2014/15

GUIDE FOR STUDENTS NEW TO

Believe it. Achieve it. Index Welcome to Glasgow 2 Welcome to Glasgow We hope that you enjoy your time as a student in Glasgow and that your experience of Glasgow is 3 Getting Around Glasgow interesting, safe and enjoyable. The details in this booklet are for general guidance about things that you will need 4 Checklist to be aware of, but if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the International Student Support 5 First Days: Banking and Registering Co-ordinator or any member of the Student Services team. with a Doctor and a Dentist Arriving at 8 Accommodation Glasgow Airport is situated in the outskirts of Paisley, about 8 from . Buses and taxis 9 Staying Safe are available outside the terminal for travel into central Glasgow, or to the nearest rail station (Paisley Gilmour 10 Reporting Hate Crime Street). 10 Diversity & Equalities Travel from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow City Centre 11 Immigration and Visa Rules By Bus 12 Working The First Service 500 (Glasgow Shuttle) and First Service 13 Settling In 747 (Air Link) buses run to Glasgow city centre from the airport. First’s Glasgow Shuttle provides you with a direct 16 Things to Do service between the airport and Glasgow city centre, operating up to every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, and 18  and takes approximately 25 minutes. An adult single ticket costs around £7.00. Student Support www.spt.co.uk/bus/index.html for route information. By Taxi Taxis are available at the airport 24 hours a day. Journeys are metered and the fare to the city centre is about £24 to £26, as regulated by Council. By The nearest rail station to the airport is Paisley Gilmour Street, about a from the terminal and easily reached by taxi or bus (service 66). There are direct rail services from Paisley Gilmour Street to Glasgow Central, 8 an hour on weekdays and 5 per hour on Sundays. Glasgow has an excellent public transport system. As well as buses and trains, there is an underground train service. The cheapest form of travel is the bus. Most buses do not give change, so you should have the correct money to get on board. If you are travelling by train you should buy your ticket in the station before you get on. Students are able to buy cheaper travel tickets using their Student Card.

2 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk Getting Around Glasgow Buses Underground Buses can be the cheapest form of travel and information The Underground system circles Glasgow City Centre, on fares and timetables can be obtained from Buchanan and through the West End of the city. Trains run from Street Bus Station or Traveline Tel: 0871 200 22 approximately 06.30 to 23.00 on Monday to Friday and 33 www.traveline.org.uk. 10.00 to 18.00 on Sunday. The nearest underground station to the City Campus is and is the central bus terminal for the nearest to Riverside Campus is Bridge Street or St Glasgow. It is just a two minute walk from the City of Enoch’s Station. Check www.spt.co.uk for times and Glasgow College, City Campus. fares. Local bus companies: Taxis First Bus Glasgow: www.firstgroup.com If you are going to be out late, it is advisable to get a Arriva: www.arrivabus.co.uk taxi home, and the cost could be quite cheap if you are sharing the taxi with friends. The black Hackney cabs you Trains see at taxi stances and in the street are licensed so they If you are a student aged between 16 and 25 or over 25 are the safest to use. You can order a taxi by calling the but still in full time education, you are eligible for a ‘16-25 following number: Rail Card’ discount on rail journeys. Glasgow Taxis Tel: 0141 429 7070 Please ensure you check the time of the last train home There is more information about keeping safe when out to avoid being stranded at night. and about in the city under Staying Safe or in the leaflet See www.nationalrail.co.uk for information and times. ‘Personal Safety’ which you can find in the Student Residences and in the Student Services offices.

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 3 Checklist When you arrive in Glasgow make sure you have done the following: • Tell your family you have arrived • Report to the College International Office with passport, visa and qualifications certificates • Arrange payment of fees • Open a bank account • Register with the (if applicable) • Register with a doctor/health centre •  “Like” our International Support Facebook page • Attend your College Induction • Get ready for the Scottish weather – buy a warm waterproof jacket, boots, scarf, hat and gloves To get updates on events and activities happening in the College and throughout Glasgow and keep in touch with fellow International Students, just “Like” our City of Glasgow College International Support Facebook page. Use the page to discuss your ideas and suggestions. Our friendly staff in Student Services are on hand to help you with all of the above if you need any help.

You will find a copy of this guide plus some more useful information guides by accessing MyCity, International Student Support.

