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University of Glasgow
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University of Glasgow
 The university of Glasgow was founded in 1451. It is one of the ancient universities of Scotland and the fourth oldest in the UK. It offers a wide range of traditional academic courses and it is the only university in Scotland to offer all of the professions. There is a campus on Gilmorehill in West Glasgow, as well as facilities at Loch Lomond and in Dumfries. FacilitiesLibrariesThe University has one main library and a number of subject-specific "branch" libraries, housing almost 2 million volumes altogether. Main LibraryLocationThe main library is situated on Hillhead Street, just off University Avenue, opposite the Main Gate. AccessTo access the main library and also to check out books, you must have your matriculation (matric.) card. Upon entering the library, place your matric card over the sensor on one of the turnstiles and wait for a green arrow to appear. (If this doesn't happen, you'll need to speak to a member of security [desk located to the right of the turnstiles]) Term-time Opening Hours
These opening hours are for the main library only, and does not include the Reading Room or the Special Collections Department. Separate opening hours for these departments can be viewed On the University Library Website.  Vacation Opening Hours Not confirmed for Spring Break- check with library for details
These opening hours are for the main library only, and does not include the Reading Room or the Special Collections Department. Separate opening hours for these departments can be viewed On the University Library Website. Searching for BooksThe quickest way to search for books is to use the library catalogue. This is available off campus here or on one of the catalogue computers in the main library. The catalogue uses a Boolean search (you need to use "AND" "OR" and "NOT" between words unless you're looking for an exact phrase) and searches for all books in both the main library and the branch libraries. Requesting BooksIf the book you want is currently checked out, you can "place a hold" on the book. This means that you can ask for the book to be kept for you once it's returned. Once the book is returned, you will receive an email from the library telling you that it's available for collection.
Checking-Out BooksIf you wish to check out a book, you can do so by either taking it to the level 2 (entrance level) lending desk or using the self-service machines opposite the lending desk. (Note: If you are checking-out items from the short loan collection, you must use the self-service machines located within the short loan collection) Using the Self-Service Machines The self-service machines are really easy to use. To start, scan the barcode of your matric. card and wait for it to load your details. Next, depending on what is asked of you on screen, either scan the barcode (located inside the front cover of books), or place the book spine down (as shown on screen). If the book is successfully checked out, the machine will make a noise and ask for the next item. Continue this until all your books are scanned. To finish, press print receipt button on the screen. A receipt telling you of the book's due date will be printed. Returning BooksBooks from the short loan collection must be returned using the self-service machines in the short loan collection. To do this, you must place the book spine down and then place it on either the trolley or in the white bin. Books from elsewhere in the library must be returned to the level 2 lending desk. Outwith the library's opening hours, books may be deposited in the "drop-box" to the right of the library entrance. Layout of the LibraryThe library is spread over 11 floors, with each floor home to books on a number of subjects. Levels 3 to 9 have both a main floor and an annexe. A floor plan of the library is available here Branch LibrariesThe following are the main branch libraries at the university:
IT and ComputingComputers are now located on almost all levels of the library, with the exceptions of Levels 9 and 11. All of the computers have the ability to print, with black documents priced at 5p per page, and colour documents priced at 50p per page. All levels of the library also possess the ability for those with laptops of accessing the university's wireless network. Wireless access is also available in certain locations outside of the library. For a full list of these areas, see this website. There are also a number of "clusters" in each department. However, access to them depends on the department, so consult someone in your department before using them. SportsThe Glasgow University Sports Association (GUSA) and the Sport and Recreation Service (SRS) share charge of all sports facilities, clubs, teams and classes in the university. The majority of their services are offered from the Stevenson (Stevie) Building, just off University Avenue near the GUU. MembershipAll matriculated students of the university are eligible to become members, with a year's membership costing £30. FacilitiesThere are 2 sports complexes at the university. They are the Stevenson Building and the Garscube Sports Complex, located at the West of Scotland Science Park on Maryhill Road. Full details of the facilities offered at both sites can be viewed here WelfareStudent welfare is looked after the independent Students Representative Council (SRC). There is more information on this listed below. HealthcareAll students staying in University of Glasgow student accommodation are required as one of the conditions of their contract to register with a local health service. More information is available from accommodation services. There is also the University Health Service which is available free of charge for all Glasgow University students for consultation on a variety of health problems. BanksThere are no banks on campus, however, there are ATMs in both Unions, and also in the John McIntyre building. The nearest banks are located on Byres Road, a two minute walk from the QMU or a five minute walk from