A Place to Stay
This is a guest post from Alexander Campbell, a History PhD candidate and Allocations Assistant with the University of Glasgow's Accommodation Services. In this post, Alexander shares all you need to know about UofG accommodation for PGRs. Aside from selecting your course and university, one of the most important decisions that you will make as a postgraduate student will be your choice of accommodation. Indeed, it is widely acknowledged that having the right accommodation can be the difference between a good university experience and a great one, so finding something that meets your needs is hugely important. The excellent news is that, in choosing Glasgow, you’ll not only be coming to a city that is rich in culture, history and amenities, but is also well set up to meet the specific accommodation demands of postgraduate students. In taking the time to consider all of the various options open to you however, it is important to remember that the University has a range of cost effective, comfortable and secure residences exclusively for postgraduates, and can offer you a great alternative to the private sector.
Out of all the accommodation options now available in Glasgow, University residences remain uniquely placed not only to understand the demands that postgraduates encounter but also to create the kind of reassuring environment that helps students go on and achieve their goals. In order to support students, University accommodation offers a number of important benefits:
All utility bills, internet charges and basic insurance coverage are included in the one fee.
All of the residences are equipped with fast and reliable internet access incorporating Wi-Fi in all of the bedrooms.
All residents have access to the University’s world-class Sports and Recreation Service facilities.
All residences have a dedicated Living Support team who are always on hand to offer assistance should students encounter any difficulties during their stay.
A choice of 39 or 52 week contracts.
All sites are monitored by round the clock security.
Another, often overlooked, aspect of University accommodation is the sense of community that is fostered amongst the residents. Unlike undergraduate study, researching at postgraduate level can, at times, be a somewhat solitary pursuit but by becoming part of the University accommodation community students regularly find invaluable support from their flatmates and form lasting friendships into the bargain. All of this is bolstered within the halls through a regular programme of social activities and events. This year, for instance, there were Halloween competitions, movie nights, art classes, and even a Eurovision Song Contest evening- there’s usually something for everyone.
The University currently has four main options available for postgraduate students: Kelvinhaugh Street, Maclay Residences, Lister House and Winton Drive. All are located in prime areas of the West End and are within twenty minutes’ walk of the University. They are also only minutes from the West End’s many famous bars, restaurants, cafés, shops and excellent transport links. Within the residences themselves, all rooms come fully furnished with a bed, desk and chair, wardrobe, storage shelves and a noticeboard. The shared kitchens are equally well-equipped with cookers, fridge-freezers, microwaves, kettles all provided. Residents also have access to a TV/common room, laundry facilities, bike sheds, and car parking. For students coming with their families there are also a number of one, two and three bed flats available exclusively for that purpose so for more information please visit our Family Accommodation web page. Each of the residences possess its own distinct character, however, so it is worth checking out what each has to offer.
Kelvinhaugh Street and Maclay
Situated between the trendy Kelvingrove and Finnieston districts, an area recently dubbed the “hippest place in Britain”, Kelvinhaugh Street and Maclay Residences have proved to be incredibly popular with postgraduate students. As well as being only fifteen minutes’ walk away from both the University and Glasgow city centre, the residences are also right on the doorstep of some of Glasgow’s finest attractions. These include Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, The Riverside Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, the IMAX Cinema, the SECC, and The Hydro, so there’s always something to see or do.
Lister House and Winton Drive
Located in the leafy Kirklee area just north of campus, Lister House and Winton Drive represent another excellent option for postgraduate students. Two minutes away from the city’s renowned Botanic Gardens, the relaxed atmosphere of the area, and of the residences themselves, afford students a fantastic base from which to carry out their research. With the amenities of Great Western Road just around the corner and trendy boutique shops and cafes only minutes away on Byres Road there are also lots of options for extracurricular activities. Lister House also features a number of one and three bed flats available exclusively for postgraduate students with families.
Interested in applying?
As soon as you have accepted an offer of study at the University, either conditional or unconditional, you will be able to access the application website and create an account. Once you have an account you will then be able to select your preferences, your desired length of contract, register any specific requirements you may have and then submit your application. The only real restriction is that applications must be submitted by 22nd August which is the Accommodation Guarantee deadline date.
If you have any questions about the application, the residences, or anything else, the Accommodation Services team will be more than happy to assist you so feel free to get in touch. There is also a lot more information available at the Accommodation Services website and we maintain a regular presence on all the major social media channels so you can stay up to date by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and on the official UofGLiving website.
