Affordable Student Accommodation Near the University of Glasgow: A Complete Guide

Beginning university life in a completely new city can be very thrilling, but getting accommodation can sometimes seem daunting. If you are set to attend the University of Glasgow in September 2020 and would like to live off-campus, there are various sources of accommodation you should consider. There are many people who decide to study at the University of Glasgow, making it a popular destination for students. As such, there is a variety of private accommodation, shared flats, student accommodation blocks, and accommodation in private houses.

Why Choose Off-Campus Student Accommodation in Glasgow?

Moving off campus may provide students with more independence and a chance to explore Glasgow outside of the university surroundings. Such places as West End, Finnieston, Partick, Hillhead, and city center are especially popular among students due to the availability of transport connections, dining venues, shopping venues, and social amenities. It is also helpful to take into account the options for getting around in case you move to an unfamiliar city. One of the services that could be quite helpful in this regard is Glasgow City Private Hire Taxi, especially in case you have some luggage and you need to get to your accommodation which is not connected with the university via public transport.

Best Websites for Finding Student Accommodation in Glasgow

Several existing websites exist on which international and local students can look out for private housing options. The good thing about such websites is that they usually provide an option to filter properties based on rent, location, type of room, amenities, and tenure.

1. University of Glasgow Accommodation Services

One place to begin is the university itself. The University of Glasgow offers information on housing for those students seeking accommodation. While the university accommodation may not be suitable for your needs, the university can assist you in learning about private accommodation, lease agreements, deposit payments, and accommodation scams.

This will allow you to know more about the normal rental practices in Glasgow. This is especially helpful for international students unfamiliar with the UK’s rental practices.

2. Rightmove

RightMove is one of the most popular websites for property in the UK which provides a wide choice of flats and houses to rent. You can search for single rooms, flats, or shared accommodation.

Utilize the filters on the website to narrow down your search to your preferred budget and location. If you are thinking of sharing the place with your friends, then renting a whole place could work out cheaper than renting single rooms.

But be sure about what the rent price includes, if any utility costs like heating, electricity, water, and the Internet are included or not.

3. Zoopla

Zoopla is yet another helpful website to find rental properties in Glasgow. Zoopla offers a description of the properties, photos of the properties, rent details, and location details.

The first benefit of using a large property website is being able to compare different areas before making the choice. Students need to look beyond the rent advertised on the property and think about other expenses, including travel and groceries.

4. SpareRoom

Students who feel comfortable living in a shared house should consider using the SpareRoom website, which emphasizes rooms in shared houses and flats. This website is very helpful for those students who seek a place where they can find affordable accommodation but not an entire rented property.

Living with other students is cheaper and will help you meet new people once you relocate to Glasgow. However, talk to potential flatmates and their landlords and, if possible, arrange a viewing before handing out any money.

5. Student.com

Student.com is an accommodation company that focuses on student accommodation and lists accommodations located in university towns worldwide. It can be especially helpful for international students who would like to find accommodation prior to coming to the UK.

Accommodations could be specialized student houses with amenities including communal areas, study rooms, gyms, laundry facilities, and Internet. Compare the entire package instead of picking the cheapest accommodation only.

How to Find Affordable Housing Near Glasgow University

Affordability is strongly influenced by location, property types, and how many people live in the place. If students are on a strict budget, they could consider looking further from the university as opposed to staying in locations that are walkable.

Properties that are located in areas with efficient subway, train, or bus lines could be a good balance of affordability and location. Arranging Glasgow Airport pick up and drop off when moving to Glasgow could also be helpful if you have multiple suitcases or are arriving at unusual hours.

When signing a tenancy agreement, one should work out the whole monthly budget. Rent, utilities, internet, telephone, travel expenses, food, laundry, and other personal expenses should be included.

Important Things to Check Before Renting

It would be wise never to rely on pictures only when choosing student accommodation. If it is possible, try to see the place either personally or via a video link. Inspect the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, windows, heating, and common parts of the accommodation.

Among other things, you might want to inquire about the following:

Rent and how often payments should be made

Deposits that need to be paid

Minimum lease time

Charges for bills and utilities

Internet access

Furniture and equipment available

Maintenance procedures

Security issues

Proximity to public transportation

Guests policies

Be sure to read the lease agreement thoroughly and check all your obligations as a tenant.

Also read: What Are the Best Places to Live as an Expat in Edinburgh, Scotland (or Anywhere Else)?

Avoiding Student Accommodation Scams

Those students who are coming from other countries might face accommodation scams at times. You should be careful if you feel the need to send money right away, if you are not being provided with a contract, or if you are offered a cheap apartment.

Be careful before you send money to unknown people regarding an apartment that hasn’t been confirmed. You should conduct your own research and find out if the accommodation company has any reviews on its website.

Don’t reveal any of your financial details and keep all your documents regarding renting safe.

Choosing the Right Glasgow Neighbourhood

It all comes down to your personal needs and budget. There are many reasons why Hillhead and the nearby West End are favoured by students because of their proximity to the university, cafes, shops, restaurants, and transport links. Partick would be another logical option thanks to its transport connections with different districts of Glasgow.

The city centre can be a tempting option for students who love shopping, entertainment, and a vibrant nightlife, even though some of the properties there might be more expensive. Other locations can give you a more affordable alternative, especially when a few students live together.

Consider how much time you will spend commuting when making a decision about where to live.

Final Tips for University of Glasgow Students

Searching for a suitable private apartment is time-consuming. Start your search several weeks or months before the planned move whenever possible, since good properties may sell out fast.

It is better to visit more than one website and compare various options than use just one listing website. Make sure about the price of the property and check both the neighbourhood and the landlord/accommodation provider before you pay any money.

First of all, it is important not to rush when choosing a place to live. There are many students who study in Glasgow and the rental market is quite developed. So, with some research, you will be able to find a suitable place to live.

Regardless of whether you decide to share an apartment or rent a single room or live in a purpose-built student accommodation facility, your life in Glasgow will become much easier if you plan everything in advance.