Student Googlemap
Check out our google map for information on where to get the best student deals in Glasgow. If you would like to contribute please check out our Facebook page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
We asked some students (both Undergraduate and Postgraduate) to respond to a selection of our most popular questions based on their own experience and knowledge of the University.
Read through their responses by clicking on the questions below.
Managing you first year of study?
Best thing about being a student here?
Please note that the University of Glasgow is not responsible for the content of any external websites.
Studying for Exams
"Advice I could give is:
- Don't underestimate the amount you have to study, plan early how much you have to do and when, so you don't get stuck closer to exams
- Don't skip too many lectures because of revision, because you might still learn something really important. Lecturers often give hints regarding exam questions so don't miss them!
- You might have to prioritise, so take into account how much each exam weighs and how important the subject is to the degree you want to do later on.
That's all.
All the best!" Kathi, 3rd yr Economics
"When you have a lot of journal articles to wade through and facts to remember, start by taking down all the salient information then try to condence the info into a couple of paragraphs and then just bullet points. Hopefully through this process of reading and re-reading you are memorising the content until just the trigger of the bullet point can help you recall quite a bit of info. Post-it notes are very handy for this!" Jenny, Postgrad Psychological Studies
"Make a timetable up, so you know exactly what you are doing and when you are doing it! Eg, I do Organic, Physical and Inorganic chemistry so I would do a couple of hours each and maybe one past paper from a subject and get it checked!
I have a part-time job too, so the days I had work, I got up a couple of hours earlier and just went over some tutorial work I had done - that way I could just do a wee hour or so so I kept my mind active!
Make time to go out too though, even if its just to the cinema one day! If not you will go crazy!
I don't like the bit library environment in uni so i prefered to go to the chemistry branch library! So if your department has a study room available then I would go there!
But the most important thing to remember is that the lecturers are there to help! So don't be afreaid to ask them anything!" Jenny, 4th yr Chemistry
"When you're revising, don't just read your notes - actively work with them. I try to reduce a whole subject to a single sheet of paper over the course of my revision (also having the handy side-effect that you only have a small sheet of reminders to go through just before the exam!) but there are plenty of ways to do it, like reorganising them or trying to associate ideas with pictures. As a Psychology student I can tell you it's easier to recall information if you've actively processed it, so this really is a good idea.
It will always, always take longer than you think it will to cover everything. Start as early as possible to give yourself enough time. You might even want to try a few practice essays - this can be very helpful if you need to organise your thoughts, and sometimes you will get very lucky and there will be a similar question on the exam to the one you've practiced!
If you do start revision late for some reason, check out your department's exam policy. Some subjects give you a choice of which modules to answer questions on, meaning you could take a risk and leave on out if you're really struggling for time. Make sure you know exactly what is expected of you in the exam before you start revising, so you can plan your revision appropriately.
On a similar note, have a look at past papers. You can find several years' worth of old papers through the library search function - from the library homepage, click "search for library items" (on the left of the page), then select "exam papers" ( also on the left of the page). Then just type your subject into the search box and away you go! Be careful if you are looking at papers from a few years ago though - the exam structure and subjects might have changed and you don't want to get caught out." Sarah, 4th yr Psychology
"I would definitely agree with everyone here.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to revise (cramming the night before wont help). Also read over the learning outcomes (if provided) so that you are sure you're covering everything. Look at past papers. This will give you an idea of the types of questions which are likely to come up.
Making a timetable is also an excellent idea. Allow separate days for each subject in the run up to exams - splitting up the information in the course over the number of days you have assigned for each subject. Don't try and study for several subjects in one day as you'll only take in small amounts of information from each course and there is always the possibility that you will end up confusing yourself by associating information from one course with information from another.
Whilst studying, make sure you're in a quiet place (or at least somewhere where you can concentrate). If you find you are the type of person who can't sit in silence and study (like myself) try playing quiet music in the background - I prefer classical music as there are no lyrics in the music I select to distract me.
It's also important to take regular breaks and to keep yourself hydrated. When you're dehydrated you wont take in as much. Breaks also stop you just overloading yourself with too much information at one time.
Also, allow yourself time to re-read your notes. I use this time to make sure I've covered everything and I highlight (If I haven't done already) areas which I believe are important.
On the day of your exam make sure you're awake well before your exam starts. Rolling out of bed into an exam is not really recommended =P
Get up early, eat a good breakfast and give yourself time to wake up.
