Private Rented Accommodation
If you have decided not to live in The Glasgow School of Art's Halls of Residence or have not been offered a place, then you will need to find accommodation in the private sector. You should find and secure accommodation in advance of beginning your study in September.
Private accommodation can include:
- Private rented housing from an independent landlord or letting agent
- Commercially studnet Halls of Residence
- Lodging
Students should be aware that private sector accommodation market is currently very challenging across the UK and Glasgow is no exception to this. There is a shortage of private sector accommodation in Glasgow and this has led to an increasingly competitive and expensive market in areas across the city. Students are encouraged to secure accommodation in advance of beginning their course and it is therefore really important that students begin searching for accommodation as soon as possible after accepting their offer to study. Students should book as many viewings as possible and be ready to pay a rental deposit when a suitable property becomes available. It is also recommended that students broaden their search area to accommodation outside of Glasgow City. Glasgow is a relatively small city and has excellent options for public transport, meaning that you can get around the city and to a range of towns and areas beyond the city quickly and easily. Finding somewhere to live is a combination of hard work, persistence and determination.
The GSA Student Welfare Service has produced 4 guides packed full of helpful information to assist students with their private rented accommodation:
Information and helpful tips for students searching for private accommodation in Glasgow.
Information and links to resources explaining the rules and regulations for privately rented accommodation in Scotland. All students looking for accommodation should arm themselves with this information before beginning their search.
Useful information in case you encounter any problems with your private accommodation.
Important information, resources and tips regarding your finances when renting privately.
Looking for flatmates?
Student Welfare can provide list of GSA students (current and perspective) who are looking to get in touch with other students searching for accommodation. To be added to the list please complete and return to Student Welfare the attached consent FORM
You will then be put in contact with fellow students to discuss finding accommodation and flat-sharing.
General Enquiries about Private Accommodation
For general private accommodation enquiries please get in touch with our Student Welfare Department at welfare@gsa.ac.uk for further details. Please email welfare@gsa.ac.uk if you have any questions or concerns about sourcing accommodation in the private rented sector.
Enquiries and Private Accommodation Advice Sessions with Student Welfare on Zoom
Student Welfare are hosting Zoom drop-in sessions to discuss finding accommodation in Glasgow. Sessions will provide info & advice around navigating your search, answer questions and discuss any current difficulties with finding accommodation in Glasgow. Unfortunately we're not able to provide or advertise accommodation in the sessions.These sessions are run on a drop-in basis so there is no need to book in advance.
Monthly on Tuesdays at 1pm (UK time)
4th April, 2nd May, 30th May, 27th June, 25th July, 22nd August
Join Zoom Meeting
https://gsa-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/94336987998?pwd=ZWFYcUNOM2dDemcxY3ZUQ1BZWHZhQT09Links to an external site.
Monthly on Thursdays 3:30pm (UK time)
20th April, 18th May, 15th June, 13th July, 10th August, 7th September
Join Zoom Meeting
https://gsa-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/93304235546?pwd=ZzhjeUFLbW5zd3ZtYmNwNXRQdWlXUT09Links to an external site.
GLASGOW TRANSPORT LINKS:
Student concessions on buses, coaches and trains
If you are a young person under the age of 26 years, or older but in full-time education, then you may be able to get travel discounts on certain coach and rail services:
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/greater-glasgow/plan-journey/students
If you are under the age of 22 and living in Scotland you may be eligible to apply to travel by bus for free:
https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme/#overview
Glasgow ScotRail: For rail travel within or out with Glasgow, you could buy a Young Person’s Railcard for £30 and reduce the cost of most UK travel by up to 1/3. Anyone between 16 and 25 (or mature students aged 26 or over and in full time education) can apply for these cards: Student railcard. One of the main things to watch with this card is it cannot be used before 10am on weekdays.
ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/
The Glasgow Subway
Although there is no actual student discount, you may be able to make some savings via Smartcards and Zonecards.
Subway: https://www.spt.co.uk/travel-with-spt/subway/
For private accommodation advice and guidance please contact welfare@gsa.ac.uk
