You might already have a strong impression of what student life in Scotland is like from the movies. From the magical cloisters at the University of Glasgow which resemble Hogwarts, to the iconic One Day graduation scene in Edinburgh, studying in Scotland is often highly romanticised. But perhaps you’re wondering just how accurate the fiction is and what the reality of being a student in Scotland is like.
This blog offers an insight into Scottish student life, from the practicalities of finances and accommodation, to more trivial matters such as the infamous weather and what you might get up to in your free time. It will paint a more realistic picture of student life in Scotland and help you decide whether your experience could be just like the movies!
Finances - The less glamorous side of Scottish student life:
The movies are great at showing the more interesting parts of university in Scotland – from overnight study sessions in the library, to the biggest parties in town. And whilst they understandably overlook some of the more practical, ‘boring’ parts, such as budgeting and managing your finances, these still comprise a large part of student life.
So just how expensive is it to be a student in Scotland? Although prices are continuing to rise, the cost of living in Scotland still remains slightly lower than the rest of the UK. As a result, you might find your student budget goes further and you have fewer financial difficulties if you do choose to study north of the border.
Attending a university in your home nation is also more profitable if you are a Scottish student, since you will receive free tuition. As well as a cheaper academic experience, there are also other financial perks to living in Scotland, such as the Young Scot Card. This provides free bus travel to those under 22 years old, as well as discounted train travel, and cheaper access to museums and historic sites around Scotland. The best thing? You don’t even have to be Scottish to apply for a card, so long as your uni flat has a Scottish address.
However, although the overall cost of living is cheaper in Scotland, there is an exception for certain cities. Edinburgh, for example, has often been proclaimed one of the most expensive cities in the UK to live in as a student. If budget is a major factor in deciding where you want to go to uni, you might be better opting for smaller Scottish cities such as Dundee and Aberdeen. These will still enable you to have the experience of studying in Scotland, but could leave your pockets much fuller than the bigger cities.
Accommodation – Can I live in a castle?
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that Scotland is quite old-fashioned, with some even questioning whether there’s WiFi and electricity past the Central Belt (yes, I have actually been asked that!) Fortunately, although perhaps less romantically, this is not the case with any of the Scottish university cities or the accommodation that can be found within them. Indeed, there is the same selection of university halls of residence, purpose-built student accommodation (such as studios and private flats) and residential flats, as in other uni cities.
Depending on which university you want to apply to, your living situation could be as rural or central as you desire. For example, those attending the University of Strathclyde could choose to live in the heart of Glasgow, whilst alumni of the University of Stirling may wish to live in its regal campus (possibly the closest you’ll get to living in an actual castle!)
If you’re looking for student accommodation in Scotland, we have lots of great options to choose from. They might not be as dramatic as the Traitor’s castle, but at least you’ll sleep soundly at night!
Rain, glorious rain!
TV shows tend to go one of two ways with the Scottish weather – either ignore it altogether and pretend there’s glorious sunshine, or romanticise the rain. The reality is that it rains A LOT and it’s pretty cold for most of the year. If you do want to study in Scotland, you should prepare to incorporate waterproofs into a lot of your outfits and bring a good selection of jackets (I’m talking one waterproof, one warm and one that’s both waterproof and warm at least).
The weather can also be an issue if you’re staying in a residential flat, since excess rain can result in mould, whilst the cold may mean you’re in for a lot of chilly evenings. This makes it particularly important to thoroughly assess the condition of any flat during viewings to check for mould or damp, and ask the current tenants about their experience. You may also want a stash of cosy blankets or hoodies to keep you warm.
Ultimately, you shouldn’t let the weather put you off studying in Scotland - you will get used to it, but being prepared will definitely help!
What if I get bored?
If you’re looking for a busy city to keep you entertained during your time at university, you may be concerned that Scotland doesn’t have as much to offer as its English counterparts. However, the wide variety of things to see and do in Scotland means you’ll never have a dull day.
Glasgow has been named a UNESCO City of Music and hosts some of the best concerts in the world each year, whilst Edinburgh is home to the iconic Fringe Festival. Whichever city you choose, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by plenty of historic sites and museums – a perfect activity for one of those rainy days!
There’s also a lot of green areas, as well as beautiful munros (mountains in Scotland with a height of more than 3,000 feet) and beinns (Scottish Gaelic for summit) to explore if you want to escape your city for the day. Citylink buses (free with your Young Scot Card) and excellent rail connections also make it easy to travel between the major cities - perfect for a day out or to visit friends studying at other universities!
Your very own Scottish movie moment?
Whilst the movies may overlook certain practicalities and realities of Scottish student life, they do get one thing right – studying in Scotland can be a magical and unforgettable experience.
The reduced cost of living north of the border, combined with the excellent variety of accommodation on offer will enhance your overall experience, whilst the vast range of things to see and do means you’ll never be bored. And whilst the weather may not always be up to scratch, it is an inevitable (and dare I say) memorable part of studying in Scotland.
All in all, whilst studying in Scotland may not be exactly as in the movies, you can still definitely have a main character moment!
