School of Social & Political Sciences

Author: Anushka Sambhaji Patil, MSc International Relations student

Hi, I am Anushka, an international student from India studying MSc International Relations at the University of Glasgow.

After receiving offer letters from 7 Russell Group universities in the UK, I decided to pursue my master's at the University of Glasgow. To get an offer to study at a beautiful 575-year-old top-100 University was a dream come true. As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to study International Relations and contribute to making this world a better home for all of us. What better place to learn to make a world-changing impact than at the University of World Changers? I knew the University of Glasgow was the place for me when I browsed through the course structure, which provided courses in all the areas I wanted to explore and study, like International Development, Human Rights, Conflict Analysis, and area-focused studies on China and Russia. Now that I have completed my 1st term at the University of Glasgow, I can confidently say that it is the best academic decision I have made. The journey has been better than I ever imagined.

Gilmore Hill Campus, University of Glasgow

As an international student, the idea of studying in a foreign country was exciting and daunting at the same time. I had various questions and doubts regarding the process. Thanks to the unwavering support from both the international team and the School of Social & Political Sciences (SPS) team, the journey felt easier and far less scary. The journey from applying to the university to receiving my offer, obtaining my CAS, applying for a visa, packing my bags, and arriving in Glasgow was smooth, all thanks to the prompt support from the University every step of the way. To the future students planning to study at the University of Glasgow, please go through the university's web pages and social media for helpful information regarding every step from the application process to arriving in Glasgow. Also, don't hesitate to reach out for help or further information when needed. Attending university webinars and country meetups made the process much easier and less daunting for me.

I arrived in Glasgow on a sunny September day, and the city welcomed me with open arms. I experienced Glaswegian kindness from the minute I landed in Glasgow. At the airport arrivals, I was greeted by one of our student volunteers who helped me arrange my travel to my student accommodation. George, my kind-hearted cab driver, helped me with my luggage and drove me to the accommodation, all while narrating his travel stories across India and the world in the 90s. The staff at my student accommodation were just as kind and welcoming. Right on the first day, I knew I would feel right at home in Glasgow.

The first week brought a few challenges when I was trying to find my way across the city and the university. Getting lost around the beautiful Gothic architecture of the University had its own charm. Since it was the welcome week, there was always someone around to help and guide. The cherry on top is the Glasgow subway, which follows a circular route. Therefore, you are never really lost because you will always arrive at your destination, even if it takes an extra round. Now, after four months at the University, I am confident enough to help people navigate around the university, and I am definitely proud of that. Now I know where to get the best coffee or Matcha from, along with new knowledge of how to conduct research in International Relations, both of which were challenges in the first week. The best advice I can give to new students is to keep going, and it gets easier.

A collage of my favourite spots around the University

Studying at the University of Glasgow also meant adapting to new learning methods and rigorous academic standards. Completing weekly reading, researching, participating in seminar discussions, and learning from peers and professors made the process easier. Most importantly, I learned that I didn't have to do it alone—whenever I needed help, support was always available, I just needed to ask. The journey becomes especially easier when you make amazing friends and find a community. The welcome week events and society socials are a great place for meeting new people and making friends. I have met the most amazing and kind friends by attending university and society events. It is challenging to talk to new people, but the challenge is worth it. In the true Glasgow sense, your best friends are just a pub quiz away. 

Looking back at my first day—lost among the Gothic buildings and nervous about the rigour of an MSc, I realise how much I’ve grown in just four months. I came here to study International Relations and change the world, but I didn’t realise how much Glasgow would change me with its beauty, kindness and challenges that only made me better.

To anyone currently thinking about studying at the University of Glasgow and the School of Social and Political Sciences, take the leap! The University of Glasgow isn't just a place of world-class academics; it's a place that welcomes you, pushes you to pursue knowledge, teaches you how to overcome challenges and eventually starts feeling like home.

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First published: 13 January 2026