Places to live in Glasgow (For a post-grad)

s162216

s162216

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Hi,

I'm very likely going to be moving to live in Glasgow this September so that I can do an MRes in Pharmacology at the University of Strathclyde (a long way to move I know, considering that at the moment I live in Cambridge, but Scotland is so much cheaper compared to England for post-grad science courses). It will all hinge on whether Barclays approve me for the "Professional and Career Development Loan" that I'm shortly applying for (unfortunately I can only apply a minimum of 3 months before the course starts), but I would say it's almost certain as I have been saving extensively with what I'm earning with my current job.

One key area that I'm trying to get a handle on though is where I am going to live. I have been to Glasgow before, twice about 3 years ago for a course, but I stayed in a hotel in the West part so I obviously didn't really experience any of the other areas. I know that there are good, no so good and downright bad areas in Glasgow like any city, but are there are any areas that I should explicitly avoid or highly consider for not living in?

I'm looking at getting a 1 room flat or studio apartment for the year that the course lasts, but money will be fairly tight for me so living in the City Centre or the West is definitely out on cost grounds. I have found quite a few reasonably priced places in the South and East of Glasgow, and I'd just like people's opinions on living in these areas (especially factors like violent crime - my Mum is quite worried about me moving to Glasgow):

  • Govan
  • Queens Park
  • Ibrox
  • Govanhill
  • Bridgeton
  • Dennistoun
I know some of these areas are more recommended/nicer than others by what I've been able to glean from looking around on the internet, but so much of the information is conflicting that I'd just like to have some actual peoples opinions. My parents and I are going to be making a weekend trip up to Glasgow in a month or so to look at flats as well as what the university has to offer (I will admit that I'm not too keen as I really want to rent my own place), but as we'll obviously only have a couple of days it'll be good to have some idea of where's best to look.

Thanks,

Sam.
 
Glasgow can be an expensive place for digs

Have you though about outlying areas and getting a train in?

Livingston for instance has good train links direct into Glasgow central & Glasgow queen street which would be a short walk away for the University of Strathclyde campus

You could also try getting in touch with the uni direct and ask about acomodation
 
s162216 said:
Govan
  • Queens Park
  • Ibrox
  • Govanhill
  • Bridgeton
  • Dennistoun
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This is precisely what I would be avoiding at all costs. Partick is nice (and very expensive) of you like being relatively central, otherwise get all the way out of the city boundaries to somewhere like Bearsden, Dumbarton or Newton Mearns. You'll see what I mean when you get here. Cambridge is a VERY DIFFERENT place. If it looks rough, it really is very rough. Google street view can be your first indication where you don't want to walk past. @ST4 can also give some pointers about city living.
 
Don't listen to anything the "foreigners" tell you is the first advice I'd give you, or you'd be better off staying in Cambridge.
You won't be likely to come across violent crime in any of the areas that you mention, unless you walk about Ibrox or govan wearing a Celtic top :)
In all the areas that you mention, you will have "nicer" streets and not so "nice" streets.
The same would apply to Partick and Dumbarton.
Of the areas that you mention, I'd look at dennistoun first as its closer to the university, and you'd get buses on Alexandra parade into the town.
I would happily walk through any of the areas that you mention at any time without any concerns about violence etc.
 
@daugirdas I did used to live in Nottingham (when I did my degree) so I do have some idea of living in a city where you do get areas that are on the rough side (For 2 years I lived just on the edge of the St Ann's estate although it was in a private halls of residence - still it was not the nicest area to walk around in when it was dark and there were certain parts that you just knew to avoid).

It is unfortunate that everywhere that actually is "nice" is usually way outside what I can afford knowing what a meagre amount of money I'm very likely going to have to live on each month. All I can really go on is what other people say and what I read, which is why I've only really looked at flats in the South and parts of the East (I'm already aware that the East can be a bit of mixed bag) as I've already worked out to exclude the Northern parts, and the City Centre/West is just way out of what I will be able to afford.

