Precision Medicine student Rinta explores things to know before you move to Glasgow

Do I regret the decision of moving to Glasgow to study? No. Do I regret not planning and being unprepared? Heck, yes!

When I moved to Glasgow, I was fairly confident that I would breeze through university life. After all, I have lived away from family, how would things be any different? To ‘prepare’, I watched a couple of YouTube videos on life in Glasgow, read a few blogs, and was all set to take over the world. Turns out that I wasn’t even half as prepared as I should have been.

So here’s me offering insight into what I’ve learnt (the hard way) over 6 months!

1. Education here is different

If culture shock hits you like a truck, learning shock is like being rammed by a bulldozer, and it comes without warning. In my schooling and undergrad degree, I’ve had exams throughout the semester with relatively easy assignments. Academics here took a full U-turn from the usual route I’ve been used to. I have had days where I have cried my eyes out, being so sure that I would end up getting a C or a D; nonetheless, I am doing much better now. However, I would like to give you a little heads-up before you come here. The university encourages us to learn independently and think critically. So go through your course modules at least a month before you start university. To the postgraduates out there, I would like to say that it is expected of you to have your basics strong, so sharpen your rusty knowledge. Developing your critical thinking and writing skills could help you transition better to this system. Do not be daunted by all of this, you will slowly ease into this academic construct, and our University has amazing professors who will guide you if you ask for help. UofG also has Student Learning Development services that offer live classes and advice on academic writing and math to help you out.

2. It is expensive here

I want to throw this out there ‘Expensive’ is a subjective term. Students coming from developing countries might feel the heat of inflation and economic crisis in the UK. The rent prices range between 350-700 pounds/month for a room and are influenced by the area you live in. The WestEnd (Partick/Hillhead/Kelvinbridge/Finneston) is pricier, but it is closer to the university; but as you go south or north, the rent gets cheaper, but the commute’s longer. When it comes to shopping for groceries, Lidl, Asda, and Aldi are comparatively less expensive than their counterparts Sainsbury, Tesco, Morrison’s, and M&S. Take into account the high cost of living and prepare an estimate of the essential cost you will have to incur during your stay at the university. To get more tips on budgeting, do check out the budgeting blog written by my Unibuddy colleague.

3. Part-time jobs don’t come easy

If I had a nickel for every person who has said that it is easy to get a part-time job in Glasgow, I’d be a millionaire. When you come here, don’t expect that you’d get a job straight away. You might have to knock on a few doors and scour through job sites. It might take a few weeks to months before you land your first job. But do not give up, and keep applying! UofG Careers Service also has a Student Job Hub that advertises local and on-campus part-time jobs that students can look at and apply to. However, it is also important that you sit down and work out your monthly budget and the time you can dedicate to your job.

4. Protecting yourself with the UofG safe zone app

Pepper sprays are illegal here, and I was only told about this a few hours before my flight. I had to topple my bag and scramble for that small item hidden in the depths of my clothes. But if you are like me, concerned about how you are going to protect yourself. Our University has a UofG safe zone app which can be used on campus, in student halls, or in between. If you are in need of help, first aid, or in an emergency, you can alert the security team on campus. You can also share your location with the check-in and check-out timer button. Click here to read more about the app. Click here to download.

So relax, take a sip of your favorite beverage, note down the things you ought to do, and I’ll be back with more tips on how to prepare for your life here.

First published: 11 May 2023

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