Now, when in the exam if you want to be extra prepared you can take in a sugary drink to keep your brain going. I always found that lucozade did the trick. Careful not to drink it all at once though as you don't want to leave the exam for a toilet break lol." Derek, 3rd yr Immunology
"I would say there are a few ponits that stand out from my first year exams.
- Drink lots of water when studying. It really does help to keep your brain more alert and gets rid of that sleepy feeling for longer than a mug of coffee will.
plan your time, make sure you take regular breaks and have a timetable on your wall and USE IT. At least it will remind you how much time you have until your exams start. - Find out how you study best. At the library, in your room, in groups, by yourself, in silence, with music on, lots of light, open doors... etc. Anything that affects your studying you should consider before starting.
- BEFORE you start studying make sure you have all the past papers, notes and any other sheets that you will require later. This way you wont get stressed looking for things nearer the exam.
- Remove all distractions from your field of vision, sit down and focus properly for a set period of time, and hour or so, and then give yourself a break.
TAKE CHOCOLATE TO THE EXAM! You are allowed to bring food and drink into the exam hall. Bring something which will keep your energy levels up. Chocolate is ideal ;) - Last but not least, when your exam is over, IT IS OVER! There is nothing you can do about your exam once the paper has been handed in. If you don't want to talk about it with anyone, then don't. Most people find when they get their results from first year that they have not done nearly as bad as they thought, so just forget about it once you are done. You may never have to worry about that subject every again!"
Chris, 2nd yr Product Design Engineering
"Good points so far. Just one or two additions:
When doing past papers, do not just do them and forget them. After completing them, go through and write notes. What did you get wrong? What questions did you get stuck on? What important formulae and equations did you need? What areas do you need to study more on? What are the main subject features of the paper? Use this as a basis for further study. This is particularly useful for engineering/science/maths courses where facts, calculation processes and formulae often need to be memorised.
If remembering things is key to your exam, try writing words, phrases or equations on post-it notes, and stick them about your room on things that you look at regularly. Every time you see one, take a minute to think about what is written on it.
Find somewhere that suits you to study and where you feel comfortable. Library, your room, kitchen table, your bed- everyone studies best in different places. If you do not like the library, then do not force yourself to sit there just because it is the done thing.
Once you have stopped studying for the day, take half an hour to plan your studying for the next day. This way you can be sure to hit the ground running the next day and get straight into it. It is very easy to procrastinate the following day by deliberating about what you are going to do!"
Mike, 5th year Mechanical Engineering
"In conjunction with other contributions, I will advise that the following studying strategy if adopted will help.
- Have a study group where you study together with others.
- Review past questions within your study group and try to attempt the questions.
- Keep the answers at your finger-tips.
- Very important try to read not less than three text provided by course lecturers and don’t forget to access journals and articles.
- Finally, you have limited time, therefore every minute is important.
Hope this help." Ekpe, Postgrad Development Studies
"Great advice everyone! From my side, I just want to comment on a few things;
- Definately find where your ideal study space is - I found that usually sitting in the conservatory or summerhouse in my garden helped. Not only was I studying, but it was good just to take a break and relax in the garden.
- Listen to classical music - helps relieve the silence and can be relaxing!
- Do look at past papers - it will help you to get a firm understanding of the structure of your exam.
- In addition to that, I know that for literature students like myself, it was a case of thinking 'anything could come up in this exam' - by looking at the past papers I could examine what types of questions had come up in the past, and link up themes to the texts I was studying.
- Quotes - show your marker that you know the text! Aime for at least 3 quotes per text, and make sure you know what they mean! Also, it isn't necessary, but it is useful to have a quote from a critic.
- Do mind maps - here's a tip - do a mind map without looking at your notes, that way you'll find out how much you know to begin with.
Study with a friend! Sometimes, just talking with a friend helps you understand more. Last year, a friend and I picked out questions from past papers and quizzed each other on how we would answer them. It can surprise you how much you actually know! - Think positive!
- Don't burn the midnight oil - get to bed at a decent time before your exam, and make sure you allocate plenty of time for getting to uni. On that note, also make sure you know where your exam is in advance!
- Don't panic! Whilst waiting to go into your exam, you will doubtless see other students cramming over notes. True, it's okay to have a quick glance over notes to reassure yourself of any points, or to memorise some quotes, but just remember that if you don't know it by now, then you never will.
