My son will be attending the University of Glasgow first semester 2024 and I am planning to visit him for a few days. I need suggestions on where to stay that is close to the Uni and ideas for things for us to do together with no car.
Posted by
Lake District, England
7214 posts
One idea would be-
Accommodation Services can offer short-term accommodation in University guest flats within certain halls of residence. This accommodation is ideally suited to visitors and tourists and new members of staff seeking a temporary base whilst investigating the local property market. For further information on availability and rates, please contact us:
Telephone: 0141 330 4743
Email: [email protected]
(I assume they do this in term time)
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is actually part of the University. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (I don't believe in 'must see' places, but this is one I would always highly recommend to a Glasgow visitor) are just across the river Kelvin which borders the campus, the excellent Riverside [Transport] Museum is a short walk area as are the Glasgow Botanic Gardens in the other direction.
The [Charles Rennie] Mackintosh House is also part of the university, as is the Zoology Museum.
There is a University guided tour- https://www.glasgowunisrc.org/services/historical-tours/
There is also a self guided tour- https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/visit/campustours/prospectivestudents/studentsselfguided/
We haven't even got into the City Centre yet!!
The red route of the Glasgow HoHo bus calls at the Museum- which is a great way to begin to explore the City. The red route is north of the River Clyde, the yellow route south of the Clyde. That all means it would be very easy for you to stay in the City Centre, use the HoHo while you and more importantly your son get to grips with the City bus system, then use the city buses to the University. The 4/4a and the 15 run by First Glasgow are the main buses to Campus. Hillhead subway station (on the circular Glasgow Subway, aka the Clockwork Orange) is also key. The Subway has just got a brand new fleet of trains.
Posted by
Delaware
1417 posts
Hi, Emily,
To add to what isn31c has already mentioned, I would add visits to the People's Palace, Glasgow Cathedral, and the Necropolis. All of them are free, and the People's Palace will pretty much give you the history of Glasgow from the viewpoint of its residents.
As you'll be staying near the Uni, I would highly recommend a visit to the University Cafe on Byres Road. It's a Glasgow institution, and an experience which should not be missed. Even if you don't sit down for a meal, at least get an ice cream. The cafe has been in the same family for over 100 years. Try their pie, beans, and chips, or pie, peas, and chips.
You didn't say exactly how long you'll be in Scotland, but Edinburgh is just a short train ride away, if your son is not too busy with his studies.
Enjoy Glasgow!
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
Lake District, England
7214 posts
On another thread @Gerry M has mentioned that the people's palace is closed for refurbishment until 2027- https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/peoples-palace