University Students In Glasgow: What's The Population?

Glasgow is one of the UK's largest cities and is home to a large student population spread across its five universities and three major colleges. The University of Glasgow is the largest institution, with around 40,000 students, followed by the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In total, Glasgow's student population exceeds 115,000, with students from 140 different countries.

Student population growth

Glasgow's student population has been growing steadily, with the city being one of the UK's most student-populated areas. The University of Glasgow, the largest institution in the city, has seen its student numbers increase significantly in recent years. Between 2017 and 2021, the university's student population grew by 40%, amounting to 10,000 additional students. This rapid growth has caused concerns among students, who have called for a cap on numbers to ensure adequate accommodation and welfare provisions.

The University of Glasgow is not the only contributor to the city's thriving student population. Glasgow is home to four other universities: the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, the Glasgow School of Art, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Together, these institutions cater to a diverse range of academic interests and attract students from around the globe.

The University of Strathclyde, located in Glasgow's city centre, boasts excellent student satisfaction rates and provides sought-after industrial placements and study-abroad opportunities. Glasgow Caledonian University, with campuses in both London and Glasgow, is known for its focus on careers, resulting in 95% of graduates finding employment or pursuing higher education within six months of graduating. The Glasgow School of Art, housed in the renowned Charles Rennie Mackintosh building, is a creative hub offering a variety of programmes and a welcoming community feel. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, located near Sauchiehall Street, provides a multidisciplinary approach to performing arts education, with courses in acting, music, film-making, ballet, and more.

Glasgow's appeal to students extends beyond its academic offerings. The city has been voted one of the world's friendliest, with a thriving cultural scene and an abundance of green spaces. Its streets are lined with historic buildings, vibrant street art, museums, and galleries. Glasgow's affordability, accessibility, and lively student life, including its renowned nightlife, also contribute to its popularity among students.

The growing student population in Glasgow has had some challenges, particularly regarding accommodation. The rapid increase in student numbers has put pressure on housing, with students reporting difficulties in finding suitable housing and an impact on their welfare. However, the universities have committed to investing in facilities, student services, and staffing to address these concerns and ensure a positive student experience.

Student accommodation

Glasgow is a popular destination for international students, and the city often faces a shortage of student accommodation. The University of Glasgow has faced calls to cap its student population, which has grown by 40% in five years, with 10,000 additional students. This has put a strain on accommodation, with students reporting that they have been forced to commute long distances, couch surf, or even sleep rough.

There are various options for student accommodation in Glasgow, including university halls of residence, private rentals, homestays, and shared flats. Students can choose to rent near their university, or in the city centre, where they can enjoy easy access to entertainment and shopping.

University Halls

University halls are usually located near the campus and provide standard rooms, as well as self-catering facilities. They often include study areas, laundry facilities, and social spaces.

Private Student Accommodation

Private student accommodation is operated by third-party providers and offers more privacy and independence. These apartments are typically located in the city centre, close to universities, and provide various room types, such as standard rooms, en-suites, studios, and one-bedroom flats.

Shared Flats

Shared flats are a popular option for students looking to save money. These flats are often located in convenient areas with good transportation and provide basic amenities such as private bathrooms, desks, and communal spaces.

Cost of Living

When considering accommodation in Glasgow, it is important to factor in the cost of living. The average price of living in Glasgow is between £9,000 and £16,000 per year, which is 20% cheaper than London. The cost of rent is also significantly lower than in London, making Glasgow an attractive option for students.

• Food and groceries: £150-£200
• Transportation (with a student discount): £50-£70
• Utilities: £120-£150
• Clothing: £40-£90
• Sports and leisure: £50-£100

Student welfare

Glasgow is home to one of the largest universities in the UK, with over 43,000 students enrolled from over 140 countries. The University of Glasgow has seen a rapid increase in student numbers in recent years, with a 40% growth in just five years, causing concerns about the impact on student welfare.

Accommodation

The surge in student numbers has led to challenges in finding suitable accommodation. The university has acknowledged the issue, blaming increased demand and a contraction in the private rental market. The Students' Representative Council (SRC) has called for a cap on student numbers, highlighting the negative impact on student welfare, with some students struggling to find housing and facing long commutes.

Student Support Services

The University of Glasgow offers a range of support services to promote student welfare:

• Counselling & Psychological Services: The university provides counselling and psychological support to help students manage their mental health and build strategies to complete their studies successfully.
• Peer Wellbeing Support: A confidential, peer-led listening service that improves support and wellbeing across the university.
• Student Support Officers: These officers provide a listening ear and help students resolve various issues and difficulties, ensuring they receive the support they need.
• International Student Support: Tailored support for international students and their families to enhance their welfare and overall experience while studying in Glasgow.
• Student Emergency and Crisis Support: The university offers help and advice for students facing emergencies and crises, including bullying, discrimination, sexual violence, and other issues.
• Financial Support: The university provides advice and support on fees, scholarships, and financial assistance, recognising that financial stability is crucial for student welfare.
• Learning Support: Learning support is available for students with disability-related needs, including specific learning differences, physical or sensory impairments, and mental health issues, to ensure equal access to education.