- Plan your time in the exam and stick to it. Too often I spent lots of time on one essay, leading me to have very little time to do my next essay - the result being a very rushed job.
- And finally, just be confident. In the end all you can do is your best!" Susan, 3rd yr English and Scottish Literature
"Before starting, I think it's best to write a list of everything you have to cover so you can cross each topic off as you work through and it makes studying easier and more bearable since you can see the progress you are making.
Also, if there are important things to remember such as case names or formulas, write them on separate note cards and spend time reading over them each day to help remember them. A few minutes on the bus back and forward to uni can be put to good use.
Don't panic and worry that you haven't done enough as it won't help. Make sure you stop at a reasonable time and take breaks so as not to tire yourself out.
Your lecture notes are the best place to start. Work through them before starting on any other readings and use them to add to the notes you originally had.
Past papers are a good hint at what kind of questions get asked and the range of topics covered each year. It's useful for your preparation if you know what to expect." Louise, 4th yr Law
"My advice would be: find out what works for you best now, so that you can build up your own study habits (I mean obviously try out different ideas too; everyone has suggested really great ones, but I know from my own experience that some definitely wouldn't suit me). Same for time, so you know how much time you'll need to take things in properly. Also, don't be worried if other people study a different way - that doesn't necessarily make it better or worse.
And, this is an exam tip - make sure you STOP the night before. My friend worked really hard and then didn't get enough rest the night before and then did much worse as a result (obviously sometimes it's too hard to be able to switch off, but at least try and get some rest)." Clare, 4th yr Psychology
Meeting your deadlines
"I think that prioritising is a must, particularly if it is a case of too much to do and too little time to do it. You will not be the first person to leave too much to do later; so it is therefore best that you prioritise your work, and plan to be able make the best of the time that you do have left. Prioritise by most iminent deadlines, weighting of work on degree, etc.
If the problem is getting yourself motivated to do the work, then break it down in to smaller tasks, and focus on each of these one at a time. Rewarding yourself for completion of each task is good, although requires good self-discipline. Even better, get your flatmates and friends to help you. By working together, you might all be able to get focussed on your own tasks.
It can be really distracting studying in you house or flat, particularly with things around you, and flatmates that may have less to do. It can be difficult to sit down and do your coursework when other people are about doing things that are more fun than what you are doing, which, if you are a procrastinator, is pretty much everything! It might be better to change you location, and either go to the library or to a coffee shop with your laptop. Anywhere where you will not be around people you know and will speak to. I found that by going to the library with one of the flatmates and sitting in the ‘quiet study’ areas, we managed to achieve more work that sitting in the flat. We devised a structure for the day with prescribed times for breaks, snacks and lunch, and this really helped.
Most importantly though, do not get stressed about it. It will not help you get it done. If the worst comes to the worst, then speak to your advisor or course staff and explain the situation; they are often much more accommodating than you would think, particularly if you have a valid reason." Mike, 4th yr Mechanical Engineering
"As already mentioned, assigning priorities is a key step to managing workload. It's also good to find something that motivates you, for instance, I encourage myself by thinking: "I have to do this essay anyway at some point no matter how much I detest writing it, so I can just as well put more effort in it and will be rewarded with a good mark eventually and don't have to regret not having done enough." But obviously, this is easily said. If you're a talented procrastinator and start work late (like me) set yourself little goals such as "I will go out for a drink with my friends tonight, but only after having written up 50% of the essay". Reward yourself for what you've accomplished and get a break from studying - it's no use being too exhausted and annoyed if you intend to hand in good quality coursework." Jenny, 3rd yr Psychology
"I advise all students that first you should identify the most important assignment and start to work on it first. You should always try to focus on only one assignment at once. It is also a good idea to plan a timetable. Also, I advise all students to focus on intensive studying. I mean that often students complain that they have been studying a lot but have not actually achieved anything. When you are doing your assignments, keep your phone switched off and never log in into Facebook or any other addictive website; this will disturb your studying. When you study intensively, you can achieve a lot in short amount of time". Elsa, 3rd yr Central and East European Studies
"It's always best to try to forward plan in order to manage a workload, and even more so if you're contending with two or three subjects at once (where workloads may not necessarily be ideally co-ordinated!). Having said that, if you do start to experience serious difficulties it's always best to approach your Advisor of Studies or tutoring staff sooner rather than later. It is OK to ask for advice on how to manage a workload, how to get back on task, or even for further help if you're experiencing personal difficulties which are contributing to your falling behind.
