How to pretend you’re on holiday when you’re actually just stuck in Glasgow

No money, no problems


The older we get, the more we start to realise that not every summer can be the carefree four months spent in the sun or back at home relaxing with the family. Responsibilities start to seep out of term time and into those precious summer months. So for a lot of us, for whatever reason, we’ll all have to spend our Junes, Julys and Augusts working or studying, with little money at our disposal, in the shadow of the University building. At least that’s what I’ve spent this summer doing and in the end, it really wasn’t that bad. So I’ve decided to share with you a few tips for making your future summers in Glasgow feel more like the holidays they should be.

Do your own inter-railing trip

There are 15 stops on the Glasgow rail, each more exciting than the last.

There’s something intriguing about getting off at one of those tube stops you always fly past on the subway. What is Kinning Park? Is there an actual park there? Well, now is your chance to find out. And if you don’t like it in Kinning Park? Hop back on and take the five minute ride to the next stop. You’ll be surprised at how much of Glasgow you’ve never seen before.

Oh the places we will go

Get out and sample the local cuisine

Have you tried a deep fried mars bar yet? No? They’re really not that bad, I promise. Go on, broaden your horizons.

Try a locally-brewed beverage

What better way to remember your summer than through the taste of Glasgow’s locally brewed larger? And the best thing is, you don’t need to spend lots on independently brewed, elder flower and huckleberry infused ½ pints. Nope, you can get a lovely pint of locally brewed Tennant’s and in most bars, it will be the cheapest pint there. How lucky! You could even take a tour of the charming little brewery. I hear they give you free beer.

Visit some of the famous attractions, like the massive graveyard

Glasgow is filled with beautiful history and architecture. Wander round the city and try to look at the buildings as if through the eyes of a tourist visiting for the first time. Complete your carefree day of ambling with a trip the Necropolis, a massive graveyard perched ominously on top of a hill. It will remind you to feel lucky to be alive.

Soak up the cheap drinks and exciting atmosphere in the unions

Just because the other students are all away backpacking across Europe doesn’t mean YOU can’t enjoy the cheap drinks and thrilling atmosphere in the unions.

Get yourself down to the beer bar and make it yours. The bizarre atmosphere when you and your five friends are quite literally the only people in there is something to be cherished. For the night the entire union is yours. Own it.

Take a relaxing dip in the canal

The famously glorious Scottish summer getting you all hot and sweaty? Looking for somewhere to cool off? Why not take a dip in the canal?

Learn the local lingo

Nothing proves that you’ve had an exotic summer immersed in a new culture like picking up the accent. If your flatmate comes back from her holiday in New York with an American twang, make sure to welcome her back with a thick Glaswegian accent. You’ve spent summer somewhere fun and exciting too. It’s important that everyone knows.

Glasgow has a brilliant night life, make sure you experience as many different clubs as possible

Glasgow is world famous for its night life. Be sure to really make the most of that. Experience the breadth of clubs on offer. The shocking lows will work to emphasise the highs. Nothing will make you appreciate the true beauty of Sub Club more than spending a night at Cathouse. Trust me.

Save the local wildlife

Your friend has a picture of her vaccinating an elephant in Africa? One-up her and hunt out one of Glasgow’s very own elusive pigeons.  Get a photo of yourself selflessly offering the poor bird a scrap of your lunch. Impress your friends with your generosity.

She looks so virtuous

Get yourself to Loch Lomond

Seriously though. Did you know it costs less than £10 on the train to go from Partick? And it is genuinely lovely. Go and be a happy little tourist and enjoy the stunning natural beauty that the countryside has to offer. Because really, Scotland is not a bad place to spend the summer.