Although I am reluctant to live on the University campus (considering what I really get for what I'll pay, having to share with 4 - 7 people [I'm a bit beyond that now to be honest having already been an undergraduate, although suppose that I currently live on the Addenbrookes Hospital site in a tower block with 3 others which is O.K as we all work different times so we're not constantly under each others feet] etc) as I would like to get my own place for once, I do suppose it would make it much easier - my parents are subtly pushing me toward it for that reason amongst others.

Bobsyeruncle said:
Livingston? It's Glasgow he's studying in, not Edinburgh:p
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Bobsyeruncle said:
Don't listen to anything the "foreigners" tell you is the first advice I'd give you, or you'd be better off staying in Cambridge.
You won't be likely to come across violent crime in any of the areas that you mention, unless you walk about Ibrox or govan wearing a Celtic top :)
In all the areas that you mention, you will have "nicer" streets and not so "nice" streets.
The same would apply to Partick and Dumbarton.
Of the areas that you mention, I'd look at dennistoun first as its closer to the university, and you'd get buses on Alexandra parade into the town.
I would happily walk through any of the areas that you mention at any time without any concerns about violence etc.
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I did look up Livingston and think it seemed a bit far away!

When I visited Glasgow for the first time about 3 years ago it was actually the day of the "Old Firm Game", and I was completely oblivious to this not following football until I got chatting with a ticket inspector on the train and he informed me! I was going to take the subway over to Hillhead, but he strongly recommended to me to get a taxi because as I remember him he putting it, about the time the train got in all the fans would be taking the subway back (probably p***ed), and if there was going to be any trouble then it would likely start around then. I took his advice although ultimately nothing really happened (according to the news anyway).

Having lived in Nottingham as I said above, I do know exactly what you mean about "nicer" and not so "nice" streets; it's easy to tell when you walk through them and I did used to mentally keep on my guard when going through certain areas (not flashing valuables etc). I'm keeping an open mind about where I'm going to live in Glasgow, and have already heard that Dennistoun is a fairly good place for Strathclyde students, although unfortunately price will be a large factor in deciding where I live (and naturally that kills most of the "good" areas off the short-list).
 
Livingston isn't too far to commute from but there's nothing there except residential estates. Nothing for a student to do on weekends and nowhere to go if you don't have you're own transport.
 
Steep said:
Livingston isn't too far to commute from but there's nothing there except residential estates. Nothing for a student to do on weekends and nowhere to go if you don't have you're own transport.
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Might not be too far to commute if your working, but for a student?
Might as well consider Stirling, Prestwick/ayr, Kilmarnock etc which would be an easier commute than Livingstone.
 
Steep said:
Livingston isn't too far to commute from but there's nothing there except residential estates. Nothing for a student to do on weekends and nowhere to go if you don't have you're own transport.
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As long it is near rail mainline it will be quick and convenient. Much better than slow and stinky bus or walking through knivey areas. Edinburgh is just round the corner which is where id spend my spare time.
In fact anything with a fast train connection should be considered.
 
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Bobsyeruncle said:
Might not be too far to commute if your working, but for a student?
Might as well consider Stirling, Prestwick/ayr, Kilmarnock etc which would be an easier commute than Livingstone.
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Its got to be said avoid Greenock and port Glasgow if looking this way
 
Dennistoun is worth a look:-

http://www.dennistoun.co.uk/property/to-rent/

There is plenty on that website that will give you a feel for the place.
It is easy walking distance (30mins) from Strathclyde Uni., therefore your travel costs could be nil.
 
I am currently working away from home ( Huddersfield ) in Erskine so can help a little.
I use sparerooms to find places and have to say there are some great places that work out far cheaper then living on your own with way more space. for one bed flats you will end up in converted tenement's or new builds and none are great. You are much better finding a nice big house with some room shares, can be had for £400/month all in. By the time you have rented your own flat at about £450/month and then gas and leccy/ phone+broadband, TV licence , you will get a reduction or exemption for council tax but will have to pay water. You will still be looking at £600+/month. Also are you going to bring a car as parking in some areas is a nightmare.