If you start to fall behind (and even with the best will in the world, I'm sure we all do from time to time) it's important to resist the urge to adopt a 'head in the sand' approach. When you get back on track, learn from what you did wrong (was it poor time management, or were there other factors too?) and try to avoid falling into the same trap again. It's a great idea to get started on assignments as soon as you can, and to keep a system of notes from each subject/lecture, so that you're not left none the wiser when you come to revise for exams. Putting things off until the last minute is rarely fruitful- developing a good sense of time management and self-discipline will be necessary at university, so it's best to get into good habits as soon as possible". Rebecca, MLitt Classics
"Students should be aware of their deadlines from the moment they find out about them and they should find out the questions and the workload for all the questions so that they can decide which one to tackle first. They should try not to get trapped in thinking that they still have two weeks to a deadline but by the time they start their research they realise that they would actually need three weeks to work on the assignment. Apart from that, try to concentrate on one assignment at a time to avoid confusion and to get the best result". Kathi, 3rd yr Economics
"My advice to students would be to not necessarily plan every hour of the day, but to set targets for each about a week or two in advance. Stick to your deadlines or catch up the next day and if you follow the plan you will get everything done without last minute panic". James, 4th yr Anatomy
"In my experience, you've just got to plan out your work well. Work out when you're going to do what, and stick to it! Arts students are really lucky because they get Reading Week. For you, the best advice I can give is actually use it to write essays! You'll feel a lot less stressed if you do". Joanne, 2nd yr English Lit
"Even if you're a last-minute person when it comes to coursework, remember that there are hundreds of people in your class and you're all going to need the same books from the library. Work out what you need early and get the ones you need, or put an hold on them if someone else has them already. There can be long waiting lists for popular books, so don't rely on getting hold of them just before the deadline.
Talk to others in your lectures and tutorials - it's a great source of ideas if you're stuck.
Make good use of your tutors. They are happy to help and a lot of students never think of asking.
Back up your work. It seems obvious, but lots of people forget. Losing your work on the day of the deadline because your computer broke down is a horrible experience, so keep at least one current copy elsewhere.
Talk to the Student Learning Service if you're struggling. They run workshops on study skills such as essay construction and time management, as well as individual appointments if you want to discuss your situation with an adviser. The website is www.gla.ac.uk/services/sls/informationforstudents.
If you're just starting university, this can be a stressful time and there can be a lot of pressure. If you're having problems coping with the workload or for any other reason, talk to your subject tutor or your Adviser of Studies. That's what they're there for, and the more you keep them in the loop, the more helpful they can be.
Oh, and I would put "don't procrastinate", but I'm actually supposed to be preparing a presentation at the moment so maybe I'll leave that to someone else!" Sarah, 4th yr Psychology
With regard to multiple submissions on the same day, I had this last year and the solution is very simple and very boring - start early. But also, concentrate on one at a time and create a dummy dealine for each one. For example, it takes me a week to complete an essay - including finding the texts, reading, writing and then proof-reading and final amendments so I would start at least 4 weeks in advance if I had 3 due on the same day, doing one a week for 3 weeks and leaving a week at the end for checking/contingency.
The most important piece of advice I would give is never leave it until the last minute or believe the students who claim to 'throw an all-nighter', get it all done and get straight As. Take this with a huge pinch of salt. Paul, 4th yr English Literature
The worst thing that can ever happen to a student is to delay searching for the materials to start writing his/her coursework. This often happens as student's feel that they have plenty of time. But I wish to advise that: -
- Once coursework is given, search for the materials immediately
- Read the materials to help you construct an argument
- At the some time write down your references and page numbers where necessary
- To have a conclusive argument use not less than five books
- Don’t forget your personal input, you can’t reference all the time
- Very important to have your work checked by friends
- Don’t keep you coursework till a few days before submission
- A lot is required therefore time management is essential.
Ekpe, MSc Development Studies
Managing your first year of study
" I would say the best way to survive first year is to go to each and every one of your classes and get to know people on your course. I would also say that getting into a routine makes first year flow so much easier and especially helps when it is time to sit exams!"
