How Expensive is it to Study in Glasgow?

If you are an Nigerian student who is interested in studying at the University of Glasgow, you may be thinking “how much is this going to cost and can I afford it?’

Whether you are thinking about applying, have an offer, or are just about to start your studies, it is important to consider the financial implications so you can relax without the worry of money hanging over your head.

We spoke to Katja, an MA Digital Media and Information Studies and Philosophy student at the University of Glasgow for how she manages whilst studying in Scotland. If you wish to apply, arrange a free consultation today.

Budgeting Whilst Studying in Glasgow

1. RENT

“You have two options: living in student accommodation (private or University) or finding a private flat to rent. The majority of students live in student halls in their first year, then once they meet people, decide to find a flat together.  The most expensive option is usually private student accommodation, such as Unite Students, where the cheapest rooms are around £450-£480 per month.

University accommodation is slightly cheaper. When it comes to private flats, the price depends on three things: how close is it to the University, how much room do I have, and what condition is it in. You can easily find a flat for around £350 per month per person (sharing with friends) which, together with utilities, would cost around £400 per month.

2. FOOD

The UK has a large number of supermarkets, and you can save quite a lot of money by shopping at cheaper ones such as Lidl, Aldi and Asda. For me, food, some toiletries, cleaning products and all the other things you might find at a supermarket, I spend approximately £100-120 per month. 

Also, be aware that many small food shops offer a student discount. University’s cafès are probably the cheapest places to find food near campus, and even there you’re going to have to pay around £5 for a sandwich and some tea, whilst a home-cooked lunch would not only be more nutritious, but also cheaper.

3. BOOKS 

It is rare that you really need to own a book for a course, since all the books are available in the library. Still, if you’d rather have access to the book whenever you please, the SRC (Student Representative Council) has a second-hand bookshop where you can find the majority of core texts at relatively low prices.

4. TRANSPORT 

Unless you choose to live quite far from University, the money spent on transport isn’t a significant sum. Glasgow’s Subway which is, by the way, one of the easiest subway systems in the world to figure out, offers you the possibility of unlimited travel for £2.90 per day if you register for a Subway Smartcard.  Another option would be to get a bike which you can buy second-hand for a reasonably low price. Just be aware of two things: you have to drive it on the left side of the road and you might get wet!

5. LEISURE TIME 

Now, this is where it gets tricky, as estimating how much you’d be spending on pubs, cinemas, concerts, clubs, drinks etc. is impossible, since it is very individual. If you’re like me and don’t really go clubbing, but go to a gig, see a movie, to a pub or a comedy show every once in a while, I would say £50 per month is more than enough to have a fun life and experience Glasgow fully.

6. SPORTS AND RECREATION 

The University of Glasgow offers one of the cheapest gym memberships in the whole country at only £125 per year, which is around £10 per month. That will give you unlimited access to the swimming pool, huge gym area and many different classes. Also, there are numerous clubs which you can join by paying very little money, as little as £35 for the entire year.

To conclude, you can survive in Glasgow with around £600-650 on average per month(excluding tuition fees) while living a perfectly comfortable life. 

Study in Glasgow

Begin your Glasgow application by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK Nigeria today.