Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most fashionable and lively cities, and is now the UK’s third most popular tourist destination.
The people of Glasgow are known as ‘Glaswegians’ and their warm and friendly approach is legendary. However long students stay with us, they will make long-term friends and will hold our city in their affections for the rest of their lives. It certainly has so much to offer, with endless and exciting opportunities for people of all ages – from culture and history to shopping and socialising, from sport and scenery to film and music – Glasgow has it all.
A cosmopolitan city
Glasgow is the largest and wealthiest city in Scotland. It contains almost 20% of the Scottish population – yet still enjoys the UK’s richest concentration of parkland. The name ‘Glasgow’ is taken from Scotland’s traditional language, Gaelic, meaning ‘dear green place’. The River Clyde, which runs through the city, was central to Glasgow’s famous shipbuilding industry. Today, there are people of many nationalities who enrich the experience of life in Glasgow, resulting in a cosmopolitan city attuned to the needs of its communities.
A city of culture
Glasgow has earned its reputation as a ‘cultural’ city and is the third most popular destination in Britain for foreign tourists. In the past it was voted the ‘European City of Culture’ and ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Glasgow is home to Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the country’s oldest film theatre and the breathtaking Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (used by the University for graduation ceremonies). Free galleries and museums add to a stimulating environment in which the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the world-famous Art Nouveau designer and architect, is often seen.
A student city
Glasgow is home to four large universities and has the largest student population in Scotland with over 168,000 students. With a strong history and tradition in education, the city has a long-standing reputation for welcoming students from all over the world. International students new to Glasgow will benefit from the large and diverse student population currently living in the city, and will often have the opportunity to meet and socialise with students studying at nearby universities.
There is plenty to see and do in the city for students of all ages and backgrounds. A fabulous range of shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs to suit all tastes, has helped to earn Glasgow the reputation for being the best location for students and young people in the UK. Despite being the largest city in Scotland, Glasgow city centre is compact and very easy to explore. All amenities are within easy reach of Glasgow Caledonian University’s campus.
A city for shopping
Outside of London, Glasgow has the second largest retail centre in the UK. Glasgow was also the first UK location for Gianni Versace and is now the home to a number of popular High Street stores and exclusive shopping venues.
A city for music
Glasgow has a well respected music scene with live venues throughout the city. The most famous music venue is the Barrowlands which is a very popular venue for concert goers. Glasgow has also been confirmed as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) City of Music.
A city of sport
As a city of sport lovers, Glasgow is home to Celtic and Rangers who contest the ‘Old Firm Derby’ which is one of the biggest rivalries in football history. Scotland’s national football stadium – Hampden Park – is also located in Glasgow and is the host stadium for all Scotland’s international home matches. It was also the venue for the European Champions League Final in 2002.
In 2007, Glasgow was chosen to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which further emphasises the city’s sporting and cultural appeal and welcoming atmosphere.
An easy city to get around
Glasgow is a very easy city to get around, with many places within walking distance of each other. Those places that are a little bit further afield are easily accessible by the efficient public transport system, including the subway, known as the ‘Clockwork Orange’. INTO Scotland at Glasgow Caledonian University is ideally located in Glasgow city centre. Glasgow International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and there is a regular shuttle bus service between the city and the airport.
Exploring Scotland
Many international students take the opportunity to tour Scotland when they have free time from their studies. Around an hour away from Glasgow is Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. This is famous for its picturesque castle and the Edinburgh International Festival. Edinburgh is also home to the Scottish Parliament, which was created in 1999 after an absence of almost three hundred years.
Moving out of the cities, each corner of this country offers its own splendours. The spectacular Highlands, ancient castles and mysterious lochs are all worth a visit. One of Scotland’s main attractions is Loch Ness, where tourists flock in the hope of catching a glimpse of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Scotland is the home of golf, and famous for its many wonderful golf courses, with St Andrews, Gleneagles and Turnberry among the most prestigious in the world.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in across the country – golf, skiing, abseiling, hill walking, diving, sailing and rafting to name but a few.
Scotland is ideally placed as a hub for visiting the rest of the UK, Ireland and Europe. London is just over an hour away by plane and there are regular short flights from Glasgow to major European cities such as Paris, Dublin, Rome and Amsterdam.