Other things you need to know

Medical
As a student you are entitled to register under the NHS so will be entitled to medical treatment in the UK . Bring a record of your medical history with you for your Glasgow doctor.

If you are coming to the UK from a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis, you should contact your local British Embassy or High Commission to find out if you need to have a TB check before applying for your student visa. You may also be checked for TB on arrival at the airport in the UK .

Internet Access
Once you have registered with the University you will be able to log onto the University network and use the internet and email for free. However, until you do register, you will not have access to the internet. The International and Graduate Office has a number of computers which students can use to access the internet before they are registered. Also, there are a number of internet cafes in the city where for a small fee you will be able to either use in-store computers or access their wireless network. The nearest ones to the University are:

-EasyInternetCafe – 57/61 St Vincent Street

-Café Internet – Waterstones bookshop, 153/157 Sauchiehall Street

-Yeeha Internet – 48 West George Street

Electricity
Electrical current in the UK is 240 volts. Adaptors for any electrical appliances you may bring with you are available to buy in airport shops and in many shops in Glasgow city centre e.g. Boots or WH Smith for approximately £3 to £5.

Public Transport
There are 3 forms of public transport in the city; buses, trains and the underground. There is a Travel Centre in St Enoch’s Square in the city centre (close to Glasgow Central train station) which provides information on all public transport services in the city.

Buses
The main bus operator is First Buses which covers the whole city, with smaller, localised operators covering certain routes. Major bus routes have services which run from early morning to late at night and a frequent service during peak hours. Fares are usually between £1.00 and £1.60 for a single journey, although day and weekly tickets are available. Prices for weekly tickets for students start from around £12.50. Maps and timetables are available from the Travel Centre in St Enoch’s Square subway station

Trains
Train services operate to the suburbs of Glasgow and further a field. Glasgow Central is the main station for train services to London and the south as well as southern and western suburbs of Glasgow, whilst Queen Street is the main station for services to Edinburgh, the East and North of Scotland as well as northern suburbs of Glasgow . Fares vary greatly depending on distance travelled, but are generally more expensive than travelling by bus. Timetables are available from railway stations.

Underground/Subway Railway

The Underground/Subway has a circular route, serving the city centre and western suburbs. Trains are frequent and fast and a single journey costs £1.20. Information is available from the Travel Centre in St Enoch’s Square Subway(underground) station and from most Subway /underground ticket offices.

Shops
Glasgow is known as the best UK shopping destination outside of London , with everything from designer boutiques to second-hand stores. The city centre also has several supermarkets, so you can easily stock up on the things you need. The cost of living in the UK may be more expensive than you are used to at home, however there are a number of discount stores and ‘pound shops’ nearby selling everything from home wares to clothing and food.