the GUU. There is a Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Nationwide, Clydesdale and Loyds TSB all located on Byres Road. The Royal Bank Of Scotland usually set up stalls during fresher's week in order to allow new students to open Student Bank Accounts. TransportThe University is served with excellent transport links with buses running through campus and others running along Byres Road, a short walk from the University campus. Hillhead Subway station is also a short walk away and is located on Byres Road. BusesA day ticket will cost you £2.55 and a weekly ticket will cost you £10.75. (A valid student card must be presented for these prices to apply and were right at the time of writing this article [21st Nov 06]) Running east to west (and vice versa) is the 44 bus, operated by First Glasgow. These buses run anything up to every 6 minutes at peak times. Running north to south (and vice versa) are the 18, 89 and 90, all operated by First. These buses run at least one every 20 minutes throughout the day. EDIT A First all day ticket currently costs £3.00 with a two-journey ticket £2.50, student discounts are not offered by first on regular bus tickets.(Feb08) SubwayThe nearest subway station to the university is Hillhead. Whether you're using the subway for transport to the city centre, elsewhere in the city or even an infamous SubCrawl, then the Subway is a cheap and fast way to travel. A single journey costs £1.10, a return journey costs £2.20 or after 9.30am, a "Discovery" ticket (basically an all day unlimited ticket) costs just £2.50. For the long term, a 28 day ticket costs £28. Again, all prices were correct at time of writing [5th May 08] Careers serviceThe University operates a careers service. This is located at the end of University Gardens, opposite the Main Gate of the University. Religious facilitiesThere are a large number of places of worship in Glasgow. The best way to find one is probably Google as there are too many to list here. The University also runs a chaplaincy service for students of all beliefs (or no religion at all). More information is available here SocialBars, Pubs and clubsGlasgow is famous for having some of the best pubs and clubs in Scotland and the majority of these are located in the city centre. However there are still a number of bars and pubs around the university. The majority of these are on Ashton Lane, just off Byres Road, which is home to the likes of Irish Pub Ginty McGintys, Bar Vodka Wodka and the Belgian Bar and Restaurant Brel. On Byres Road, there's also Curlers, known as the oldest drinking house on Byres Road and a popular stop on the aforementioned Subcrawl. In the city centre, a large number of clubs are situated on Sauchiehall Street. These include ABC, Firewater, Nice n Sleazy, Campus and The Garage. To make the most out of Glasgow's nightlife, however, a little bit of exploration is required as the pubs, clubs and bars are well spaced out across the entire city centre. I would add a little more detail here, but alas, I've been too pissed to remember half the places I've been out to since I came to Glasgow, so I shall leave it there. Clubs and societiesA list of clubs can be viewed here. There are however some which aren't listed, so it's best just to ask students whether a specific club exists, and if not, make it happen! The SRC are more than willing to give funding to clubs and society providing that you get adequate membership. AccommodationFull details regarding accommodation can be found on the University's Accommodation Services website ResidencesThe university has six different locations available for 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students. With the exception of Wolfson Hall, all residences are self-catered. All first year students will be given accommodation for their first year provided they meet the following criteria
Cairncross HouseCairncross House is home to 235 students with both single and twin rooms, with the majority of first year students expected to share. All single rooms have data points, and twin rooms have two. Murano StreetMurano Street Student Village is the largest of the student residences and has 1,150 single rooms, organised in 10-12 person large flats, or in 4-5 person smaller flats. Each room has its own washbasin, with toilet and shower facilities shared within the flat. All rooms have data points for internet connection, and a direct-dial telephone. Murano Street is located 1.25 miles to the north of the university, which takes approximately 20-25 minutes to walk. A Tesco superstore is around 10 minutes walk away, with Lidl 15 minutes away. Regular bus services operate from closeby to the village, connecting to the city centre and to Byres Road, adjacent to the university. Queen MargaretThe newest of the student residences, all rooms are single, modern, en-suite rooms. All rooms have data points. Student ApartmentsNot technically a student residence as such, the Student Apartments are flats within walking distance of the university. Winton DriveWinton Drive (nicknamed Legoland due to it's appearance from the outside) is one of the smaller residences. All rooms are single and come with data points. Wolfson HallLocationWolfson Hall, which is the University's only catered-for accommodation, is set in the West of Scotland Science Park, which is also home to the GUSA Garscube Complex. With the Vet School a 10 minute walk away, it is popular with undergraduate Vet students. Situated around 3 miles from the main University campus, it is the furthest out of all the university residences. However, public transport links are good, with buses to the university leaving from Maryhill at least every 20 minutes throughout the day. TransportThere is a bus stop just outside of the Science Park campus (about 2 minutes walk from the halls) which is served by First services 8 (Balfron to Glasgow Buchanan Street), 10 (Drymen to Glasgow Buchanan Street), 40 (Clydebank to Easterhouse via City Centre), 9X, 109, 19X and 119 (all Baljaffray to Glasgow Buchanan Street), all of which go past Maryhill Shopping Centre, where you can change bus for connections