education in Glasgow on varied aspects:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 90,000 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 88,985 |
| Transportation | 7,415 |
| Food | 44,492 |
| Entertainment | 4,237 |
| Groceries | 13,559 |
| Clothes | 7,415 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,67,171 |
| Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,66,112 |
It is important to note that these expenses are subject to change and are likely to fluctuate.
Now, the amount spent on one’s entertainment purposes such as going to a movie or a concert or eating out can significantly impact the total budget. Students who choose to spend reasonably in their spare time can end up saving a lot of money.
Cost Of Tuition Fees
University of Glasgow: Gear up for an investment! Tuition ranges from £10,000 to £38,000 a year, with an average of £32,300.
University of Strathclyde: Looking for a good value? Here, fees are generally between £10,000 and £35,000 annually. Undergrads typically pay less (around £10,000 to £38,000) than postgrads (£15,000 to £35,000). These institutions are amongst the best universities in Glasgow and are widely admired for their academic excellence and thriving career prospects.
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Glasgow
In Glasgow, student accommodation rents can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the type of housing. Purpose-built student accommodations, which often come furnished and include utilities, can range from approximately £100 to £200 per week.
Glasgow Accommodation
| Particular | Student Accommodation | Private Accommodation | University Accommodation |
| Cost | 210 GBP/Per Week | 239 GBP/Per Week + Utility bills ( ∼ 70 GBP per week) | 212 GBP/Per week |
| Safety | These are gated communities with utmost safety & all facilities included like CCTV , biometric entrance, etc | Depends on the landlord and area | These are on the university campus with all the safety precautions |
| Utility Bills | Included | Not Included | Included |
| Home Insurance | Included in rent | 192 GBP per year | Included in rent |
| Proximity University | Walking distance to campus | Depends on area | Inside/nearby Universities |
| Other Amenities | Mostly all amenities are included like wifi, microwave, electric Stove, fridge etc. | Based on landlord/location | Mostly all amenities are included like wifi, microwave, electric Stove, fridge etc. |
Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which is priced at £200 to £300 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs.
Student Accommodation Options
There is a plethora of student housing alternatives in Glasgow which offer a variety of facilities, including communal spaces, study areas, and sometimes even gyms or social events. Let us explore the varied student accommodation options Glasgow has to offer:
| Property | Average Prices Per Week |
| Firhill Court | £105 |
| Merchant Studios | £209 |
| Gibson Street | £279 |
| Claremont House | £189 |
| Clyde Court | £279 |
| Vita Student West End | £301 |
| iQ Elgin Place | £245 |
You can book these purpose-built student accommodations in Glasgow through UniAcco.
Glasgow Student Housing: From £105/week
Cost Of Transport
Glasgow offers easy connectivity to the major universities along with convenient transportation alternatives to travel within and around the city including:
- Bus: An extensive network operated by various companies like First Bus and Citylink. Single fares start at £1.95 for adults within Glasgow.
- Train: You can board a train from stations like Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street which facilitate travel to other cities in Scotland and the UK.
- Bike: The OVO Bikes is Glasgow’s city public bike share scheme which is run by Nextbike. You will normally have to pay £1 per 20 minutes. This is such an eco-friendly and healthy way to commute to shorter distances.
Cost Of Food & Groceries
The cost of living in Glasgow in terms of food depends on your choice of either cooking your own meal or eating out. If you choose to cook for yourself, you’ll end up saving a lot of money. Glasgow has a number of affordable supermarkets. One such budget supermarket is Lidl where you can buy in bulk and the cost of buying groceries, toiletries, cleaning products and other necessities is approximately £102 per month for a student.
Some food shops like Roots, Fruits and Flowers offer student discounts as well. Daily essentials like milk (1lt.), bread (500g) and a bottle of water can cost you £0.89, £0.87 and £ 0.80 respectively. The cost of eating out in Glasgow at an inexpensive restaurant can be roughly £12 and a meal at Mcdonald’s can cost you around £5.
Other Miscellaneous Costs
As a student living in Glasgow, it’s essential to factor in miscellaneous expenses beyond just tuition and accommodation costs. Entertainment, personal care, and healthcare can add up quickly, so it’s wise to budget accordingly.
- Entertainment: Museums are often FREE! Catch a discounted movie (£5-£8) or explore the killer live music scene (£10-£20).
- Self-Care: Haircuts (£10-£30), toiletries, and gyms (£20-£40/month) add up. Budget accordingly!
- Healthcare: NHS is free for UK residents, but international students might need extra insurance (around £470/year).
As a rough estimate, students in Glasgow should budget around £150-£300 per month for miscellaneous expenses, including entertainment, personal care, and healthcare costs.
Is Glasgow Expensive To Live For Students?
Glasgow is one of the leading cities in the UK that provides a high standard of living which makes it an expensive city to live in for students. However, the presence of academic excellence, varied student accommodation options and the opportunity to live in a bustling city environment justify the higher living costs in Glasgow.
Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Glasgow
For students, the cost of living in Glasgow is influenced by factors specific to their lifestyle and needs. Here are some key factors that can impact the cost of living for students in Glasgow:
Tuition Fees
The cost of education, including tuition fees, is a significant factor. International students may have different fee structures compared to domestic students.
Accommodation
Housing costs can be a substantial portion of a student’s budget and contribute to the cost of living in Glasgow. This includes rent for student accommodation or shared housing, as well as utilities.
Transportation
Public transportation costs for commuting to and from university, as well as local travel within the city, can affect the budget.
Food and Groceries
The cost of meals, groceries, and snacks can vary based on dietary preferences and whether students cook at home or dine out.
Textbooks and Study Materials
Expenses related to textbooks, study materials, and other academic resources should be considered.
Social and Leisure Activities
Costs associated with socialising, entertainment, and recreational activities can impact a student’s budget.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Miscellaneous expenses such as clothing and other personal items should be factored into the budget.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The availability of financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly impact a student’s ability to cover educational and living expenses.
How To Save Money As A Student In Glasgow?
Saving money as a student in Glasgow can be challenging, given the city’s relatively high cost of living. However, with careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to manage expenses and even save some money. Here are some tips:
Accommodation
Consider living in student halls or affordable student accommodations closer to your university.
Transportation
Take advantage of student discounts on public transportation. Walk or cycle when possible to save on transportation costs. Explore monthly or annual travel passes for additional savings.
Food and Groceries
Cook at home instead of dining out frequently. Plan meals, make shopping lists, and take advantage of discounts and sales at supermarkets. Consider joining a local food co-op or purchasing groceries in bulk to save money.
Books and Study Materials
Buy used or digital textbooks instead of new ones. Utilize the university library and online resources to access study materials for free.
Utilities
Be mindful of energy consumption to reduce utility bills. Consider sharing utility costs with flatmates to save money. Go for UniAcco’s student accommodations as these student residences include utility bills inclusive of the property pricing to save additional costs.
Part-Time Work
Explore part-time job opportunities that fit with your academic schedule. Look for on-campus jobs or positions that offer flexible hours.
Job Opportunities
Glasgow, as a major city in Scotland, offers a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries. The city’s economy has evolved, and it’s known for its strengths in finance, healthcare, education, technology, and tourism. Here are some popular job opportunities in Glasgow:
Financial Services
Glasgow is a significant financial hub, with a focus on banking, insurance, and investment companies. Job opportunities exist in roles such as banking, finance, and accountancy.
Healthcare and Life Sciences
The healthcare sector is substantial, with opportunities for healthcare professionals, researchers, and administrative staff. Glasgow is home to several hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare organizations.
Education and Research
With multiple universities and research institutions, there are opportunities in academia, teaching, research, and administrative roles within the education sector.
Technology and IT
Glasgow has a growing technology sector, providing opportunities in software development, IT support, and technology-related roles. The city hosts numerous tech companies and startups.
Tourism and Hospitality
Glasgow’s vibrant cultural scene and tourist attractions contribute to a thriving hospitality industry. Opportunities exist in hotels, restaurants, event management, and tourism-related services.
Construction and Engineering
Glasgow has ongoing infrastructure projects, creating demand for professionals in construction, civil engineering, and related fields.
Creative and Media
The city has a dynamic creative industry, including film, television, design, and advertising. Job opportunities exist for creatives, writers, designers, and media professionals.
FAQ’s on Cost of Living in Glasgow
1. Is Glasgow expensive for students?
Glasgow is an excellent choice for students searching for a low cost of living while attending university. Glasgow is 43% less affordable to live in than London (according to Expatisan). There has never been a better moment to study in Glasgow.
2. Is Glasgow cheap for students?
While studying in Scotland is not cheap, it is less expensive than many other places in the UK and surely less expensive than London. In fact, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen are frequently ranked as the inexpensive student cities in the United Kingdom.
3. Is Glasgow a good city for students?
Glasgow was placed 34th in a list of the finest student cities, according to recent rankings – here’s why we think it’s the spot to be for students. Every academic year, students from all over the world go to Glasgow to study because of the high-quality education provided by the city’s several colleges and institutions.
4. Where do students live in Glasgow?
Finnieston may be your best choice if you’re seeking a suitable location close to the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. The location is ideal for University of Glasgow students since it is located between the major commercial centre, Kelvingrove Park, and the River Clyde.
5. What is the average cost of living in Glasgow for students?
The average cost of living in Glasgow for students, including housing, food, and other costs, is around £480-£540 per month.
6. What is Glasgow famous for?
Glasgow is well-known for its vibrant arts and music scene, which includes world-class museums, galleries, and the Glasgow School of Art.
7. Is 1000 pounds enough for a month in Glasgow?
The adequacy of £1000 for a month in Glasgow depends on various factors, including your lifestyle, accommodation arrangements, and spending habits which contribute to the overall cost of living in Glasgow as a student.
8. How much does it cost to live in the University of Glasgow International Student?
University-provided accommodation options range from approximately £4,000 to £8,000 per academic year, depending on the type of accommodation and facilities. Private rentals may have different price ranges.
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