Have a good look around sparerooms and set a good budget and you will be surprised.
Remember also the trains up here are great, for instance look at Paisley. Trains every 12mins to Glasgow Central 15 mins away.
 
I'm in Dumbarton and the trains are 4 an hour into Glasgow and the bus service is good. ST4 is in Helensburgh which is a nice coastal town and on the same train line. I'd recommend what is said above about a look for a spareroom in or close to the city as if doing it solo once you add on the rent + all the rest (including more expensive public transport the further you are away) it blows your budget.

If it was me I'd look around Partick or Hyndland for a share. I go up to the Rangers games on the subway and I wouldn't use them just for the sheer crush factor but nobody would lay a hand on you. I think it's because we speak fast and even asking if you want a cuppa sounds aggressive so people get the wrong idea. It's a really good city and area to live, you'll have fun.
 
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s162216 said:
  • Govan
  • Queens Park
  • Ibrox
  • Govanhill
  • Bridgeton
  • Dennistoun
Click to expand...
Govan: probably avoid
Queen's Park: lots of lovely streets; very multicultural vibe; independent cafés etc
Ibrox: no
Govanhill: again, very busy and multicultural. Lots of interesting cafés and shops. Lots of students too.
Bridgeton: depends where; some parts are very rough (around Bridgeton Cross & Abercrombie Street) but down by Glasgow Green it's beautiful and perfectly safe and houses lots of young professionals.
Dennistoun: a really bustling metropolitan area, especially around Duke Street. Lots of nice places to eat and drink. Nice big flats. I'd move to Dennistoun in a second if I was moving back to Glasgow. It's one of the "cool" places to live, like the West End with a bit of the edge of the East End.

Regarding "bad" areas. I lived in Glasgow for many years, walking the city at all hours of the day, and I never once felt threatened and barely ever saw any serious trouble. Certainly nothing that you wouldn't experience in any major Western City. There are some areas I wouldn't go near after dark: Castlemilk, Springburn etc. But it would be extremely difficult to end up in these places by accident.
 
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Steep said:
Livingston isn't too far to commute from but there's nothing there except residential estates. Nothing for a student to do on weekends and nowhere to go if you don't have you're own transport.
Click to expand...

I don't have a driving licence (I'm 23 and when I was 17 I was all for getting one, but have never got around to it mostly because of the cost). I know what it's like to have nowhere to go, as I was effectively stuck like that for a year back at parents house (a short way out of Bedford) where there was nothing really to do and it was difficult to get into Bedford cheaply (due to stupidly expensive once an hour buses that always turned up late - didn't exactly help with me trying to get a job either when they don't start until 7:30!).

daugirdas said:
Its got to be said avoid Greenock and port Glasgow if looking this way
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Thanks, I've already got that vibe about those areas from looking around on the internet.

arclight said:
Dennistoun is worth a look:-

http://www.dennistoun.co.uk/property/to-rent/

There is plenty on that website that will give you a feel for the place.
It is easy walking distance (30mins) from Strathclyde Uni., therefore your travel costs could be nil.
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Dennistoun is pretty high up on my list because it us so close, and I am planning on taking my bike with me (it's the sort of bike that's so ordinary/cheap it's not worth nicking) so that would further cut down travel time. Starthclyde Student Union does have a section on renting, and going on what they say it's quite popular with Strathclyde students to live in.

Mr Bump said:
I am currently working away from home ( Huddersfield ) in Erskine so can help a little.
I use sparerooms to find places and have to say there are some great places that work out far cheaper then living on your own with way more space. for one bed flats you will end up in converted tenement's or new builds and none are great. You are much better finding a nice big house with some room shares, can be had for £400/month all in. By the time you have rented your own flat at about £450/month and then gas and leccy/ phone+broadband, TV licence , you will get a reduction or exemption for council tax but will have to pay water. You will still be looking at £600+/month. Also are you going to bring a car as parking in some areas is a nightmare.