to the University. First services 8 (Carmyle to Partick) and 18 (Summerston to East Kilbride) both go down Byres Road, a 2 minute walk from the University. In addition to public transport, there is also a direct charter bus service operated by Citybus which runs from Wolfson Hall to the University at 8:20am and 9:15am and returning at 4:10pm, 5:10pm and 6:10pm. There is a cost of £250 [correct for session 2007/08] for use of this service. AccommodationAll rooms are single, with a choice of shared bathroom facilities or en-suite (the majority of rooms are en-suite) and furniture comprises of a single bed, desk, wardrobe and book shelves. The accommodation is split into 5 blocks (named A to E), with A, B and E blocks having a mixture of shared and en-suite accommodation and C and D blocks having solely en-suite. Catering FacilitiesThe price of accommodation includes 2 meals a day; breakfast (brunch at weekends) and dinner, with vegetarian options available. There are also "snack kitchens" which have a fridge, microwave and kettle. Other FacilitiesCar parking is provided for free outside of all blocks. Laundry facilities are also provided free of charge in each block. Each laundry has at least 1 each of washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board. A computer cluster which is connected to the University network is also free of charge. A University IT account (this is also your WebSURF login) is required to use this. A "common room" with pool and football tables. There is also a tuck shop in the common room which is run by the Student Committee. A library, which many students find useful as a study environment. Internet access is available in all rooms, via another university network (although a login is not required for this), upon the completion of a user agreement. Private sectorThere are a large number of private sector flats available in and around the West end. The majority of these are priced between £250 and £350 per person, per month, excluding bills. You should be aware that for flats with 3 or more people staying in them, a multiple occupation (HMO) license is required. The landlord pays for this, and you should not move into a flat that doesn't have one, as not only is it illegal, it may also be dangerous to do so. Student unions and RepresentationGlasgow is (I think) unique in the fact that it has two student unions, the Glasgow University Union and the Queen Margaret Union. The QMU is located on University Gardens, just off the West end of University Avenue. The GUU, on the other hand, is located on the Eastern end of University Avenue and has the GUSA's Stevenson Building nearby Glasgow University UnionThe Glasgow University Union (GUU for short) was, in days gone by, traditionally for men only. Until as recently as 1980, women were not permitted to become members. Following increased pressure from the University Court (they threatened to withdraw the Union's lease for the Extension), the members voted in favour of admitting women to the Union. PricesQueen Margaret UnionTaken from the University Website: Queen Margaret Union www.qmu.org.uk The Queen Margaret Union has an impressive reputation as a gig venue and seeks to raise awareness about issues affecting people throughout the world. It is also a central place on campus for students to meet friends, and generally get involved in student life. The QMU has a massive programme of regular entertainment topped by Cheesy Pop, the longest running and most successful student nightclub in the country and Revolution, the very popular rock night on Tuesdays. The Union regularly screens blockbusters and cult films. Jim’s Bar acts as the social centre of the QMU and entertainment includes quizzes, bands and an open-mic night. The Union’s catering operation is the biggest on campus, providing for thousands of students every day with the Food Factory and the exclusively Fair Trade coffee bar. The QMU also provides students with 24 hour study facilities, laundry room, pool tables and a TV room. Several times a year the whole building is filled all night with students attending the 12 Hour Cheesy, the QMU’s Christmas and Easter extravaganzas. The QMU has a great track record in attracting live bands. The Union has seen performances by Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and, more recently, The Fratellis, Tegan and Sara, The Ting Tings, the Proclaimers, Elbow, Hot Hot Heat and many more. PricesStudent RepresentationThe SRC is an independent body which represents all members of the student body. NUS ReferendumOn the 15th of November, the SRC held a referendum, in which all current Glasgow University students were eligible to vote in, to decide whether or not the SRC should affiliate to the National Union of Students (NUS). A huge 93% of those who participated voted no to affiliation, which would have cost the University somewhere in the region of £50,000 per academic session in affiliation fees. EnvironmentArchitectureAlthough some of the university buildings could be considered typical of any UK university - vast concrete towers designed for function over aesthetics, Glasgow has some architectural jewels which give it its distinct character as one of Scotland's ancient universities. The main building, sometimes referred to as the Gilbert Scott Building, is the flagship campus building, with its famous bell tower looming over the West End, and visible from around the city. Other notable buildings are the Reading Room and the award-winning £7.5 million Wolfson Medical School Building. Currently under redevelopment adjacent to the University Library is the iconic Hub building, which will house all of the university's front-linestudent services when it opens in late 2008. The original building was opened in 1966 and served at the heart of the university until it closed in May 2004 for its current upgrade. Local areaTeaching qualityApplying to GlasgowThinking of applying to University of Glasgow? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Glasgow ArticlesWhy not read these other University of Glasgow Articles? Links
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