Debunking UofG myths and misconceptions

Whats true and whats false? Let us tell you…

30 minutes ago

Stephanie Gurwe | Guides

Searching for advice on how to navigate university life can be overwhelming. With numerous social media and news outlets all offering different pieces of advice, it can be difficult to decipher the difference between legitimate advice and fearmongering myths.

If you are confused on what misconceptions about uni life are untrue, then here are 5 mythbusters to help determine what advice to follow:

1. I need lots of money to travel around Glasgow

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Public transport in Glasgow involves buses, trains and the subway. If you are under the age of 22, then obtaining a Young Scot Card will allow you to travel on the bus for free throughout Scotland.

For those who prefer the subway, an all day pass costs £4.45, giving you unlimited access to the West End, city centre, and part of Glasgows Southside. This makes exploring the city affordable without putting too much strain on a student budget, allowing extra cash to be put towards a cheeky sweet treat after a lecture.

2. I will either love or hate my flatmates

Social media gives students a first impression of student halls, from group flat accounts where everyone appears to be best friends, to complaints about the kitchen constantly being dirty.Realistically, your relationships with your flatmates may feel like a rollercoaster, but it is the highs and lows that can bond you for life.

Some recommendations to foster positive relationships with your flatmates are sharing baked goods, hosting games nights, and playing drinking games to make your first year pres an unforgettable bonding experience.

Remember that it is normal to feel apprehensive about sharing a living space with strangers. However, respecting each other’s boundaries should be your key into having a peaceful flat.

3. I need money or experience to be in a society

Joining a society is a great way to meet like-minded people. The University of Glasgow offers over 300 options across academia, sport, media, culture and the performing arts.

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A misconception about societies is that you need a lot of money or expertise to join. The reality is that most societies meet on campus, so are free or low cost if they are providing extra materials or food. A non-sport society membership typically does not exceed £10 per year. Sports socs are a wee bit harder to access but if you’re truly strapped for cash but swear you’re gonna be a famous footballer one day and need the practice in the GUSA football club, you can apply for financial help through the Hardship Fund.

The majority of societies are student led, so will likely have their members eagerly searching for new members to keep the societys spirit alive after they graduate. You do not need to worry about trying something new; there will be people around you to help you navigate the chaos. Everyone who has been in the soc for years and seems intimidating once started out just like you as a wee fresher trying out something new for the first time and meeting new folk. Now look at them; holding some committee position that is entirely important, I’m sure.

Additionally, being in a sports soc gives you free entry to Sports Wednesday at GUU which is a HUGE PLUS. Can’t be missed.

4. I need smart-casual clothing for a night out

Glasgow’s nightlife caters to various musical genres, such as house, pop, indie, rock, punk, and R&B. For interactive or live performances, Supercube provides Karaoke, and LGBTQ bar and club Polo hosts drag performances and cabaret nights-perfect for those who like to take centre stage and add their own energetic spirit to the club atmosphere.

For those new to clubbing, some may assume that it is necesary to wear dresses and high heels. Although it can be fun to dress up, most clubs in Glasgow which cater to students are very relaxed, and one can get away with wearing jeans and a nice top, with trainers or other durable shoes. It is best to save your nicer outfits for society balls and affluent rooftop bars, rather than the sticky and busy floors of a nightclub on Sauchiehall Street.

Additionally, being asked to dress up in unconventional outfits or costumes for a night out is a common rite of passage when attending a society event, so having costumes or other formal and unique outfits gives you an opportunity to socialise and display your creativity.

5. I need to like drinking and clubbing to have a good time at uni

There are lots of parks and museums to learn all about Glasgow’s history, and appreciate the natural scenery which blends seamlessly with the bustling city.

The parks closest to the Universities are Kelvingrove Park (for University of Glasgow) and Glasgow Green (for Glasgow Caledonian/University of Strathclyde). Kelvingrove Park is an ideal location for a stroll near campus, and Glasgow Green is perfect for a weekend picnic. Glasgow Green also hosts the music festival TRNSMT and Glasgows Winter Wonderland. A short bus ride away from the city centre is Rouken Glen, that has wildlife trails and has a waterfall, a great spot to recharge during deadline season.

Scattered all over Glasgow are an abundance of museums. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has various artifacts including a work by Salvador Dali. For more niche or contemporary pieces, the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art, The Police Museum, and St Mungos Museum of Religious Life and Art all cater to specialist interests. They offer unique insights into different elements of culture in Scotland and beyond.

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Stephanie Gurwe | Guides