Have a good look around sparerooms and set a good budget and you will be surprised.
Remember also the trains up here are great, for instance look at Paisley. Trains every 12mins to Glasgow Central 15 mins away.
Click to expand...

Whilst I would really like to rent me own place, I do see that it will probably be difficult to find somewhere that I can afford on my budget for the year (I'll probably have about £8000, maybe £9000 depending on how much I choose to borrow, to live on for the year although I am planning to try and get a part time job as well - unfortunately the terms of the loan will limit me to working 10 hours a week, but considering I'll be a full time post-grad that's probably reasonable), and I will take a look at sharing with someone. I suppose what kind of puts me off a bit is not really knowing who I'll be sharing with, I've been relatively lucky with people that I've ended up sharing with in the past, but I'm just I suppose concerned that I could end up in a strange city hundreds of miles from home living with someone who I seriously don't get on with etc. Still I'll take a good look into it as it could be much better than I'm thinking, especially considering the cost savings

Laudrup said:
I'm in Dumbarton and the trains are 4 an hour into Glasgow and the bus service is good. ST4 is in Helensburgh which is a nice coastal town and on the same train line. I'd recommend what is said above about a look for a spareroom in or close to the city as if doing it solo once you add on the rent + all the rest (including more expensive public transport the further you are away) it blows your budget.

If it was me I'd look around Partick or Hyndland for a share. I go up to the Rangers games on the subway and I wouldn't use them just for the sheer crush factor but nobody would lay a hand on you. I think it's because we speak fast and even asking if you want a cuppa sounds aggressive so people get the wrong idea. It's a really good city and area to live, you'll have fun.
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I'll try taking a look around those areas for shares as well thanks. I know what you mean about the talking fast, sounding aggressive etc as I experienced that for the first time when I went there about 3 years ago and after the initial impression wore off I had a great time. I was on this course with about 8 others, and we ended up having a goof time in the evenings going out and having fun together (expenses paid courses are fantastic aren't they!).

I'll try looking at places outside the city where I can commute from, but it just concerns me that the commuting costs would be too high to afford.

ghoti said:
Govan: probably avoid
Queen's Park: lots of lovely streets; very multicultural vibe; independent cafés etc
Ibrox: no
Govanhill: again, very busy and multicultural. Lots of interesting cafés and shops. Lots of students too.
Bridgeton: depends where; some parts are very rough (around Bridgeton Cross & Abercrombie Street) but down by Glasgow Green it's beautiful and perfectly safe and houses lots of young professionals.
Dennistoun: a really bustling metropolitan area, especially around Duke Street. Lots of nice places to eat and drink. Nice big flats. I'd move to Dennistoun in a second if I was moving back to Glasgow.
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Thanks, that generally compares with what I've already come up with through my own research. I've come across quite a few places in Queens Park and Govenhill that I would be able to afford (when estimating utility bills as well), and look nice enough to me; Dennistoun is high on my short-list like I said above, but for my budget there aren't many choices there unfortunately (same as with any student popular area I suppose). For the sort of money I'm going to have I'm not expecting to be able to get the "best", but would like to think that I could get a reasonable place to live for the year.

Thanks everyone, and sorry for the very long post! If anyone else has any comment/suggestions then keep them coming.

Sam.
 
Seriously look at sharing rather than having your own place you will save a lot of cash, possibly an extra £300/month in your pocket and if you find a place with nice people as I have you get a start on making some local friends :-)
 
As I said up there get in touch with the Uni or SU and ask, they will have a wealth of information

Bobsyeruncle said:
Livingston?
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Yes Livingston

I used to do this very commute myself, it is quick journey into the 2 main line stations that put you a short walking distance from the campus
 
I would also say it depends on what you want to at weekends?
If you want big beers and nights choose to be near Glasgow but if don't pick your place accordingly.