4 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk First Days: Banking & Registering with a Doctor & Dentist There are a few things that you will need to organise as Costs soon as possible after you arrive, for example opening a bank account and registering with a doctor. Here is a small list of approximate costs to help you with budgeting while living here in Glasgow. You should open a bank account as soon as you can as the process can take between two and three weeks. To open an account you will need the following documents: Approx • Passport and visa Basic Goods costs (£) •  Proof that you are a student (a letter from the College and your student card) Loaf of white bread £1.00 • Proof of your address (lease / tenancy agreement) 1 litre of semi-skimmed milk £1.00 A bank will ask for a letter from the College to confirm that you are enrolled on a course. You can get this letter 6 medium eggs £1.70 from a Student Advisor in the Student Services offices. Margarine (500g) £1.00 Please note that you are only permitted to open ONE bank account during your stay in the UK. Therefore you Cheese (250g) £2.00 will only be given one bank letter from the College. For this reason, please make sure you choose the bank that Cooking Oil (1 litre) £1.60 will suit you best. Pasta – uncooked spaghetti £0.80 Below are some of the banks that students use in (500g) Glasgow: Santander Rice (1kg) £1.85 35-39 Gordon Street Noodles (300g) £1.60 Glasgow G1 3PF www.santander.co.uk Drinks

Royal Bank of Scotland Coca-Cola (2litres) £1.90 23 Glasgow G2 3AD Coffee – Instant (100g) £2.00 www.rbs.co.uk Tea Bags (80 bags) £1.85

Bank of Scotland Mineral Water (2litres) £0.85 167-201 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8BU Cup of coffee £1.40-£3.00 www.bankofscotland.co.uk Cup of tea £1.00+

Currency Non-alcoholic drink £1.20+ The currency in the UK is Pound Sterling (£) • 1 pound (£1) = 100 pence (100p) Other • Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 Daily newspaper 50p-£2.00 • Bank notes: £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100 Paperback books £7.00 +

Magazine £2.50+

Cinema Ticket £5.50-£7.00

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 5 Groceries Health and Emergencies You will find many places to buy your day to day foods in Health Service (known as the NHS) is the Glasgow. There are large supermarkets that stock a wide state health care service in the UK. Most services are free. variety of food items and household goods. There are All International Students in full time education in Scotland also smaller traditional stores including: are eligible for NHS treatment, whatever the length of their studies. This also applies to dependants ie. spouses and • Greengrocers that sell fruit and vegetables dependants under 16 years old (19 years if still at school). •  Fishmongers that sell fresh fish, sea food and some speciality poultry Doctors • Butchers that sell fresh meat It is important that you register with a doctor (also known as General Practitioner or GP) as soon as you arrive in Glasgow also has a number of more specialist food shops Scotland. To register, visit a local doctor’s surgery during including Chinese supermarkets, Halal Butchers, and opening hours and take a letter from the college to prove you health food stores: are a student. You will fill in some forms and then you will be sent a medical card through the post which will have your Supermarket Speciality NHS number on it. If you are ill you can make an appointment with your GP. Solly’s Fruit and Veg African and This consultation is free and if you require medicine you will 381-383 Great Western Road, Caribbean be given a prescription to take to a pharmacy. Prescriptions Glasgow G4 are currently free of charge in Scotland. Chans Ltd. Asian If you live in the Student Residences, staff there will help you 37 - 39 Farnell Street to register with a local doctor. (off Garscube Road), The NHS website service will help you locate your nearest Glasgow G4 9SE GP via a postcode search: www.nhs24.com/FindLocal Just enter your postcode, Asian See Woo select the service you are looking for (e.g. GP, dentist etc) Chinese Supermarket and the search will bring up local services/practitioners for The Point, 29 Saracen Street, your area. Hill, Glasgow G22 5HT If you are ill when your GP surgery is closed and you are too ill to wait until it reopens you can access NHS 24 by Oriental Foods Asian and phoning 111. This is an out of hours phone service which 303 Great Western Road, Halal offers help and advice. Glasgow G4 9HR If you need urgent medical treatment and you are able to get to hospital, the hospitals below offer an Accident and El-Baraka Middle Emergency service: 333 Great Western Road, Eastern deli Victoria Infirmary Glasgow G4 84 Castle Street Grange Road G4 0SF G42 9LF Super Asia Asian and Tel: 0141 211 9600 Tel: 0141 201 6000 328 Road, Halal Glasgow G41 Dentists You should also register with a dentist. Dental treatment is Strawberry & Spice Garden Fruit, Veg and not free of charge. You should try to register with a dentist 53-54 Forth St, Spices Glasgow G41 2SP

