A short guide to making the most of your time at UofG

Hiya!

I am officially a University of Glasgow Mathematics alumna now. Though I am back for my Master’s, with excitement of course, I do think back on my undergraduate life often. Since I now know how it all turned out (the good, the bad, the ugly) I might even go as far as to claim that I may have some valuable insights for you.

To be realistic, and to be true to my life at the University of Glasgow, I am writing this not as a list of things you must adhere to. In fact, this is just a compilation of lessons I have learned. I hope it gives you some ideas too.

Here is a short guide to get you started
:smile:

Value knowledge first and foremost

Take electives/courses in unfamiliar subject areas.

Keep an eye out for research opportunities within your college.

There are extra courses that are run by other faculties and teams across campus. Creative writing classes, LinkedIn masterclasses, and dissertation insight classes are great practical ones.

Sign up to the newsletters/emails. The Careers Hub is a great source for jobs, all the way from part-time to internships to full-time roles; both in UK (and Scotland) as well as international.

Make friends in other courses (trust me, so many great things you will learn!)

Love and friendship

Go to fairs (collect free keychains and tote bags but also enjoy the university atmosphere): fresher’s fair, sports fair, careers fair, refresher’s events.

Say yes to outings – socials, (pub) quizzes, society events.

Tag along with people (seriously, just show up to things with your friends).

Charity events (e.g. RAG [Raising and Giving] society does an entire RAG month filled with charity-based events).

Clubs and societies – SRC website!

Join the gym: the university gym do free classes at no extra cost to your membership. From yoga, to pilates, and spin classes, there are tons of activities to choose from! The sports membership gives you access to a wide range of sports clubs. Don’t worry if you are not competitive – most societies have recreational teams!

Money matters

Your student ID is your golden ticket - always have it on you and always ask if stores/bars/restaurants do discounts.

Unidays, and Studentbeans are your go-to apps for discounts on almost every mainstream service/platform/organization out there.

Too Good to Go: save food that would otherwise go to waste at the end of the day and get it at a fraction of the normal price. Some fantastic brands are on TGTG including Blank Street, Tinderbox, and Krispy Kreme (plus many local restaurants and cafes!)

Do new things

Go to local places that run social events (e.g. Parlour pub quiz every Monday, and Waterstones crochet or book club).

Join a new sport (try out all the free sessions you can).

Sign up to volunteer (e.g. fresher’s helper, class representative, society committee member, college or school mentor/mentee, run in the Student Representative Council elections).