I stay over in Kilmacolm in a shared house but I do have a car but my main reason for being in the sticks a bit is I have my mountain bike up in Scotland and the bike trials are amazing so I can pop my camera in a small ruckie and weeknds are great, im not to bothered about pubs at weekends tho.
 
Mr Bump said:
Seriously look at sharing rather than having your own place you will save a lot of cash, possibly an extra £300/month in your pocket and if you find a place with nice people as I have you get a start on making some local friends :)
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Mr Bump said:
I would also say it depends on what you want to at weekends?
If you want big beers and nights choose to be near Glasgow but if don't pick your place accordingly.

I stay over in Kilmacolm in a shared house but I do have a car but my main reason for being in the sticks a bit is I have my mountain bike up in Scotland and the bike trials are amazing so I can pop my camera in a small ruckie and weeknds are great, im not to bothered about pubs at weekends tho.
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Well I'm looking around on Spare Room, and am actually quite surprised at what I've found so far. If I can find a suitable house share then it will save me a significant amount of money, and I really don't want to have to borrow more than I need to (monthly repayments at 9.9% APR for 5 years starting a month after the course ends!).

I will admit that I'm not exactly the hard drinking, partying kind of person although nothing says that I don't enjoy going out from time to time and having a few.
 
s162216 said:
Well I'm looking around on Spare Room, and am actually quite surprised at what I've found so far. If I can find a suitable house share then it will save me a significant amount of money, and I really don't want to have to borrow more than I need to (monthly repayments at 9.9% APR for 5 years starting a month after the course ends!).

I will admit that I'm not exactly the hard drinking, partying kind of person although nothing says that I don't enjoy going out from time to time and having a few.
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They are really good you just need to spend a while and google street view is your friend, just be aware of main roads, a lot of housing is on main roads so when looking for places try to get somewhere off the main roads. Also most places are flats, look for a top floor flat share, no one dancing on your ceiling :-)
 
Mr Bump said:
They are really good you just need to spend a while and google street view is your friend, just be aware of main roads, a lot of housing is on main roads so when looking for places try to get somewhere off the main roads. Also most places are flats, look for a top floor flat share, no one dancing on your ceiling :)
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I know exactly what you mean about the ceiling! Also on another note, where I lived at university the walls were very thin, and whenever the guy in the room next to me (who I never really got to know that well) had his girlfriend around all I could hear for hours was her quite literally screeching "oh Jay, oh Jay, oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY". I think you get the picture, I think it was more embarrassing for me having to listen to it!
 
I fell really lucky with my place and I have my own lounge and bathroom. only thing I have to supply is mobile broadband and the guy doesn't have it so its £20/month for 15gb on my EE MIFI. I pay £420 a month all in plus the MIFI.
 
Bobsyeruncle said:
Might not be too far to commute if your working, but for a student?
Might as well consider Stirling, Prestwick/ayr, Kilmarnock etc which would be an easier commute than Livingstone.
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Direct trains to Livi every 30mins from Queen st lower. Pals out there, nice quiet residential area. Crap nightlife but he's not into that and like me, he'd sooner wipe his bum with his bare hand than spend a moment longer than neccessary in glasgow.

In saying that, Aidrie etc is closer and of a similar calibre to Livingston.
 
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Whatever you pick look at the cost of public transport I just did a quick livingstone to glasgow return check £17 not cheap at all similar return journey from Paisley less than £6 remember the OP is a student
 
hi buddy im from glasgow the east end of glasgow so here gos my 2ps worth


  • Govan no go
  • Queens Park i would say shawlands
  • Ibrox no go
  • Govanhill no go
  • Bridgeton no go
  • Dennistoun depends what part

    sandy hills ok depends on what part
    tollcross rd or london rd depending on what part
    the spinney which is between sandyhills and tollcross

    pollokshaws is between queens park and shawlands
 
Mr Bump said:
Whatever you pick look at the cost of public transport I just did a quick livingstone to glasgow return check £17 not cheap at all similar return journey from Paisley less than £6 remember the OP is a student
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Off peak times halfs that fare (do students need to go in peak time?), and will a student go to uni every day anyway?. Paisley is a good shout and handier to be fair, and closer to Loch Lomond etc and the nice scenery. Better trains on the Paisley line too ;)