6 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk who treats NHS patients and check if they will see you in cases of an emergency. If you are treated as a private patient (i.e. not through the NHS), you will be charged a higher price for any treatment you receive. To find a doctor or dentist near where you stay, telephone the NHS information line on 0800 22 44 88 or check their website www.nhs24.com For emergency dental treatment, particularly if you have not yet registered with a dentist, contact: Glasgow Dental NHS Trust 378 Sauchiehall St Glasgow G2 3JZ Tel: 0141 232 6323 to make an appointment. NHS charges apply, but usually the cost is no higher than £35, depending on the treatment required. If you would like more information on healthcare services in Glasgow, please contact the Student Advisors in Student Services. Sexual, Reproductive and Emotional Health Free contraception is available from Student Advisors at any of our Campuses. If you would like to see a professional about an issue you have, The Sandyford Initiative provides a sexual health service across the whole of Glasgow. Sandyford services can provide you with all the information and help you need when it comes to sexual, reproductive and emotional health. Sandyford Initiative 2-6 Sandyford Place G3 7NB Tel: 0141 211 8601 Health and Personal Insurance Even though you are entitled to free NHS treatment while you are in Glasgow, you should take out health insurance to cover additional possible cost, for example, costs of visiting home if a relative is unwell. Endsleigh is one company who have policies specifically for International students studying in the UK. Information can be found at: www.endsleigh.co.uk

International students are expected to be able to support If you need urgent medical themselves financially and this includes finding a place to treatment are unable to get to live. Before coming to the UK, you should have organised accommodation at least for your first few days or weeks. hospital, the emergency telephone number for an ambulance is 999.

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 7 Accommodation The Student Advisors have an Accommodation Guide Council Tax which provides advice and information. If you are having any problems with your accommodation, please see one This is a local tax that people are required to pay for of the Student Advisors in Student Services without delay. services such as road maintenance and refuse collection. Most students studying full-time college courses do not What Type Of Accommodation Is Available? have to pay Council Tax but you must fill in a form to apply for this exemption and get it stamped by College Residencies staff to confirm that you are a student here. You will City of Glasgow College Student Residences be able to get this form from Student Services. If you share a flat with someone who is not a student you may The college has some self catered student be eligible for a reduction in Council Tax, but not an accommodation at the Riverside Campus (St Lukes) and has secured some additional student accommodation exemption. near the city campus. For more information and to apply Living away from home for a place, This may be the first time you are living away from home; email: [email protected] there can be a lot to remember so please follow the Other Student Residences advice below to keep your possessions safe: • Don’t forget about insurance - make sure your This is accommodation specifically for students. You important things are covered. You can get contents can choose to live alone in a room and share a kitchen insurance from companies such as Endsleigh insurance with other students or rent a flat of your own. You may wish to consider an alternative accommodation provider. • In shared accommodation, look after each other - keep These student accommodation developments are the outer doors locked and check who you let in or who easily accessible and within walking distance from our follows you in. Challenge anyone you don’t know campuses and include on-site management Offices and • Lock doors and windows before you out caretakers 24 hours a day. They also have CCTV and secure door entry systems. • Keep gifts, cash and valuables safe and well hidden • Put your postcode on your valuables with a UV pen. If Privately Rented (Flats) your valuables are found this will make it easier for your After you have been in the UK for some time and have items to be returned to you by the Police found a small group of friends, you may wish to share a • Leave a light on in a room and close the curtains when furnished flat or house together. You will share the rent, you go out at night heating and lighting bills, the food bills and the cleaning. This sort of accommodation can be cheaper than the • Make sure callers to your home are genuine, always ask other types. for identification Many students share flats while they are studying. The Accommodation Guide that you can get from Student Services includes the websites and contact details of companies that rent flats in Glasgow. Prices can range from £350-£550 per month for a one bedroom flat in the city.