"The first year at the University comes with a blend of challenges and opportunities..studies, extra-curricular activities, making new friends, part-time job hunts, social life and loads more..!! Being an International student myself, I would like to share a few handy tips which would be helpful for other prospective International students, hopefully ..!!
- Use Student Network Service, would help a lot,
- Apply for the National Insurance no. asap,
- Utilise the discounted student rates for bus passes and rail cards,
- Get your bank account sorted asap,
- Part-time jobs, start searching from day 1 (apply on an average 1 job everyday), job centre, websites like gumtree, s1jobs, Uni's SRC jobshop ...and DO NOT hesitate to do field search, go to city centre, shopping centres like Braehead, Quay, Clydebank etc to drop-in your CVs, I know it might sound uncomfortable walking in a shop and asking for vacancies but that's how it works,
- Socialise and, at the same time, add more substance to your CV by participating in voluntary activities in and outside Uni..postgrads, do try for internships after 2nd sem exams while your are writing your dissertations, its the ideal time,
- Time Management..study regularly, don't do those last moment wrap-ups of your assignments and exam preparations..be a library friendly person, not like once in a blue moon types,
- Practice your communication skills, talk not only to peers and lecturars but your local shopkeepers, may be to taxi driver while travelling or people standing around you on a bus stop or someone you meet on a leisure evening walk,
Oh boy, too much of info overload..is it..? Well, don't panic, it will sink in slowly and gradually but helps if you are a wee bit prepared beforehand..I wish I was .."
"For international students I would advise not to miss joining the international society. It's a great experience and an ideal way to make friends. From the academic side I would remind students that first year studies provide the base knowledge for further years and if you study properly in first year and not just cram for the exam, you might find that you have less studying to do in the following years. Many students think they just have to pass their exams and later realise that they miss some of the knowledge that they're expected to have and therefore they will have to catch up on their first-year knowledge as well as study further material."
"Some practical tips:
- If you’re going to use the train much (eg. for travelling to uni, visiting friends or for going home) get a young person’s railcard – you save a 1/3 on most tickets. If you are commuting to uni, find out when the off-peak times are – you’ll save a lot of money if you don’t travel on-peak.
- I wish I’d joined the Sports and Recreation service in 1st year – compared to other gyms it is such a bargain and there are so many dance and exercise classes which are free to members!!
- I’m a PhD student and got some great advice in my 1st year – to write up brief notes on all the papers you read (what you found interesting and how it is relevant to your research area). You read so many papers in 1st year and forget really quickly the important points. I’m finding it really helpful for my thesis writeup now I’m going into my 3rd year.
- Make the most of the courses available to you at Glasgow uni, eg practical IT courses through the library, and researcher development courses . There are many interesting courses and they are free to PhD students!"
"First and foremost enjoy yourself, what a wonderful experience university is! Make friends with people from different countries, and if possible live with them. Join clubs and societies, but not too many - you are here to learn, and time is finite! Find out about the support networks available to you, and utilise them - you will need them. The university experience is about gaining an education, academically and personally."
"Though I've spent only a year here, there are some things which i wished i had known earlier, for example join the student network on facebook before i came here. I could have had my questions answered before i came here. Also, i would strongly recommend going through the SRC booklet called THE GUIDE ! all you want to know about uni and student life including where are the cheapest stores for shopping, the SRC services, job hunting,..it's all in there. Join clubs and societies - you will not only make new friends but learn at the same time. Attending fresher events is also a good opportunity to make friends and even meet some of your new classmates! And get out there! don't be afraid to talk to people and make friends.you will learn a lot from international students as well, about their country, culture. And pick up booklets/leaflets from the SRC - they are all helpful and informative!"
"Its crucial to learn to stand on your own as soon as possible.I came to uni two weeks late, missed all freshers events and I had the choice to either sulk or get UP and find things on my own, so I chose the latter. I also made it a point that I got OUT of my flat and interacted with people from different countries to expand my worldview, learn other cultures and of course recieve the party invitations! The other important thing is to take the time and learn about security in the halls of residence, and avoid the embarrassment of having the fire dept officers address you infront of your peers about you setting off the fire alarm. There's enough information, we just have to read it."
