A Day at the University of Glasgow | My Favorite Self-Guided Walk Route

If you are someone who is enthusiastic about having a visit-day for a great university campus, are you ready to explore one of the most beautiful campuses in the world? I still remember the first time I saw the University of Glasgow. It felt like I had stepped right into a Harry Potter movie! This place was founded in 1451. It is the fourth-oldest university in the UK. You can really feel the history in every stone. If you are planning to study here, by the way, you should start looking for your University of Glasgow accommodation early. Finding a good place to live is the best way to start your Scottish adventure. Starting early can help you secure a better room by offering more options and larger coupons. Well, today, I want to share my favorite self-guided tour route with you. It is the perfect way to see the campus at your own pace.

The Welcome Point and a Walk Through History are My Prime Stops

You should start your walk at the Welcome Point. It is located in the McIntyre Building. The staff there are so helpful! They can give you a map and some great local tips. The building itself is over 140 years old. Did you know it used to be the student union? Just outside the gate, you will see the famous red telephone boxes. They are a classic British icon. You definitely need to take a selfie there!

Next, you can wander over to Professors' Square. This area is so peaceful. It has thirteen beautiful townhouses built in the 1870s. Professors used to live here with their families. Now, these houses are used for offices and classrooms. My favorite spot is number 11. This was Lord Kelvin’s House. He was a world-famous scientist. His house was actually one of the first in the world to have electric lights! He even invented the Kelvin scale for temperature. It is amazing to think about all the big ideas that started right here.

Don't forget to look for the Lion and Unicorn Staircase. It is a real hidden gem. This staircase was built in 1690! It was part of the original university campus in the city center. When the university moved to this new site in 1870, it brought the staircase with it. They moved it stone by stone using horses and carts. The lion represents England, and the unicorn represents Scotland. It is a great symbol of the United Kingdom.

Gothic Towers and Movie Magic are Must-Visit Spots

You cannot miss the Gilbert Scott Building. It is the heart of the university. Sir George Gilbert Scott designed it in a stunning Gothic style. The tower is 278 feet tall! It is one of the most famous landmarks in Glasgow. Look at the main entrance. You will see the university motto: Via, Veritas, Vita. This means "The Way, The Truth, The Life." It is a very inspiring place to stand.

You should also walk through the East and West Quadrangles. These are the big open courtyards inside the main building. You will see students sitting on the grass and chatting. But be careful! There is an old legend here. Students say it is bad luck to walk on the grass before you graduate. Most people wait until their graduation day to finally step on it. It is a fun tradition that everyone follows.

My absolute favorite part of the campus is The Cloisters. Some people call it the Undercroft. These are the beautiful stone archways that connect the quadrangles. They look so magical! You might recognize them from movies like Cloud Atlas or the TV show Outlander. The Cloisters lead you to Bute Hall. This is where the big graduation ceremonies happen. It also leads to the Hunterian Museum. This is the oldest public museum in Scotland. It has everything from Roman coins to dinosaur fossils!

BTW, Useful Tips for Your Student Life in the UK

Are you thinking about moving to the UK or Australia for your studies? It is such an exciting step! But I know that finding a place to live can feel a bit overwhelming. The rental market in these countries is very busy. That is why many international students choose Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). These are modern apartment buildings designed just for students. They make life so much easier!

Why do I recommend PBSA? Everything is included in one price. You don't have to worry about separate bills for water, electricity, or Wi-Fi. Most buildings also have 24/7 security. This gives you and your family peace of mind. Plus, you get great facilities like on-site gyms, cinema rooms, and study hubs. It is a great way to make new friends from all over the world. When you are finding the best home in Glasgow, a one-stop leading platform like uhomes is here to help you find the perfect place to live in Glasgow, making your living seamless and giving you peace of mind.

Before you leave, make sure to visit the University Flagpole. The view from there is incredible. You can see all of Kelvingrove Park and the city skyline. Glasgow is a very green city with over 90 parks. It is a wonderful place to live and study. I hope this guide helps you enjoy your visit to the University of Glasgow!