8 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk Staying Safe The College is committed to providing all students, staff and visitors with a safe and supportive environment. Glasgow is a safe and friendly city however you should always be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense wherever you are. Below are some tips to enable you to stay safe: Buddy up: If you are returning home late at night, avoid isolating yourself. Try to walk in groups, use public transport and stay on well-lit streets. Make sure that you have your mobile phone with you. Areas to avoid after dark: Parks and isolated areas. Students based at Riverside campus should avoid the if walking alone, especially at night. The College is currently working with the Police to improve lighting and install CCTV at the Clyde Walkway. Stay alert: Listen to your instincts. Pay attention to what is going on around you and avoid blocking out sounds with earphones. Your eyes and ears are your best defence. If you think you are being followed, either on foot or by someone in a car, do not ignore your instincts. Try to go to a busy populated area. If you feel you are in immediate danger run, scream and make a scene! Let people know where you are and where you are going: If you’re going out, let your friends and flatmates know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Cash machines: Be aware of others around you at cash machines and try not to use them at night or in poorly lit areas. It is much safer to use a cash machine inside a bank or to get cash-back at a supermarket checkout when paying for groceries. Do not open your door to strangers: Make sure you check who the visitor is by checking their identification before you open the door. If you are concerned do not open the door! A door chain can also be useful. Using taxis: If you are travelling at night you should use a taxi. Glasgow Taxis are a distinctive black -style cab and are licensed to be hailed from the street or official taxi rank. You can also book by telephoning 0141 429 7070. If you are out do not accept taxi offers from private taxi companies. This is illegal and can also be dangerous. If someone attempts to steal something from you, do not resist: your safety comes first. It is important that you report any theft to a member of staff and the police. If you are feeling worried or vulnerable, speak to a Student Advisor. If you live in Student Residences and are concerned about a stranger within the accommodation telephone security immediately. The Students’ Association and College work closely with to ensure your safety. You can find some useful information regarding personal safety on the Police Scotland website: www.scotland.police.uk In the event of an emergency, dial the Emergency Services on 999, for police, ambulance and fire services.

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 9 Reporting Diversity & Equalities We are committed to advancing diversity and equalities Hate Crime across all aspects of College life and take seriously our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, which Hate crime is a crime committed against a person or includes ensuring fair treatment for staff and students property that is motivated by “malice or ill-will towards an across the following protected characteristics: identifiable social group”. It is likely that you have been a victim of hate crime if you believe that you have been • Age targeted because of your: • Disability • Disability • Gender reassignment • Race • Marriage and civil partnership • Religion or belief • Pregnancy and maternity • Sexual orientation • Race • Transgender identity • Religion and belief Hate crime can take a number of forms and it is important • Sex to report a hate crime to either the Police directly, or through our College, which is a Third Party Reporting • Sexual orientation Centre. You might not agree with everything people say at Third Party Reporting Centres are a safe, neutral location College, or get on with everyone, but to make the most within the community where people can report hate crime of College life, it’s really important to think about people’s or hate incidents without having to contact the Police views and to try and see where they’re coming from. directly. It is import to understand that people may be from Anybody can use this facility regardless of whether they different backgrounds, cultures and have different ways are a victim, witness, or just someone who is aware of of seeing the world. In other words, each of you have a information that needs to be reported. different frame of reference. So, try to learn from others instead of assuming they are wrong and remember, To report a hate crime, simply contact one of our trained ‘different from me’ does not mean ‘less important than members of staff, or alternatively you can complete an me’ – we are all equally valued. anonymous form and post this in a drop box. Forms and drop boxes are located in each College building. We are committed to supporting a diverse range of staff and students who understand and respect differences, and who reflect the diversity of people and societies. This will allow us to develop an inclusive environment in which everyone is encouraged to perform to their maximum potential, and where students and staff feel their contribution is valued. Please visit the College website for more details: http://www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk/about-us/ third-party-reporting

10 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk Immigration & Visa Rules Police Registration If you hold a Tier 4 visa and you are a national of one of the following countries/ territories, your visa should include a condition which requires you to register with the police within 7 days of your arrival in the UK or within 7 days of receiving your biometric residence permit if you are extending from within the UK: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen It is important to safeguard your documents and ensure that they remain valid, where necessary, for the duration of your stay in the UK. If your passport or your visa is due to expire, do not leave it until the very end of your stay here in the UK before trying to seek an extension. In some cases this may take months, so do apply well in advance. If you have any questions about your visa or about the terms under which you can take employment while you are a student, please see the International Officer, Sheryl Nicolson, who is located at the International Office on second floor of the Riverside Campus. As the conditions that apply to your visa and immigration status under the UK Visas and Immigration Points Based System are very strict, you are strongly advised to obtain up to date information and to discuss any issues that concern you. How to register If you wish to submit an application to extend your Go to: immigration permission as a student you can contact the International Office for information. You can also find the Police Station relevant information and application forms at: 173 Pitt Street Glasgow https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa Tel: 0141 532 2421/ 2603