"Try out as many clubs and societies as you can. Even if you don't join them, its a great way to see what new interests you might have. Also I'd recommend to get out there - don't be afraid! I found it quite daunting walking into my first lecture - just remember that everyone is in pretty much the same boat as you, full of nerves as well - so don't spend your year not talking to anyone else! I don't know about everyone else, but as a home student, I felt like it was easier for students staying in halls to make friends. But yeah, don't be nervous - just say hi! Also, talk to the international students - some of them are only in Glasgow for one term - help them have a great time (despite the dreich weather!)
Also - work hard, play hard. Try and find a balance between uni work and social life. I found that by writing up my lecture notes was a useful way of revising."
"My experience of being a first year undergraduate (even if it has been a wee while now!) was a bit of a shock. I had come from home and didn't know anybody, and I was faced with the same obstacles and 'problems' as everyone else, but I hadn't got a part-time job at that point and was basically living off my student loan (obviously that had to change, but it took being scarily broke to shake me into action). To cut a long story very short, I was surrounded by new students who had a more ready supply of cash than me, and I found it a massive strain, and eventually impossible, to socialise and enjoy myself at the same level and frequency that they all were (and could afford to).
Of course, this won't always be the case for every fresher, but my advice (not that I want to ruin the first year experience for anyone with talk of budgets and so on!) would be to try your best to live within your means, and if you think you will need to secure a part-time job during term-time then try to get a jump on it and do it as soon as you can. You should budget and there may be occasions when you will have to say no to that night out at the union or that meal at a restaurant so that you have enough ready cash to meet other necessities. The first few weeks are a time to get to know people and really let your hair down, but if you can do that without developing bad habits with regard to money then so much the better- you'll be saving yourself a lot of stress and upset later on. It can come as a shock when there is no-one there in the immediate vicinity to keep your spending in check.
Of course, this won't be an issue for some people, and others may be far more disciplined with regard to cash at 18/19 years of age than I was way back then, but anyone who is studying on a limited budget should try to get into good habits right away. Without wishing to put too fine a point on it, it can be a time in your life when plenty of companies are prepared to give out overdrafts and credit without really taking too much time to check that you can actually afford it to begin with. It sounds scary, but with a little budget and good self-discipline it will be completely fine."
"I wish I'd known how independant you have to be. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but it's such a jump from school, I could have probably been a bit more prepared."
"I would recommend joining a wide variety of clubs and societies, especially those not course-related, to add some diversity to your circle of friends, discover some things you didn't know you enjoyed (sports, probably) and build up your CV. I only really started joining clubs in third year, which was a fair bit more disruptive to study than it would have been as a fresher."
"I wish I'd relaxed more - not necessarily worked less hard, just enjoyed the time more and not stressed so much and ... I wish I'd gone to more fresher's events."
Coping with the workload?
"For the bulk of the courses, the workload in first year is pretty light, in fact I'd go as far as to say it's lighter than in high school. I came out of 5th year straight in to uni. I was 16. I found my first year very laid back. The only thing that has to be done regularly is sorting out lecture notes. There are lots of gaps in between lectures as well so you can relax before the next one. If you are really struggling then it is strongly advised that you go and talk to your advisor of studies about it because they can help."
"There is a bit of a jump from school to uni and you will need to take a more pro-active approach. The 'I wasn't told' excuse doesn't wash and marks are lost for late essays. But in saying that if you attend and pay attention in class this is half the battle. Good note taking is vital when it comes to revision (which is ideally done little but often throughout the year not the night before) and making sure you are well aware of upcoming deadlines as there will be lots of bits of paper..."
"There's lots of services available at the University, such as the Student Learning Service."
"The workload, although heavier than that of school, is entirely manageable, and if you have the determination to get the degree you want then you should have no problems with the workload. I would also say that the lecturers tend to break you in gently to the style of uni lecturing and teaching, and yoo will cope with the workload no problem. If however you do have problems I would say there are many student services which can help you with study techniques, either through workshops or one-on-one meetings. I would also say that the uni wants you to succeed and will do everything they can to help."
"In regards to managing your workload i would strongly advise you purchase a diary - you can buy them in the shops at the QMU or GU. Take a note of all your deadlines and try to start work for each one well in advance. After lectures try and have a read over the notes you have taken to keep the information fresh in your memory. If you do feel as though you hav fallen hopelessly behind- don't panic. Tutors will be happy to talk to you should you have any problems, and your appointed Advisor of Studies is a valuable resource which you can make use of."