Student Life

The University of Glasgow also promotes student welfare through a vibrant student life, offering a fun and varied experience with four student bodies and over 300 clubs and societies. This allows students to build community, find support networks, and enjoy a holistic educational experience.

In summary, while the University of Glasgow has faced challenges due to its rapid growth in student numbers, it has implemented various support services to promote student welfare and ensure that students can access the help they need to succeed academically and personally. These services address a range of issues, from accommodation and finances to mental health and disability support, contributing to a positive and inclusive student experience.

University rankings

The University of Glasgow is ranked as a world top 100 university by the Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World Rankings. In 2025, it was ranked 87th in the QS World University Rankings. It was also ranked 28th in the UK in the Complete University Guide's 2025 University League Table. The University of Glasgow was named Scottish University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times in 2023.

The University of Glasgow is a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading UK research-intensive universities. It is also a founder member of Universitas 21, an international grouping of universities that set worldwide standards for higher education. The University of Glasgow has an international community of over 29,000 students from more than 130 countries. It offers over 700 flexible four-year degree combinations, providing students with the opportunity to explore various areas of study before specialising.

The University of Glasgow has a notable history of producing world changers, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, and three First Ministers of Scotland. It has been recognised for its commitment to tackling global challenges, delivering on the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, and its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Student experience

Glasgow is a great place to be a student. With the second-biggest student population in the UK, you’ll be in good company. The city was voted the world’s friendliest in a 2021 Rough Guides survey and was rated Time Out's friendliest city in 2022. It has a thriving cultural scene and a wealth of green spaces. Glasgow's leafy streets are lined with historic buildings and decorated with colourful street art, making the city as vibrant as its residents.

Choice of Universities

Students can choose from the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, which all cater to a range of passions, interests, and career paths.

The University of Glasgow is one of the top 100 universities in the world and is known for its historic buildings, which are said to have inspired the Harry Potter school, Hogwarts. The Gilmorehill campus is in Glasgow's fashionable West End, a vibrant area packed with cafes, pubs, and independent shops. The Dumfries campus is set in 85 acres of leafy parkland with stunning views of the Solway Firth estuary and hills. The university has world-class sports facilities, including a 25m swimming pool, tennis courts, grass and all-weather pitches, and a gym.

The University of Strathclyde has some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in Scotland and has a five-star QS ranking for academic excellence and student employability. It provides excellent industrial placements, scholarships, and opportunities to study abroad.

Glasgow Caledonian University has a high-tech campus and a focus on careers, with 95% of graduates in employment or higher education within six months of leaving. Its international student support is award-winning.

The Glasgow School of Art is a home for creatives, housed in Art Nouveau buildings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It offers study programmes across various disciplines and has a welcoming, community feel.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland focuses on the performing arts and offers courses in acting, music, composition, filmmaking, ballet, musical theatre, opera, and more. With only 1,250 students on campus, it's easy to meet those studying other disciplines.

Student Life

Glasgow is known for its vibrant and lively culture, with a reputation for great food, a colourful art scene, and a commitment to diversity. Students find Glasgow reasonably affordable, which is why so many graduates choose to stay and work in the city.

Glasgow has an impressive array of galleries and museums known for their stand-out exhibitions and awe-inspiring architecture. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Transport Museum, and the Science Museum are all free to visit. It’s also a live music hub, with artists like The Weeknd, Harry Styles, and Dua Lipa performing at the SSE Hydro.

Glasgow's nightlife scene is unique, with vibrant pubs and bars, and clubbing highlights including the Corinthian Club, located in the city’s former High Court building, and Sub Club, home to one of the longest-running house nights in the world.

Glasgow is also a city for sports fans, having hosted the Commonwealth Games and some of the Euro 2020 matches. Each university offers outstanding sports facilities and clubs, and the city has state-of-the-art venues for cycling and athletics.

Glasgow has a large student population, with numbers exceeding 115,000. The city centre is convenient for shopping and socialising, with high street names on Buchanan Street and designer boutiques in Princes Square. The food scene is lively, with restaurants in Merchant City and the West End offering Scottish produce and cuisines from around the world. There are also cafes, delis, and food markets across the city, such as Platform, which offers street food and live music under the arches of Glasgow Central Station.

With five higher education institutions in the city, there's a lot of demand for accommodation. Options include university halls, private providers, and private rentals. Common student areas include Finnieston, Hillhead, Kelvinbridge, Dennistoun, and Scotstoun.

Glasgow offers an array of public transport, making it easy to travel across the city to your university campus or accommodation. There are also three international airports within 45 minutes of the city centre: Glasgow Airport, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and Edinburgh Airport. The city's subway system is quick and cheap, and there are two main train stations: Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central. Cycling is also made easy with the Nextbike scheme, and the city has many cycle lanes.

Glasgow has been called a 'dear green place' in Gaelic, and with 90 parks and gardens, it's one of the UK's greenest cities. The Botanic Gardens, the Hidden Gardens in Pollokshields, and Pollok Park offer a break in nature, and the city is surrounded by country parks, perfect for hiking and bike rides. Loch Lomond and the Highlands are also within easy reach, offering spectacular scenery.

Frequently asked questions