School of Social & Political Sciences

Author: Yawen Luo, MSc Digital Society student

Hi! I'm Yawen from Shenzhen, China, and I am currently an MSc Digital Society student. Like many international students, coming to Glasgow for my Master's degree was my first time studying abroad. Landing alone in a foreign country, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement.

While the city is beautiful and welcoming, I quickly realised that before classes officially began, I needed to switch from "tourist mode" to "resident mode." Completing a few simple but essential tasks made starting this new chapter much smoother. Here is the checklist I wish I had when I first arrived.

Sorting the Essentials

There are a few "adulting" tasks that might seem boring, but getting them done early will save you a lot of stress later.

• Register with a GP ASAP: I highly recommend registering with a local doctor as soon as you arrive. You can use Google Maps to check reviews of practices near your accommodation. Once you are registered with a GP, prescription medicine in Scotland is completely free. This also unlocks the "Pharmacy First" service. This means for minor ailments, you can simply walk into a pharmacy (like Boots), give them your name and address to prove you are registered, and get advice or medication for free without waiting for a doctor's appointment.
• Open a Bank Account: Setting up a traditional high street bank account can sometimes take weeks because of the paperwork. To save yourself the headache during those busy first few days, I suggest starting with an online bank (like Monzo or Revolut) as a transition. The verification process is usually very fast, meaning you can get a debit card and start paying for your daily essentials almost immediately.
• Collect Your Student Card: Usually, you will pick this up after completing your Visa Registration. Just remember to book your appointment and bring your passport. Once you have this card, you can access the library and unlock various student discounts across the city!

Building Academic Confidence

If you are worried about your academic background, you are not alone. The School of Social & Political Sciences is incredibly inclusive. In my programme, MSc Digital Society, my classmates come from very diverse backgrounds, including sociology, arts, education, big data and so on.

If you are a cross-disciplinary student like me, there is no need to worry. The professors provide extensive reading lists. Beyond the "essential" readings, I found that exploring the "recommended" materials helped me bridge the gap and build a more systematic knowledge framework.

To help us adapt, the university provides excellent support resources. You can access foundational courses like the Academic Writing Skills Programme (AWSP) and classes specifically designed for International Student Learning. These are great for building your basics. If you encounter specific issues during your studies, you can then take it a step further and book a 1:1 appointment with Student Learning Development for personalised guidance.

Settling into Your New Home

If possible, try to schedule your arrival during the day. This gives you plenty of time to head to the supermarket to buy daily necessities. Don't worry about bulky items like bedding, you can easily buy duvets and pillows at supermarkets like Tesco or Morrisons. If you have a free day, you can also take a bus trip to IKEA. Although it’s a bit further out, you can find almost everything you need for your new room there.

If you are living in shared accommodation, it can feel a bit awkward at first, but I suggest agreeing on a cleaning schedule right at the beginning. It doesn’t have to be strict, but having a simple plan for the kitchen and shared areas can prevent misunderstandings and make living together much more enjoyable.

Arriving in a new city is a big step, but by taking it one small task at a time, you can confidently start your new life. Enjoy the journey!

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First published: 12 February 2026