"If you do your coursework regularly, and study regularly, then I am sure you will be fine. If you try to cram at the last minute then you might not be able to cope. I would say, work regularly throughout the year and you will be fine. If you are having any problems, then their Advisor of Studies, and of course Student Network, could help out with advice etc."
POSTGRADUATE
"I know a postgrad degree can sometimes seem tantalising, but it's totally do-able. On top, the postgrad degree - even if it is taught - is really geared towards helping you develop your own research skills. And this implies to some extent also to learn to set your own targets and your own pace. The lecturers, in my experience at least, are usually really understanding and happy to point you in the right direction so that you don't have to overwork by reading too much. Also, sometimes your fellow students struggle a little as well and would be glad to join you in a study group. There's also the learning services that you could turn to for help with your workload. Maybe I can help you as well with more concrete ideas about how to juggle three essays at the same time?"
"Just do your best, do not panic. It is not the end of the world even if you could not finish all the books in the reading list."
Best thing about being a student here?
"The answer is different for every person. I personally think that the best thing about being a student here is that even though it's completely different here to what I'm used to, I feel completely comfortable here. I've never had a bad experience here."
"One of the best things about studying at Glasgow is the life outside the academic. Glasgow has a vibrant nightlife for all tastes. Cinemas, clubs, pubs, restaurants, museums, coffee houses etc exist in abundance. The University has a huge number of clubs and societies that you can become involved with. Additionally, Glasgow offers great opportunities and experiences for students wishing to develop their CV's. Obviously from the point of obtaining a degree, Glasgow is a great choice. However, there is so much more you can gain from studying at this University..."
"Great university - variety and diversity of the school and glasgow - location of the school - networks and facilities offered at the school for students of all programs and years."
"I have to say the location and surroundings are great. The west end has a lovely atmosphere and everything you could want. There are also loads of opportunities to make the most of your time at uni here and take away some great experiences."
"The actual uni itself is a pleasure to study in, the library is excellent, and on the study side of things Glasgow is pretty impressive. Further, there's the social aspects, Glasgow has some of the best student bars and clubs in the country. The two Unions are excellent and can provide some amazing nights out such as Lollipop at the GU on Thursday and Cheesy Pop at the QM on Fridays. Overall though, being a student at Glasgow uni, i'm having the time of my life and I would recommend it to anyone."
"Wow, that's a hard one. I really really like Glasgow and my department in particular. I have the best supervisors ever and really really friendly and intelligent fellow PhD and MPhil students who like sharing their work and talking to you about how they get on. For a postgrad, I'd say the best thing is that there's so much going on: there are talks, seminars, conferences, an e-journal. There is institutionalised support, just friendly support from staff and other students, etc. They have entertainment in forms of Ceillidhs - a very enjoyable way of dancing - films, theatre plays, etc. And maybe the best thing of all: you are always welcome, never a nuisance."
"This is a big question, it is difficult to say what is the best thing. As a student here, you will learn a lot in your own field; you can enjoy those nice libraries and gym; you will get the student discount in many places and so on."
"Glasgow has a lot to offer any student, whether they are interested in going out, or sports, or culture. I also think a lot of the people are really friendly. Plus, there is always the Glasgow weather!"
Making friends at university?
"When I first came to the university, I was scared because I came from a very small village and moved into a very big city where the only person I knew was my sister. I was worried that it would stay that way. I couldn't have been more wrong. Within the first week I met several people on my course and by the end of the first month they became good friends. Freshers week is a great time to meet people, it's well worth taking part in."
"Glasgow is a nice city, the people here are very friendly. As a result, in Glasgow University it is very easy to make some friends from different backgrounds..."
"Well it is a little scary at first but everyone is in the same boat and there's loads of activities going on during Freshers' Week (nothing like free beer and a bouncy castle to make new friends). Although remember you have lots of time and opportunities to make new friends - classes, halls, clubs, societies and of course the unions. So try to relax and enjoy it, even if you don't magically make new friends immediately it will happen".
"Everyone has worries and nerves about making new friends and becoming acquainted with new places - get involved in activities, social groups/clubs/sports".
"As scary as the idea of having to make new friends may seem, everyone really is in the same situation. Freshers week may be the first opportunity to meet people so you should take advantage of the events available and go along to as many as you can. The key thing is to try and relax and have fun- just go up to someone else who looks scared (there will be many to choose from) and say "hello". They will be so relieved that someone has befriended them that you'll be chating away before you know it! Similarly, when you attend lectures introduce yourself to the people you're sitting next to. Tutorials may be easier to approach people since they consist of much smaller more intimate groups, and therefore may be less intimidating. Joining clubs and societies also allows you to socialise with people with similar interests and encourages friendships."