Livi gives the OP the chance to get into Edinburgh for spare time, which is a far nicer city than Glasgow
 
lol Edinburgh is nice but there is parts that are s*** holes just like glasgow
 
hoochy1 said:
hi buddy im from glasgow the east end of glasgow so here gos my 2ps worth


  • Govan no go
  • Queens Park i would say shawlands
  • Ibrox no go
  • Govanhill no go
  • Bridgeton no go
  • Dennistoun depends what part

    sandy hills ok depends on what part
    tollcross rd or london rd depending on what part
    the spinney which is between sandyhills and tollcross

    pollokshaws is between queens park and shawlands
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Bridgeton can be absolutely fine depending on what part.
Lots of beautiful flats and apartments around the green. Mostly inhabited by young doctors, lawyers; lots of academics and teachers too. You've even got very trendy eating/drinking haunts like WEST on the Bridgeton/Calton border and you're only a ten-fifteen minute stroll from the metropolitan capital of Glasgow: Merchant City.
But I wouldn't spend too much time around Bridgeton Cross or the streets northeast of the Abercrombie/LondonRd junction after dark. Although you'd probably be okay. I've walked from WEST to Bridgeton train station at Bridgeton Cross many, many times after dark with absolutely no trouble.
 
Long commutes mean less time in bed and more train fare is still more fare regardless of student or not.
look at the sparerooms and also look at the train stations on the line and see what you can find.

worst case scenario is go find somewhere for 3 months and look around for a more permanent place :)

Also with sparerooms you know exactly how much you will be paying for the first few months while you look about.
 
ghoti said:
Bridgeton can be absolutely fine depending on what part.
Lots of beautiful flats and apartments around the green. Mostly inhabited by young doctors, lawyers; lots of academics and teachers too. You've even got very trendy eating/drinking haunts like WEST on the Bridgeton/Calton border and you're only a ten-fifteen minute stroll from the metropolitan capital of Glasgow: Merchant City.
But I wouldn't spend too much time around Bridgeton Cross or the streets northeast of the Abercrombie/LondonRd junction after dark. Although you'd probably be okay. I've walked from WEST to Bridgeton train station at Bridgeton Cross many, many times after dark with absolutely no trouble.
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im not saying you have not but walking through a area and staying in it are two different things well in my book any way when i was younger i used to kick about barrowfield ghoti you may know of it but i still would not live there or bridgeton any ways take your time buddy to choose
 
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hoochy1 said:
im not saying you have not but walking through a area and staying in it are two different things well in my book any way when i was younger i used to kick about barrowfield ghoti you may know of it but i still would not live there or bridgeton any ways take your time buddy to chose
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Loads of nice parts in and around Bridgeton now. Greenhead St, Templeton, new builds on London Road and Gallowgate. All upmarket apartments sought after by young professionals.

Of course, there are dodgy parts of Bridgeton too but I certainly wouldn't write off the whole area.
 
The general area around Queens Park is nice, there's a few areas around it that are just as nice - Battlefield, Mount Florida, Cathcart and Crosshill. That whole area has become much more 'studenty' recently. I spend a lot of time in Govanhill and I wouldn't recommend it, it's one of the most dangerous areas around Glasgow at the moment. Any trouble that happens in Govanhill generally stays there, so an area like Crosshill that borders it will be completely fine. It's a shame as there's some lovely housing in Govanhill, great services, a wide selection of food shops, etc.
 
