Firhill Court – A hidden gem a stone’s throw from the nightmare that is Murano

No, we are not private accommodation.  Yes, it was on the University accommodation list when you chose your own. And yes, it is right next door to the football stadium.

Whoever thought it would be a good idea to put student accommodation basically on top of a football stadium is, quite frankly, a little shit.

In case you haven’t heard of the Partick Thistle Stadium, you might have seen their mascot; a giant, terrifying and grotesque sun-shaped creature. It’s the stuff that children’s nightmares are made of.

The scheduled day of arrival to the University clashed with a home match at the stadium, making it nearly impossible to safely get from the car to the halls without bumping into at least three passionate and vocal supporters.

Nevertheless, compared to Murano, a literal village in itself, it is paradise.

Murano is basically the size of my hometown – the name Student Village could not be more appropriate – it is basically a village inhabited by, well, students. Nevertheless, the bonus of a free bus service during fresher’s week meant many of us at Firhill made the trek up to Murano to catch it. But, it failed to materialise on every occasion, forcing us to turn classy and get a taxi.

Many view Firhill as not even being in existence. Any new people I meet, chances are they’re from Murano – because let’s be honest, that place could house the whole University – and Firhill has to be described as the one about 200 metres away from you. It’s literally right down the road, a stone’s throw away. But no one knows it exists.

Firhill itself is luxury compared to the ever-circulating horror stories from Murano. Yes, we do have a TV in the kitchen. Yes, our beds are three quarter size, and yes, en suite doesn’t hurt. But that’s fair compensation considering our proximity to the stadium.

More room for spooning

A toilet and a show in one – what more could you want?

Who cares that we had to buy our own kettle and toaster?

Who cares that there are four stools to share between six people? We have double beds, and a TV with more than four channels.

Like the majority of the other student accommodation in Glasgow, Firhill Court is a 25 minute walk away from the university, making an 8:30 trek to the uni for a 9am lecture a fate worse than death.

Of course, there is the eight-seater bus to take you there, but, unfortunately, it is only an 8-seater, thus guaranteeing that you won’t get a place unless you’re waiting for about an hour in advance.

On the plus side, it means that you don’t have to go to the gym as much, as doing that hike at least twice a day is sufficient enough exercise for the rest of the week.

Firhill may be unknown, but you’ve never seen luxury like it.