"Don't worry. The university is usually a great place to make new friends - at least in my experience. Particularly if you live in student halls: you can't really escape the socialising. And you will find in your course there's lots of people who you find interesting and who are interested in you. Plus, most of your fellow students will probably share this experience: only very few enrole with their friends in a course. So all of you will have to find new friends. I do understand this is a new environment, but there's lots of places that can help make you feel at home. There's the Stevenson Building which houses the sports facilities, there are the student unions, etc".
"I had the same fears and worries about coming to university, you're not alone in this situation..there are so many people at University in the same situation that not fitting in is very rarely a problem, especially if they take part in the Freshers week activities as a way to meet new people. If they're staying in halls of residence such as Murano, I would tell them of my experiences of this and make sure that they know first year at Glasgow uni has the potential to be the best year of their life. I am sharing a flat this year with people I met solely in Murano Street and became friends with in first years... most people I know have done this, so they really have nothing to worry about".
Searching for accommodation?
"The internet is a good place to start. I live in a privately rented flat which I found on the internet. There are lots of letting agents you can get in touch with to find a flat."
"There is the student accommodation service which will be the best bet, they run a service called PAD (Private accomodation database), they can also look at estate agents (such as I did to secure my flat this year)...Also, there are notices looking for flatmates posted around campus, and finally, if they use Bebo (which many people use from the uni) they will find adverts for flats and flatmates on the "College" tab once they have joined Glasgow Uni on the site..."
"The Accommodation office can also provide a database of off campus accomdation services - Letting agents and the "magic window" on Byers Rd that lists local flats available for rent - local papers and online website (i.e. flatmate.co.uk)"
"I would go to the Accommodation Service run by the University - in my experience they are excellent."
"In my opinion, there are two good ways to solve this problem. You can visit some relative agencies here, or you can check the information on 'accommodationforstudents.com'."
"It may also be worth looking in newspaper and online classifieds (gumtree, westend ones etc. Word of mouth is also worth keeping in mind so mention to friends, family and seemingly nice people in the pub. You never know. But the earlier you start looking the better the find and price."
"There's also S1Homes which lists private landlords and you can search a particular area (good areas for access to the University are: Partick, Woodlands, Kelvingrove Park, Hyndland, North Woodside, Dowanhill, but if you are looking for cheaper accomodation and don't mind travelling also look for: Queen's Park, Shawlands and Langside). There's also some flats/ rooms advertised in some windows along Great Western Road (I'd best take you there) and there's the List which is a magazine which is published every 14 days and lists some accommodation on the back pages."
Finding a job?
"The internet is the best place. The Jobcentre Plus website is the best place to start as most jobs are advertised on there. There is also monster.co.uk which is another good site for searching for jobs."
" The Careers Service is the best bet, there is also shop windows on Byres Road, the Job centre, the Job centre website, various other websites such as s1jobs.com and monster.co.uk as well as prospects.ac.uk; I would advise any student to try the Careers Service first who will be able to give them detailed advice on the matter..."
"Again, there are many websites (that google will lead you to) as well as the SRC's jobshop both online and in their building. Although really make use of jobcentres, classifieds, word of mouth and keep your eyes peeled for vacancy notices in windows. Handing out good CVs also makes a difference (this may not lead to anything immediately but you might be pleasantly surprised further down the line). The uni also has a careers advice service at 3 university avenue which can help with finding vacancies - part time, summer positions, work experience and graduate jobs - while offering useful advice and help on CVs, interviews skills and more. The real key is to keep trying."
"There are many ways to approach finding part-time or summer employment. The University Careers Department allows you to search for jobs over their website or to meet an adviser who can assist you in finding a job. Advertisements for job vacancies are often displayed in window's of shops so you should keep an eye out for such notices."
"There's also the job centre, the nearest one being in Partick, just walk down Byres Road until you come to Dumbarton Road, cross it and it's on the right hand side. If you are looking for a particular kind of job (teaching, media-related, etc.) it might also be good to check other webpages, including the Guardian's job webpage, or S1Jobs."
"Try the University's website for ideas".
