Picking which Scottish city you want to study in can be difficult – after all, there are lots of lovely ones to choose from! Whilst this shouldn’t be the only thing you think about when deciding where to study, the city you choose will still have a big impact on your university experience. This blog breaks down what things you should consider when choosing a Scottish city, and summarises the key attributes of some of the main ones.
What are you looking for?
A busy city or a quiet campus? Perhaps one of the main things to consider when picking a Scottish city is the atmosphere you want to be surrounded by at university. If you always want there to be lots going on, you might choose to go to one of the major cities, such as Glasgow or Edinburgh.
There are also smaller cities, such as Aberdeen and Dundee, which will still have everything you need, but might feel slightly less overwhelming.
On the other hand, if you are looking for peace and quiet, you may want to choose a smaller place to study, such as Stirling or St. Andrews.
Within each city, there will also be universities which are more central or rural. For example, in Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde is located in the city centre, meaning the hustle and bustle of city life will be a part of your everyday routine.
The University of Glasgow is situated on a campus in the West End. As a result, it is quieter and has more of a student feel, but is still within walking distance to the centre, giving you the best of both worlds. In this sense, you can still study or live in a quiet area, even if you do end up in a bigger city.
How do I decide if I can’t visit all of the cities in-person?
Visiting all of the cities you apply to can be time-consuming and costly, particularly if you do not live near them. If this is the case, the next best thing you can do is to attend online open days or offer holder days. As well as giving you information about the university and courses on offer, these can also provide insights as to what student life in each city is like and give you a chance to ask current students any questions you have. You might also want to watch videos by student influencers in the cities you are considering, since they can show you what a realistic day might look like. However, that being said, nothing can beat actually going to see the city yourself, especially since it is where you could be living for the next three or four years.
Although it might be impossible to visit all of the cities you are applying to, you could prioritise and visit your top two or three. Similarly, if you have a university offer that you want to accept, going to see your city in-person can help to reaffirm your decision. Whilst you’re there, you can also go to view potential accommodation and familiarise yourself with the city. This should help you to feel more confident when you move there to start university.
The main university cities summed up:
If you’re still unsure which Scottish city is right for you, here are a few of the main ones:
- Glasgow: The biggest city in Scotland. Great for culture, music and sports. There are four highly ranked universities to choose from, with some in the city centre, and others located on campuses outside it. There are lots of good bus and subway links to get around, as well as great shops and museums. The weather is a touch on the rainy side, but it’s Scotland – what do you expect?!
- Edinburgh: Perfect if you’re looking for an aesthetic city and love studying in cafés. As the capital of Scotland, it is very historic, with beautiful Georgian streets and over thirty fascinating museums. It also has four universities to choose from, with some split across the city centre, and others on campuses at a commutable distance from it. As well as being extremely diverse, the city also hosts the annual Edinburgh Fringe – the largest performing arts festival in the world. However, it can be quite touristy and gets very busy around summer and Christmas periods. It is also the most expensive Scottish city to be a student in.
- Aberdeen: A good sized city, which still has everything you could possibly need. The universities are both a little distance from the city centre, meaning you will have more of a traditional campus experience. There is a beautiful four-kilometre-long beach to walk, run or cycle on, and the city also has a rich maritime history. However, some people do find the excess granite off-putting!
- Dundee: A very walkable city, which is located alongside the River Tay. There has recently been a lot of investment in it, with the renovation of the riverside and the opening of the V&A museum. Its two universities are within walking distance of the city, and it is a great location to explore the rest of Scotland from. It has a colourful reputation, and is not necessarily as safe as some of the other cities mentioned, but will definitely give you a fun and memorable experience!
- Stirling: A beautiful city, which is like a mini version of Edinburgh. It has an invaluable place in Scottish history, with its famous castle and role in the Battle of Bannockburn. The university campus is located in a secluded area, with frequent buses to take you into the city centre. There might not be quite as much to do, but it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter city or campus.
- St. Andrews: Features the oldest university in Scotland which is often compared to Hogwarts due to its beautiful architecture. As a town, it has a more friendly and student-y atmosphere, but still features plenty of lovely shops, as well as a gorgeous beach and world-famous golf course. However, it is quite remote, with the nearest train station being around 5 miles away. It is also notoriously difficult to get accepted into, so it is worth having a back-up option!
One last reminder
Choosing which Scottish city to study in can be difficult, especially if you have never been to some of them before. Ultimately you will need to consider what type of atmosphere you want to be surrounded by and what you want your everyday life at university to look like. If possible, you should also try and visit your chosen city, since nothing fully compares to seeing it in-person. Ultimately, each Scottish city has its own quirks and charms and each one can provide you with an unforgettable uni experience!