Requirements • £34 fee • Passport photograph • Passport • CAS statement • Proof of address (must be from landlord or Halls of Residence)

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 11 Working Check what your passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) or biometric residence permit (identity card) says. You can work in the UK if your passport sticker or identity card says one of the following: • Work (and any changes) must be authorised • Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State • Work as in Tier 4 Rules • Restricted Work. P/T term time (part time during while at college) F/T vacations (full time during college holidays) • Restricted work term time • Work limited to max 20 hrs per week during term-time • Work limited to max 10 hrs per week during term-time Your passport sticker or identity card might say something a bit different from these examples, but you can work if it does not say: No work, or Work prohibited. You must not work if your passport sticker or identity card says “No work” or “Work prohibited” because this would be a breach of your immigration conditions and a criminal offence. If you think that there is an error in the working hours entered in your visa, please see the International Officer who will advise you on your options. National Insurance Numbers To work in the UK, you must have a National Insurance Number. To apply for a National Insurance number, contact Job Centre Plus Application line on 0845 600 0643. Lines are open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. Looking For A Part-Time Job Student Services offers support for all students who want to work part-time. Employers send their job vacancies to the Careers section who advertise them to our students.

To sign up for the Vacancy Service email: [email protected] giving your name, course and the kind of job you are looking for. The Student Advisors can help you with the job application process and can provide information on the best places to look for work.

12 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk Settling In Culture shock describes the impact of moving from a Staying in Touch with Friends familiar culture to one that feels unfamiliar - it can affect anyone. The shock of being separated from the important and Family Back Home people in your life and all the sights, sounds, tastes and Although you will make friends in Glasgow, it is still smells of your home country can mean that at times you important to keep in touch with friends and family back miss them very much and feel quite upset. Moving to a home. new country, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a different country is exciting but can also be Calls stressful. This is usually a temporary feeling, and there are things you can do to help yourself: The cheapest way to make international calls is usually by mobile phone. There are a number of companies in • Keep in touch with family and friends back home the UK who offer good mobile phone packages. Visit • Have familiar things from home around you e.g. websites such as photographs or ornaments that have special meaning www.moneysupermarket.com to find a suitable deal. • Try and make new friends and learn about other cultures Internet • If you have a faith, it may help to seek out a local place You will be able to access free Internet at College through of worship our and computer labs and SA Common Room. You can use email and some social networking sites to • Take regular exercise keep in touch with friends and family back home. You can • Find a shop that sells familiar foods also get free internet access by joining Glasgow . For more information please see • Get involved with helping out at the Students’ www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries. Association Speak to one of the Student Advisors if you are feeling Skype low or concerned about anything. There is a counselling If you have access to broadband in your accommodation service available, just make an appointment with an you can use Skype software to make freevideo and voice Advisor who will refer you to the counselling service calls with other Skype users. as well as provide ongoing support. The International Student Support Co-ordinators can also help and support International Postage you. If you prefer to write letters or send gifts home, Royal Mail CityBuddies offers a reliable service. The Post Offices closest to the College are at 59 Glassford St and at 47 St Vincent St. We offer a Buddy scheme which aims to: You can also use private couriers including DHL to send •  Help International students settle into life in Glasgow packages quickly. • Allow one to one initial and ongoing support for new For more information visit: International students www.royalmail.com •  Enhance cultural integration between Home and www.dhlitnow.com International students Our “CityBuddies” are Home students who volunteer to help you settle into your new life here in Glasgow. If you are interested in this scheme, please contact: International Student Support Co-ordinator on 0141 565 2520 or e-mail: [email protected] (Mon – Wed) or [email protected] (Wed – Fri)

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 13 Climate Glasgow is well known for its changing weather and it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day! Winters in Scotland can be quite mild with average temperatures of between 5 and 7 degrees Centigrade. However, it is not unusual to experience really cold spells too where the temperature can drop to 0-2 degrees Centigrade. Scotland can also be very wet. July and August are the hottest summer months with average temperatures of 19 degrees Centigrade. To keep dry and warm while in Scotland it is recommended that you buy: • A warm coat – waterproof if possible with a hood • An umbrella • Good quality boots or shoes • Warm clothes including fleeces, hat and gloves Depending on your budget you will find all of the above items in the following stores: • Tesco • Asda • Primark • Marks and Spencer • Tiso