Thanks for the comments and advice that you've all given me so far. Having reflected on everything, I am going to now probably look more toward finding a house share than a 1 bedroom place, mostly on cost grounds, but like @Mr Bump points out, it'll also help to get to know some other people as well. I'm now starting to get a feel of what people think of the various areas, and when I visit Glasgow shortly it'll be of help to know what sort of areas to look in (I will be using Streetview, but there is nothing like actually being there).

I've taken a look at Paisley, but to be honest I think I would prefer to be within a reasonable distance of the university so I can easily use facilities like the library, the gym etc. I will still consider it though.

Sam.
 
Defo the right idea, house shares are so cool and things have moved on so much, for £400-£500 there are some stunning shares out there that are a no brainer.
I have seen penthouse shares for that money if thats your bag, and massive old flats, maybe you can find like minded course students and make it serious fun.

Also if you find a nice lady move in with her :-)
 
if your on face book buddy join glasgow born and raised tell them you know hoochy and as if any one knows of any flat shares you will get loads of people telling you what is around them hell some may even have one
 
The student room forum is quite good on info when moving to a city you do not know so well www.thestudentroom.co.uk/
I always used a bike back in my student days for getting about so would want somewhere within cycling distance of uni if possible rather than having to catch trains or busses. You are a lot safer getting about after dark on a bike compared with walking.
 
I did an MRes at Strathclyde and stayed in townhead. It was a 5-10 minute walk to the uni. For my MRes it was full time, in early and leave late, wanted to get the most out of it. So this might affect travel times.
 
Thanks for everything guys, I'm probably in a much better position now trying to find somewhere to live in Glasgow for the year. Like I said above, I'll think try and find a houseshare in a "nicer" area (sifting through what's above to get the general consensus on the areas!), and if at the end of the day everything does go completely wrong and I can't find anywhere then there is the on campus post grad accommodation (which as I said, I'm not keen on but it's there if it really comes to that).

@hoochy1, thanks for the tip on the facebook page, that could be very useful in finding somewhere.

@boliston I am planning on taking my bike as living in Cambridge for the past 8 months I've discovered how useful a bike is for getting around without having to catch buses etc, and that also follows with what @HuntingMartians says, as I fully want to get the most out of the MRes, and if possible find somewhere to live somewhere which is within a cycle-able distance, as that will make it even easier for getting there/back (plus it might save some money).

Thanks,

Sam.
 
If it were me I'd try and get a flat share as close to Byres Road as possible and just cycle into the city to the University. It's about three miles and takes 15 minutes according to Google so even if you double that time it's still not exactly a big commute.

Byres Road has plenty of bars and there are couple of clubs around also, the main place of activity being Ashton Lane but there are many other places nearby. Full of students (Glasgow Uni is right there) and some eccentric types and hardly any neds (chavs), it's a very safe area, probably one of the safest where there's a nightlife also and lots of nice girls who aren't chavy. Plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants etc and even a cinema. There's also an underground station so on a horrible day you can jump on the tube and get off at St Enoch's and walk up to the uni. If you want to go to the bars or clubs in the city centre then there's plenty of buses which will take about 10 mins. There's also a huge taxi rank on Byres Road and easy to grab a cab. There's a supermarket at the top of it and the Botanic Gardens which is great to chill out and have a beer during summer and there's various events there also (Bard in the Botanics etc)

To the south of Byres Road you have Partick and you'll come across the odd ned and jakey but nothing to worry about. It's an upcoming area and plenty of decent wee places to visit there also (cafes, pubs etc). Walking towards the city you have the Transport Museum, the Tall Ship, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and some nice parks plus more nightlife along Argyle Street (before it hits the city)

It's definitely sacrificing any commuting costs and spending that bit extra to stay in a nicer and safer area. If money is tight I would prefer to be able to go out at night without having to worry about how to get there and more importantly how to get home at 2-3am! On and around Byres Road it's all on your doorstep. It will probably cost a little more than other places but then you won't have commuting and late night taxi costs. I'd also recommend sharing with one or two others, it's cheaper, more sociable and will help build a friends network quicker.
 
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