As a student, the start of a new university year is always exciting. All those new people and opportunities… oh, and the studying.
The first term is especially thrilling for the new wave of freshers, who quickly fill the unions with their youthful faces, leaving the older students feeling, perhaps, not so fresh. If you're part of the latter group, here are a few things to do (before settling down to work) that will make you feel as fresh as a first year – hopefully with a little more grace and a little less vomiting in the shared toilet of your new halls...
The Pub
During freshers' week the unions are a no-go, full to bursting with cheesy pop and teenagers drunk on magic pints. Instead head to Coopers on Great Western Road or The Old School House on Woodlands Road. These unfussy Belhaven pubs are both very near Glasgow University Gilmore Hill campus, and both offer a student discount during term time. The impressive range of craft beer draughts and weekday deals means it’s an affordable place to get a ‘pint of fun' that doesn’t have WKD as an ingredient.
The Day Out
Airspace Airspace UK
Airspace Glasgow in East Kilbride is the perfect place to blow off some pre-term steam, as it is literally a room full of trampolines. Their ‘free jump’ session is only £13, which won't break the bank but will buy you a journey back to your childhood. They also have dodgeball, slacklines and an airbag. Take your new flatmates and go crazy - no need to join the gymnastic society anymore.
The Attraction
Glasgow CathedralCalum Haigh
As Glasgow fills with hundreds of new students, all excited to be part of such an amazing city, it’s a good time to remind yourself why you chose to study here too. The Glasgow Necropolis and Cathedral are a stone throw from Strathclyde University campus and offer beautiful views of the city as well as some impressive architecture and history. Stop in for a craft pint at Drygate Brewery, just at the bottom of the Necropolis, and make a day of it.
The Catch Up
Cappuccino at PapercupLindsay Middleton
Long summer breaks often mean you don’t see your uni pals for months. Catch up over a coffee in Papercup on Great Western Road, where they roast all their own coffee, or glam it with a cocktail in Bar Soba. The perfect opportunity to learn how to make origami with all the leaflets you have just been handed.
The Shops
Everyone wants to look their best for the start of the new term, especially when there is a whole crowd of fresh faces to stand out from. Head to Vintage Guru and The Glasgow Vintage Company, both in the West End, for some quirky and affordable vintage shopping to complete your signature look. Or, if 'previously loved' isn't your thing, Glasgow shops Abandon Ship Apparel and Fat Buddha Store offer current and trendy fashion for men and women, guaranteed to have you looking too cool for school in no time.
Fancy more activities? Check out things to do in Glasgow.