C Average Temperature Centigrade MM Average Rainfall S Average Hours Sunshine

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

C 6 7 9 12 15 17 19 19 16 12 9 7

MM 123 89 97 53 58 58 64 77 104 119 117 120

S 1 2 3 4 6 6 5 5 4 3 2 1

14 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk Religion If you are looking for a place to worship in Glasgow, please ask at Student Services for the leaflet about Chaplaincy. This includes a list of local places of worship. These details can also be found on the college website. In order to meet the spiritual needs of our diverse student and staff population the College provides a Chaplaincy Service. The purpose of the service is: • To offer skills, experience and expertise in raising awareness of the spiritual dimension throughout the College • To provide individual one to one support for the spiritual and non spiritual needs of our diverse students and staff • To support students and staff in times of difficulty including crisis and bereavement • To provide opportunities for the reflection and discussion on personal and institutional beliefs, values and attitudes • To work collaboratively with other College support systems. • To assist the College in the review and implementation of its Equality Schemes • To assist the College celebrate religious events and festivals • To assist the College build links with community groups You can contact the Chaplaincy by the following email: [email protected]

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 15 Things to Do Activities There is a wide variety of cinemas, clubs, bars and restaurants to choose from and more than thirty-five A programme of free social activities will be held on a and galleries to visit including the Kelvingrove regular basis at various locations on campus. There are Art Gallery & and the . If you sporting activities available most evenings at the City enjoy movies or theatre, there are a number of cinemas Campuses. Look out for more detailed information on including the and in the the Students’ Association notice boards or call in to the City Centre. Students’ Association offices to find out what is going on. You also have the opportunity to get involved in the Throughout the year there are a number of festivals Students’ Association itself which is a great way to make including: new friends and plan your own activities. • January: Sports Activities • February: Glasgow Film Festival Sports activities available in the City Campuses sports • March: Comedy Festival halls include: basketball, football, volleyball, badminton, • April: Fair aerobics and circuit training. • June: You will find a newly refurbished gym based in City Campus , which contains a wide range of • August: International Piping Festival cardiovascular and resistance machines. Advice is • November/December: Winter Fest available on all aspects of personal fitness including Glasgow has a wide and varied music scene and was programme development, specific sports training and voted as a UNESCO City of Music and has hosted the healthy lifestyle options. prestigious MOBO awards. Glasgow has many leisure centres provided by ‘Glasgow In sporting terms Glasgow is home to three professional Life’ and students can join The Glasgow Club which football teams and recently hosted the 2014 offers discounts on admission prices to sports centres. . For more information visit their website: Glasgow also has many pubs and clubs to suit all tastes. www.glasgowlife.org.uk The West End is popular with students offering many Want to know more? different places to eat and drink. You should carry some form of identification as you may be asked for proof of If you have any suggestions or ideas for other activities your age. You need to be at least 18 to get into most or if you would like to help out with organising events, pubs and clubs in Glasgow, but for some you need to why not pop into the Students’ Association offices for a be 21. You must be over 18 to buy alcohol in a pub or a chat with a member of the Student Engagement team, or shop. It is illegal to drink alcohol on the streets. Do not speak with the Student President. feel that you need to drink alcohol as soft drinks, fruit juice The Students’ Association office at City of Glasgow and water are available. College, City Campus is located in the 2nd floor of City For information on what is going on in Glasgow, please Campus, Townhead and on the ground floor in the Thistle look at the following websites Suite at Riverside. www.seeglasgow.com Glasgow www.glasgowguide.co.uk Glasgow is one of ’s most vibrant and www.s1play.com cosmopolitan cities. Our city centre location makes the College easily accessible for students by all types of www.list.co.uk transport and the entertainment and shopping of Scotland is on your doorstep.

