Now that my student exchange application has been submitted, I have been spending more time researching about the city of Glasgow. It’s a little daunting, but super exciting to think I will potentially be living there starting September 2014. Thought I’d share some of the neat things I’ve learned so far about Glasgow. Preliminary research, of course. I’ll add more as I continue reading more.
I am quite glad I am doing my PLN on this pre-departure preparation. Not only is it a great way to put this assignment into practice for my class, it’s also been really interesting finding information in different avenues. It’s also practically beneficial in helping me prepare!
Quick Facts about Glasgow
- Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and one of the largest cities in the UK (population: 598,830 according to the 2011 census)
- People living in Glasgow are called “Glaswegian”
- Glasgow is roughly made up of 5 regions: City Centre, West End, East End, South Side, and The Clyde — University of Glasgow is located in the West End
- The Glasgow Underground is the subway system made up of two orbital routes (outer and inner circles) — it’s supposedly nicknamed “The Clockwork Orange” but is actually rarely called that by locals and more often called the “subway” or “underground”
Some places I’m definitely plan to check out
Food and Restaurants:
- Philadelphia — for their fish and chips
- No 16 — a Scottish Bistro
- The Stravaigin — “think global, eat local” is their motto
- Chinatown — when I just need some “home” food
Cafes for afternoon tea:
- Cafe Phoenix — a second hand bookstore with coffee/tea and cakes
- Once Upon a Tart — their desserts look delicious!
- Tchai Ovna — huge variety of tea!
Music:
- Glasgow Concert Halls
- STEREO — a vegetarian cafe/bar with live music
- The 13th Note — said to be one of the best independent music venues in Glasgow
- Momo — for music, food, and records
- The Sold Rock Cafe — supposedly Glasgow’s loudest pub when there isn’t a local football/soccer game happening
Theatre and Performing Arts:
Museums and Attractions:
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (free entry)
- Gallery of Modern Art (free entry)
- Riverside Museum (free entry)
- Glasgow Science Museum
- Kibble Palace (free entry) — one of the few Victorian glasshouses remaining in Scotland
- The Hunterian (free entry) — Scotland’s oldest public museum, in the University of Glasgow
- The Burrell Collection (free entry)
- The Lighthouse (free entry)
- Glasgow Cathedral
Fun things going on now that I hope will be around when I am there
- Glasgow International Comedy Festival — March-April
- West End Festival — June
- Glasgow Mela — Early June
- Glasgow Jazz Festival — End of June
- Solas Festival — End of June
- Winterfest Glasgow/Glasgow Loves Christmas — late November onwards
Thoughts or Questions? 