Life in Glasgow as a UofG Master’s Student: Exploring and Enjoying the City
Published: 1 May 2026
Emily, an MSc Sociology student from the USA, talks about her favourite things to do in Glasgow and shares her top recommendations for making the most of student life in the city.
Author: Emily Williams, MSc Sociology student
As an undergraduate student in the US, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend a semester on exchange at the University of Glasgow. Of course, I enjoyed it so much– the people, city, and my courses– that I ended up coming back as a postgraduate student!
Apart from the academic and professional opportunities that brought me back to Glasgow, I grew to love the city. Being here on exchange gave me a lot of opportunities to explore Glasgow and Scotland as a tourist, and it allowed me to really get to know the city. Here I’ll be sharing some of my favorite things about Glasgow, and some favorite places!
1. The Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Park
As anyone who’s been lucky enough to experience the spring and summer in Glasgow can attest, the parks are the place to be when the sun finally comes out!
On a nice day, especially in May and April, you will find the hills in the Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove park full of students enjoying picnics and relaxing in the sun after exams.
Kelvingrove park and the Botanic Gardens
2. UofG Library and Study Spots
If you find yourself unable to pull yourself away from your studies, I would recommend finding a seat in the library in front of one of the massive windows– there are great views of the city and the main tower, especially the higher up you go. You may even see a beautiful sunset!
And as a postgrad student, you will also have access to the newly renovated postgraduate study room in the library, which is especially nice during exam time when seats fill up quickly.
The beautiful University of Glasgow campus
3. Free Museums and Art Galleries
A Glasgow staple is definitely the free museums! The Kelvingrove art gallery and museum is beautiful, and great to wander around on a rainy day.
For anyone who loves contemporary art, I would highly recommend the GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art). They always have a wide range of installations and great collections. You can also see the Duke of Wellington statue outside, with the iconic traffic cone on top!
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Glasgow city center
4. Good Food and Live Music
One of the best things in Glasgow is the food and music. There’s plenty of food and events at both of the University Unions, the GUU and QMU. And there're countless great pubs, many with vegan and gluten free food for anyone who may be looking out for it (like at the 78 in Finnieston, one of my favorite spots).
Concerts and restaurants I've visited during my Glasgow year
5. Travelling Outside of Glasgow
If you’re wanting to explore more of Scotland, there’s so many great things to see. I’ve loved my time in Portree, Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Glencoe. The numerous trains and buses make it easy to travel, so take advantage of it!
Some Highland cows and the seaside under the sun
Despite my focusing on the West End (as the University of Glasgow is right in the heart of it) I encourage everyone to hop on the world’s 3rd oldest subway and explore the city for yourself! There are endless amounts of things to do.
First published: 1 May 2026
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