16 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk Tours in Glasgow and Beyond When you’ve had enough of city life, Glasgow is only an hour’s drive from the beautiful Scottish country side where you can relax and explore more of Scotland’s beautiful landscape and learn about our history. There is so much to do in Glasgow and Scotland and we recommend you make the most of your time here to explore our wonderful city and country. Student Tours Scotland is specifically for students and offers everything from walking tours around Glasgow to day trips to the highlands. For more information and to book please visit their website: www.studenttoursscotland.com If you fancy a longer tour around Scotland (or the rest of the UK) Adventures run fantastic trips from 1 day to 3 weeks. Visit their website for more details and for bookings: www.haggisadventures.com Eating Out Glasgow is a cosmopolitan city that caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets. There are many restaurants and cafes to choose from. Whatever your taste, from Indian to Thai, Greek to Mongolian you are sure to find it in Glasgow. There are also many well known coffee shops and fast food outlets such as Starbucks and McDonalds. To find out more about eating out in Glasgow go to: The List or 5pm.co.uk for great deals and discounts on eating out. Shopping Glasgow is a shopper’s paradise and is the 2nd only to London for retail. The main shopping thoroughfare, Buchanan Street, has been voted one of the world’s top retail destinations. You can shop at major high street stores, smaller boutiques, department stores and a wide variety of speciality shops, including craft and antique shops. The West End of Glasgow has many smaller boutiques that cater for a more bohemian look. There are also a number of large shopping malls within easy travelling distance of the city centre. Most shops are open from 9:00am until at least 5:00pm every day. On Thursdays shops in the city open later, usually until 7:00 or 8:00pm. Most shops are also open on a Sunday.

17 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 17 Glasgow Dialect & Student Support You may find that Glaswegians speak a little quicker You should listen to Scottish radio stations such as than natives of other cities in the UK. Glaswegians also and Scotland as well as . use words that are specific to the city and Scotland as a Watching local TV news stations and TV programmes whole. We have compiled a brief list of some of the words such as , a Glasgow soap opera, is also and their meanings which may help you during your stay. recommended. Students who find their basic skills require assistance at any point in the session should discuss the matter as Scots Translation soon as possible with their Course Leader/On-Course Tutor. Help can be given with English language, study Ah I skills, report writing, computer skills, numeracy etc. Aye Yes English Language Support Aw All We recognise that studying in a foreign language presents Back of 1 o’clock After 1 o’clock a challenge and we want to help you to use your time at City of Glasgow College to develop your English language Blether Chat / Talk skills so that you can achieve your study goals and Carry Out Food/Drink to take away increase your employability.

Driech Miserable weather If you would like to discuss English language support please contact a member of the student development Efter After team on 0141 565 2796 or e-mail: Fur For [email protected] (Mon-Wed) or Greet Cry [email protected] Heid Head (Wed-Fri) Huv Have Using every day English Hen A term for a female You can improve your English by immersing yourself in Ken Know as much spoken and written English as possible. Here are some tips on how to do this. You can access these Lassie Girl website links through

Ma My MyCity - International Student Support

Mair More Read English language newspapers as often you can. The is distributed free on public transport in Messages Shopping Scotland and you can read it online at: Mind Remember www.metro.co.uk

Naw No The Guardian and are quality newspapers which are available online for free and also available in the No Not Students’ Association Common Room: Piece Sandwich www.guardian.co.uk

Stushie Commotion www.heraldscotland.com

Tae To Watch English language . Some people prefer to have English subtitles on while they watch but it is Toon Town useful to try and listen only, even if it means you do not understand every word. Wean Child www.simpleenglishnews.com Wee Little is a website which has simplified versions of current news Wheesht! Be Quiet! items. It is a great way to get a basic understanding of

18 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk a text and then perhaps try reading the same story in its original version in an English language newspaper Elllo (English Language Listening Library Online) is a wonderful resource for listening to real English. It is a collection of interviews with people from different countries on lots of interesting topics. It is useful to listen to English in lots of different accents as not everybody speaks the Queen’s English! www.elllo.org/english/TheAchives This website has lots of quite simple short stories that you can read and listen to when you have a spare 15 minutes, followed by exercises which then test your vocabulary and comprehension. www.rong-chang.com The BBC website has lots of useful material for English language learners. For example, this section of the site provides activities for practising your English listening skills. It has a weekly ‘soap’ called ‘The Flatmates’ with questions, quizzes and activities. www..co.uk/worldservice/ learningenglish Music is a great way to learn English as song lyrics are catchy and easy to remember. This website uses popular songs and poems to help you practice different grammar points. www.musicalenglishlessons.com

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 19 60 North Hanover Street Glasgow G1 2BP tel: +44 (0)141 566 6222 www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk City of Glasgow College Scottish Charity No SC036198.

The information in this leaflet is correct at the time of being compiled, but please bear in mind that it is for guidance only and is subject to change.