Glasgow vs Edinburgh

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That is sooooo untrue! Glasgow is a lovely city, and yes I shall admit that there are certain areas where attacks are more prone to occur, but doesn't every major city have such problems? I'm sure stabbings etc etc occur in Edinburgh aswell as in Glasgow. With Glasgow it all depends upon the area, as some are worse than others, if you know the areas to avoid then you are fine, Glasgow University is situated in the West End of Glasgow, also known as the posher/nicer side. People are making it sound as though, everytime you step out of your front door people are waiting to attack you. I have lived just outside of Glasgow my whole life, and i have never been attacked nor do i know anyone who has ever been stabbed when in the city centre or there abouts.Glasgow is always portrayed as this dangerous city, full of psychopaths just waiting to attack you, which it is not! Whats more the vast majority of Glaswegians are so down to earth and friendly. What's more Glasgow is an amazing university, just as good as Edinburgh in many subjects!

Reply 21

Jingaling

I've been to both cities for university visits, and although Edinburgh is a lovely place, I couldn't get to like the atmosphere. When I went to Glasgow, I just found it totally different and I just loved the whole scale of the place!

Every city has it's bad parts, and pretty much everyone was very warm and friendly to me! Also I've fallen in love with the university completely! It's soo beautiful! I know Glasgow does have it's bad parts, but so does everywhere! And the place is huge, but still very welcoming.

I know it's all opinion based, but I couldn't find any of the vibrancy I found in Edinburgh in Glasgow, and that's why I like it there!

Reply 22

clash

It really annoys me how people have this idea that Glasgow is some kind of crazy depraved crime ridden hell hole. Its simply not true. I've been out in Glasgow countless times and I've hardly ever witnessed a fight- I've probably seen more trouble in St Andrews!

Post-WW2 when Glasgow witnessed a period of economic decline it was a very tough city- sectarianism and violent crime were major problems. However, they have become less serious, indeed, Edinburgh used to be the AIDS capital of Europe due mainly to its heroin problems (anyone seen Trainspotting?). Glasgow has numerous and large housing schemes ('projects' for the yanks) and many of these estates suffer acute deprivation- hence the higher crime statistics for Glasgow. However, as a student you are unlikely to frequent these areas so its not really an issue.

Times have changed and Glasgow is a vibrant and fashionable city. Personally I prefer its nightlife (the QMU on a friday is immense) to Edinburgh's and it is undoubtedly better for shopping.

As to appearances, Ediburgh is undoubtedly prettier. However, the West End (where the main Glasgow Uni buildings are) is a very nice area which was built upon the immense wealth, when Glasgow was the second city of the Empire. Furthermore, the City Centre has some interesting architecture- you just have to look up! I've always thought of Glasgow as being a more real city- I think it has more character than Edinburgh. But thats subjective.

As for asian populations, I know that there is a fairly large Chinese community in Glasgow. There is even a 'chinatown' (which is in reality a glorified wharehouse).

However, they are both great cities and I imagine you would enjoy student life in both.

Reply 23

fabuleuse

I have gone to school and university in Glasgow for 11 years and have never once seen a serious crime incident (although admittedly I rarely go there at night.) Last time I was in Edinburgh, I witnessed a fight outside a club just off Princes Street where a man ended up covered in blood and a girl was nearly thrown under the wheels of a taxi.

The West End of Glasgow (where the university is situated) is a very posh area, full of young professionals and artsy boho types.

I don't know any statistics, but I was under the impression that there was a large Asian community in Glasgow. My best friend is Chinese (her family are from Hong Kong too, although she's Glasgow born and bred.) I read the other day that there is a non-denominational primary school in Glasgow where 95% of the pupils are Muslim...

Reply 24

ha_mint

i just went to this UK university fair here in hong kong yesterday, and talked to reps from both edinburgh and glasgow and they were both sooooooooooo amazingly friendly that i still can't seem to decide. and im also taking liverpool into consideration but, well... seems like it would make things a tad more complicated to bring that in here as well.

thanks everyone for the advice :biggrin:

Reply 25

~Kirsty~

I would say edinburgh, living costs for me in edinburgh is £220 a month rent, £10 a month internet and phone line, £30-40 a month on bills (gas and electricity) i spend about £40 on food, so my monthly outgoings are about £300 before socialising of course! Edinburgh as a city has lots of other international students and excellent airport, which is close to the city (about 20-30 minutes bus ride into the city centre direct from the airport!)

Also if anyone else is considering edinburgh, i need a flatmate for next year, hint hint.